100% and 99% on Rotten Tomatoes.
If you fancy heading to the cinema this weekend, Le Mans ’66 is definitely the pick of the bunch – you can check out JOE’s review of James Mangold’s film below – but in a nice coincidence, Netflix have also added a documentary about the real-life rivalry between Ford and Ferrari, The 24 Hour War.
For those that are unfamiliar with the story, in the early 1960s, Henry Ford II and Enzo Ferrari went to war on the battlefield of Le Mans. This battle saw drivers lose their lives, family dynasties nearly collapse and the development of a new race car that changed F1.
The Ford versus Ferrari rivalry at Le Mans is one of the most famous battles in racing history.
It all started in 1963 when Henry Ford II tried to buy Ferrari to save the ailing Ford Motor Company, which was being crushed by GM and the Corvette on the tracks and at the dealerships.
At the time, Ferrari was the most successful racing team in the world.
After months of intense negotiation, Enzo Ferrari said no to the deal — refusing to allow Ford to interfere with what he loved the most, racing. Henry Ford II was furious, and vowed to build a race car that would dethrone Ferrari.
Ford engineered a revolutionary car called the GT40.
The battle would be at the most famous race in the world at Le Mans, where Ferrari had reigned supreme for decades. What unfolded was one of the most dramatic races in history.
For anyone that’s interested in checking out The 24 Hour War, it’s now available on Netflix and boasts a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 100%.
However, the online streaming giant has also added an Oscar-winning feature that’s definitely worth your time too….
20 Feet From Stardom is an essential watch for any fans of music because it shines a light on some of the most remarkable stories that have never been told in musical history.
Millions know their voices, but no one knows their names. 20 Feet From Stardom tells the untold true stories of the backup singers behind some of the greatest musical legends of the 21st century.
Triumphant and heartbreaking in equal measure, the film is both a tribute to the unsung voices who brought shape and style to popular music and a reflection on the conflicts, sacrifices and rewards of a career spent performing with others.
These gifted artists span a range of styles, genres, and eras of popular music, but each has a uniquely fascinating and personal story to share of life spent in the shadows of superstardom. Along with rare archival footage and a peerless soundtrack, the documentary boasts intimate interviews with Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Mick Jagger and Sting to name just a few.
With a rating of 99% on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s one of the best-reviewed documentaries of the last decade. Here’s what the critics had to say:
LA Times – “Their voices are powerful enough to tear you apart and put you back together again, and their stories will do the same.”
The Guardian – “Such a great idea for a documentary, and such a surprise to realise that it has never been done before.”.
The 24 Hour War and 20 Feet From Stardom are available to watch on Netflix right now.
Take a look at what’s in store.
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