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.

Stiff-Upper-Lips All Round - Chariots of Fire review by griggs

Chariots of Fire is a film that is just good enough to keep you awake, offering a moderately paced exploration of early 20th-century British runners. While the iconic Vangelis score might have you feeling like you’ve stumbled upon a vintage synthesizer convention, the story itself plods along like a leisurely jog rather than a sprint. Harold Abrahams’ plotline of overcoming antisemitic prejudice simply because he can run fast is a subtle reminder of how bigotry can be defeated by wealth. The characters are charming in a stiff-upper-lip sort of way, and the period costumes, so authentically drab, will transport you back to the early 20th century. It’s a solid choice if you’re in the mood for some light historical drama that won’t leave you breathless.

Sporting Biopic (spoiler). - Chariots of Fire review by Steve

This sporting biopic is on the Vatican list of inspirational feature films, presumably because of the theme of personal sacrifice. Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson) is a Scottish sprinter who prepares for the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris, and also a future as a Christian missionary in China. He runs on the inspiration of his faith and in a crucial plot twist, refuses to compete in his qualifying heat- on a Sunday.

In contrast, Harold Abrahams is a British Jew who runs as a personal protest against antisemitism... They both won gold medals on the track, but there is also some interesting divergence in how and why they get there. Harold's approach is to employ a professional coach (Ian Holm) in a time of amateurism. And there is also plenty about the inflexible bigotry of the UK establishment after WWI.

The main problem is, while Colin Welland's Oscar winning screenplay tells the story well enough- though with some liberties- there is little depth and no wit so this feels quite superficial, yet worthy. The director Hugh Hudson came from advertising and is much better at delivering a memorable image and punchy editorials than any muscular drama. Though clearly the Pope disagrees.

The actors make credible athletes and the track montages are elevated by Vangelis' rousing synthesiser score. There is a sumptuous period feel; the Oscar for Best Picture seems less deserved than the win for its costumes. Then at the climax, the choirboys sing Jerusalem at Abrahams' funeral, and there is emotional overkill. This isn't subtle, but still, an ever-present in lists of favourite sporting dramas.