Movie: Chariots of Fire

My Rating: 3 1/2 stars

Release Date: October 9, 1981

Director: Hugh Hudson

Cast:

      Ben Cross, (Star Trek, 20,000 Leagues under the Sea) as Harold Abrahams

      Ian Charleson, (Ghandi) as Eric Liddell

      Nigel Havers, (A little Princess, The Gentleman Thief) as Lord Andrew Lindsay

      Cheryl Campbell (Testament of Youth) as Jennie Liddell

      Alice Krige, (Star Trek) as Sybil

      Ian Holm, (The Lord of the Rings, Ratatouille) as Sam Mussabini

Distributed by: Warner Brothers

Rating: PG

Premise:

Chariots of Fire tells the true story of Olympians Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell.  Chronicling their struggles and triumphs as they train to be the best runners in the world, it follows them to the 1924 Olympics in Paris.  As Harold Abrahams struggles to overcome the anti-Semitism at Cambridge University where he studies to become a lawyer and trains for the olympics, he falls in love with an opera singer name Sybil.  He explains to her that running is like an addiction to him, he "must" win. We see his drive and competitive spirit when he becomes the first person ever to complete the Trinity Great Court Run at the college; running around the court in the time it takes for the clock to strike 12. At the same time, we see Eric Liddell, a devout Christian and an excellent runner.  He wants to work in the mission fields of China, but he also wants to compete in the Olympics.  He explains to his concerned sister that he "feels God's pleasure" when he runs, and that God gave him the gift of speed.  He runs so that he can honor God with his gift.  When Eric Liddell beats Harold Abrahams in a race, Harold takes it badly, but a professional trainer named Sam Mussabini offers to help him train to become faster.  When the Olympic trials come, Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams both make it on the British Olympic team, and soon they sail to Paris to compete for their country. However, things go badly for both runners.  Eric Liddell finds out that his race is on a Sunday.  Determined not to desecrate the Sabbath, he refuses to run in his race.  Harold Abrahams loses his first race to American runners.  Fortunately for Eric Liddell, a teammate and friend, Lord Andrew Lindsay, who had already competed and won silver in a previous race, offers Liddell his place in the upcoming 400 meter race.  As the races of both Harold and Eric approach, the world watches to see if the British will take gold, or if Abrahams and Liddell fall short.

Production:  Chariots of Fire is without a doubt, a classic movie.  Nominated for 7 academy awards, and winner of 3 of those, winner of the BAFTA award for best film, winner of 2 awards at the Cannes Film Festival, and number 19 on BFI Top 100 British Films, Chariots of Fire has an impressive resume.  The acting is very well done, with such solid film veterans such as John Gielgud, Lindsay Anderson and Ian Holm backing up the main characters. Director Hugh Hudson did a fantastic job of casting, and he also does an excellent job with the movie.  There are very overt Christian themes throughout the film, and Eric is honored as a man who sacrificed his dreams in order to do what was right. The musical score is absolutely fantastic, and it is really worth watching the movie just to hear the rousing themes created by Vangelis, the composer for the movie.  Of course, the most famous moments in the movie, the dramatic scenes along the beach, are timeless and are perhaps some of the greatest scenes in cinematic history.  All in all, this movie is a timeless classic that honors moral courage and obedience to God's law.

Cautions:  

      • Mild/Brief moments of Profanity

      • Some Sensuality

      • Moments of Intoxication 

Sadly, like most films, the profanity found in the film really wasn't necessary.  In fact, the only reason the added language was put in the film was to raise the rating from the original "G" to "PG".  There isn't much language, but it is there, so you probably should be aware of that.  The romance between Sybl and Harold is very chaste for the most part, but there are some moments of what my brother would call "mushy gushy" parts, so that is another thing to be mindful of.  Finally, Harold and his coach get slightly intoxicated near the end of the film after Harold's race.  Parents might want to view the scene before letting their children watch it.  All in all, however, this is a very clean and in many ways edifying movie, and the few cautions listed here are really not very prominent in the film. 


Conclusion: Chariots of Fire is an excellent film.  Not only is it cinematically a classic, it also presents timeless Christian values such as observing the Sabbath.  For those who participate in sports, this movie can provide encouragement to do the right thing even when it is hard.  For those outside of sports, it still presents a challenge to honor God on the Sabbath, and through every area of our lives.  I strongly urge that you rent or even buy this timeless classic and enjoy watching this edifying and uplifting film with your family.