Review of Chariots of Fire (1981) by Stuart K — 24 Mar 2011
The little British film of 1981, that became the big film that did. This inspirational, yet low-key film captured the publics hearts and imagination, a true story about overcoming prejudice to succeed.
This would win 4 Oscars including Best Picture, and made producer David Puttnam the king of British film in the early 1980's. It starts in 1919, when two students enrol at Cambridge University, Jew Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross), faces anti-semitism from the staff, including the college masters (John Gielgud and Lindsay Anderson), but he partakes in the Gilbert and Sullivan club and becomes the first person to complete the Trinity Great Court Run.
Meanwhile, devout Scottish Christian Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), is a keen runner, though it attracts concern from his family as they want him to do God's work as a Mission. Abrahams and Liddell, because of their ability as fast runners are entered in the 1924 Olympics in Paris.
However, they face tough competition, and then Liddell learns the 100m race will be on a Sunday, which he refuses to do, until friend Lord Andrew Lindsay (Nigel Havers) comes up with a simple solution which will mean more work for Liddell.
It's very well made, and why hasn't Hugh Hudson made more films?? He shows a good vision, and gets the best from his ensemble. It shows a time of tradition, when people stuck to their guns and personal beliefs, and how to believe in yourself and win.
Oh, and the Vangelis score is amazing.
This review of Chariots of Fire (1981) was written by Stuart K on 24 Mar 2011.
Chariots of Fire has generally received positive reviews.
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