Chariots of Fire
Hugh Hudson
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Plot Summary
Based on a true story, Chariots of Fire is the internationally acclaimed Oscar-winning drama of two very different men who compete as runners in the 1924 Paris Olympics. Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), a serious Christian Scotsman, believes that he has to succeed as a testament to his undying religious faith. Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross), is a Jewish Englishman who wants desperately to be accepted and prove to the world that Jews are not inferior. The film crosscuts between each man's life as he trains for the competition, fueled by these very different desires. As compelling as the racing scenes are, it's really the depth of the two main characters that touches the viewer, as they forcefully drive home the theme that victory attained through devotion, commitment, integrity, and sacrifice is the most admirable feat that one can achieve. (Ian Holm was nominated for an Oscar as Best Supporting Actor in his role as Abrahams' coach), and this powerful film ended up with four Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Costume Design, and Best Original Score.
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Director
Screenwriter
Producer
Movie Reviews from Rotten Tomatoes
TOMATOMETER
87%- Reviews Counted: 38
- Fresh: 33
- Rotten: 5
- Average Rating: 7.5/10
Top Critics' Reviews
Fresh: It's an exceptional film, about some exceptional people.
Fresh: Like every element in this picture, the actors look right; they seem to emerge from the past, instead of being pasted on to it, as so many characters in historical movies seem to be.
Fresh: No imbalance mars the pic, whose cross-the-board achievement lifts it to an impressive level of unified accomplishment.
Fresh: This is strange. I have no interest in running and am not a partisan in the British class system. Then why should I have been so deeply moved by Chariots of Fire?
Customer Reviews
came out of nowhere to take the field
Seemed at the time an unlikely film to gain so wide and admiring an audience. Tight writing, lionhearted direction, visionary acting. My 5- and 7-year-olds watched it and then spent weeks running up and down the sidewalk. Wish it were for sale here, as my VHS copy is getting old. Studios take a bloody hint, can you?
LOVE IT!
As a 110/400m hurldler and a Christian athlete, I personally love this movie. The acting is fabulous, and the story inspiring (although if i made it to the Olympics im not sure i'd skip a race because it was on Sunday!). Every track meet before my race Eric Liddell's famous quote comes to mind: "God made me fast, and I feel his pleasure when I run." Will not dissapoint. Worth every last penny
They weren't afraid to be accurate!
Movies today always play down the personal religious beliefs of yesterday's heroes, especially Christians. This movie wasn't afraid to give the truth behind what people's motives truly were! Great story telling, great characters, awesome film!
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- $9.99
- Genre: Drama
- Released: 2005
- © 1981 A Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved
