Review of Chariots of Fire (1981) by Rod A — 15 Aug 2010
I was more than a little surprised to see that this film won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1982. It's a quiet, nuanced, thoughtful film set in England in the 1920s. I've come to regard the Academy's selection process as a bit skewed and often uninterested in small films.
On display in this picture is the uneasy truce that makes up the eclectic English society. We have Scots, Jews, Arabs, members of the upper classes, all striving to win the gold at the Olympics. This is by no means a feel good movie.
Rather, it seems to be expressing tensions that have gone unmentioned in years. In particular Ian Holm and John Gielgud provide wonderfully understated performances. My father (bless his heart) took me (a twelve-year-old) to see this film in Sheboygan, Wisconsin when it was released.
I don't think I understood any of it then (except for the notion that they hoped to win a race), but it makes beautiful sense now.
This review of Chariots of Fire (1981) was written by Rod A on 15 Aug 2010.
Chariots of Fire has generally received positive reviews.
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