“Chariots of Fire” opens with a eulogy. It transitions to a group of young men running along the shore; the characters we will be following for the next two hours. The scene itself is iconic – more on that later. The 1981 film was nominated for seven Academy Awards and won four, including Best Picture, and ranks as the 19th best British film of all time. But it’s the emotional charges from the very first handful of minutes that are enough to keep you compelled to watch.
The story itself feels familiar. Teammates forming a bond in the face of adversity. Challenges that come from competition, class structure, faith, and blatant discrimination. Runners striving to out-perform each other as they prepare for the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris.
Excellent Cast
Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross) is a Jewish student at the University of Cambridge. Abrahams is a confident athlete that uses running as a weapon against being Jewish. “I don’t run to take beatings.” He scoffs. “I run to win.” The anti-Semitic treatment towards him from classmates and faculty may be confusing to someone watching today. It’s eerie to witness in early 1920s Europe, knowing the horrors that are coming.
Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson) is a devout Christian who uses his athleticism to promote his faith. “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.” Despite their differences, they come together for the team. It’s a true story but you couldn’t script the plot of you tried.
Cross and Charleson are excellent actors. Each man brings to life the characters they are portraying. We the audience can empathize with both. They have personal lives that include religion, family, and budding love. These young men aren’t the pampered athletes of today. They love running and they love their country. Nigel Havers, Nicholas Farrell, and Daniel Gerroll complete the running team. Ian Holm, fresh off his role in “Alien” plays as Sam Mussabini, Abrahams’ running coach.
A Lesson in the Art of Film
Director Hugh Hudson uses every inch of the frame to transport the viewer back in time. The setting jumps from the historic halls of Cambridge to the breathtaking Scottish countryside. The finale at the Olympic Games is like watching actual footage. The crowds are not nearly as packed as they are today. The Olympics started in 1896, and were a mere glimpse of the grandiosity they would become.
The opening scene is one of the most lauded in movie history and with great reason. The close-ups of the runners and their expressions. Each unique, and each concealing their own personal driving factors. The location of a gloomy yet magnificent West Sands Beach. The mesmerizing score by composer Vangelis – which also won Best Original Score. Its three-minutes long and you could write an entire review on it alone.
“Chariots of Fire” is not a movie. It’s a film. Casual viewers will appreciate the gripping reality of the story. Hardened cinephiles can chew on the flawless presentation. Whichever camp you fall in, it’s there to be enjoyed.
“Chariots of Fire” is available to rent on Amazon.
Support the Site: Consider becoming a sponsor to unlock exclusive, member-only content and help support The Movie Buff!
