Directed by:
Hugh HudsonScreenplay:
Colin WellandCinematography:
David WatkinComposer:
VangelisCast:
Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, Nicholas Farrell, Nigel Havers, Daniel Gerroll, Ian Holm, John Gielgud, Lindsay Anderson, Nigel Davenport, Cheryl Campbell (more)Plots(1)
England's first athletes have begun their quest for glory in the 1924 Olympic games. Success brings honour to their nation. For two runners, the honour at stake is personal and their challenge one from within. Winner of four Academy Awards including Best Picture, Chariots of Fire is the inspiring true story of Harold Abrahams, Eric Liddell and the team that brought Britain one of its greatest sports victories. Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, Nigel Havers, Nicholas Farrell and Alice Krige enjoy their first major movie roles in this debut theatrical feature for director Hugh Hudson. Producer David Puttnam blended these talents to shape a film of unique and lasting impact. From its awesome footage of competition to its Oscar winning Vangelis score, Chariots of Fire has blazed its way into the hearts of movie lovers everywhere. (20th Century Fox AU)
(more)Reviews (3)
A mildly old-fashioned, well-made and told film about the power of the human spirit and sport as a symbol of humanity, solidarity, friendship, and homage to God. The content has depth, that can't be denied, it’s narrated in an old-fashioned way, but it has very little in common with reality.
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Although I have once again searched diligently and patiently, for the umpteenth time I have failed to find the reason the academics argued for when choosing this film as an Oscar winner. I'm not saying that Chariots of Fire is an ordinary or mediocre film, but in its field of sports dramas about the road to the top, it's neither unique nor surprising. For me, unfortunately, it was a rather boring and routine experience, whose monotony is occasionally broken only by Vangelis' amazing music (here the Oscar is well deserved) and Ian Holm's performance. If the film were made today, Usain Bolt in the lead role would certainly be a considerable boost :-) 60%
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I won't remember anything else from this movie but the music and the beautifully slowed-down shots of running human bodies, but even if I were to only remember that, the movie was worth it. The musical and visual aspects are so well balanced here, I simply can't help it - I enjoyed the film and it entertained me to watch and listen to it. Vangelis is a synthesizer genius.
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