Rent Chariots of Fire (1981)

Great British Drama - Chariots of Fire review by GI

Based on real events and people although it plays fast and loose with history this remains an inspiring story of dedication and the power of the human spirit. Starting in 1919 during the national trauma following the First World War it tells the story of Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross), a young Cambridge undergraduate of Jewish heritage and a talented speed runner, and Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), a Scottish rugby player, devout christian and very fast runner who both have ambition to win gold medals at the 1924 Paris Olympic Games. Abraham's driven by the need to overcome racial prejudice and Liddell believing his talents come from God become gentle rivals as they prepare for the final contest. This is a period drama that won four Academy Awards including best picture and famously had writer Colin Welland heralding this as the start of a new British New Wave of cinema. Sadly that didn't happen but this is an example of contemporary British film at its very best. Wonderfully recreating the 1920s and with scenes filmed in Cambridge (my home town) this also has a great support cast including Nigel Havers as a fellow athlete and Ian Holm as athletics trainer Sam Mussabini, whom Abrahams employed much to the chagrin of his college masters. As well as the fantastic story of athletic brilliance its also a story of the times with class and religion being key issues. If you've never seen this then it is one of those films everyone should see at least once.