Review of Chariots of Fire (1981) by Cait R — 12 Feb 2012

While 1981 was not a strong year for films, Chariots of Fire was definitely one of the ten best from that year. However, I still believe it should not have won Best Picture. Raiders of the Lost Ark had a better plotline and stronger characters but then again, Raiders of the Lost Ark is often considered too much of a commercial blockbuster and not a great human interest story like Chariots of Fire was (even though Chariots of Fire also grossed enough money in the US to finish in the top ten like Raiders of the Lost Ark did).

Still, the internal struggle shown by Eric Liddell as portrayed by Ian Charleson was excellent, as was the me against the world attitude of Harold Abrahams as portrayed by Ben Cross. Chariots of Fire was very good and while I am a bigger fan of Raiders of the Lost Ark, I could see why it won the awards.