Chariots of fire is the story of two British athletes competing for God and country, as well as pride, in the 1924 Olympic games. Firstly there is, Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross) the son of a wealthy Jew who, whilst attending Cambridge University, attempts to prove his place in the university ... Read review
The come-from-behind winner of the 1981 Oscar for Best Picture,Chariots of Fireeither ... more
strikes you as either a cold exercise in mechanical manipulation or as a tale of true determination and inspiration. The heroes are an unlikely pair of young athletes...
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England's finest athletes have begun their quest for glory in the 1924 Olympic Games. ... more
Success brings honour to their nation. For two runners, the honour at stake is personal... and their challenge one from within.Winner of four 1981 Academy Awards incl...
The come-from-behind winner of the 1981 Oscar for Best Picture,Chariots of Fireeither ... more
strikes you as either a cold exercise in mechanical manipulation or as a tale of true determination and inspiration. The heroes are an unlikely pair of young athletes...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Britain's finest athletes have begun their quest for glory in the 1924 Olympic Games. ... more
Success brings honour to their nation. For two runners the honour at stake is personal... and their challenge one from within. Winner of four 1981 Academy Awards in...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Britain's finest athletes have begun their quest for glory in the 1924 Olympic Games. ... more
Success brings honour to their nation. For two runners the honour at stake is personal... and their challenge one from within. Winner of four 1981 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 enjoyed their first major movie roles in this debut theatrical feature for director Hugh Hudson. Producer David Puttnam blended those 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.
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England's finest athletes have begun their quest for glory in the 1924 Olympic Games. ... more
Success brings honour to their nation. For two runners, the honour at stake is personal...and their challenge one from within. Winner of four 1981 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 enjoyed their first major movie roles in this debut theatrical feature fro director Hugh Hudson, producer David Puttnam blended those talents to shape a film of unique and lasting impact. From its awesome footage of competitions to its Oscar-winning Vangelis score, CHARIOTS OF FIRE has blazed its way into the hearts of movie lovers everywhere.
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Chariots of fire is the story of two British athletes competing for God and country, as well as pride, in the 1924 Olympic games. Firstly there is, Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross) the son of a wealthy Jew who, whilst attending Cambridge University, attempts to prove his place in the university society through his running. And then there is Eric Liddell, a proud Scotsman and a devout missionary who runs because he feels it is a gift from God and to use ... ...
Filmed in 1981, Chariots of Fire is based on the true story about two British athletes in the 1924 Olympics, but like many films based on a true story, there has been plenty of poetic license used to make it into an enjoyable film. In researching for this review, I became aware of quite a few inaccuracies within the film, but it still doesn't detract from what is one of the greatest British Movies of all times. There are several reasons why ... more
Chariots of fire is the story of two British athletes competing for God and country, as well as pride, in the 1924 Olympic games. Firstly there is, Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross) the son of a wealthy Jew who, whilst attending Cambridge University, attempts to prove his place in the university society through his running. And then there is Eric Liddell, a proud Scotsman and a devout missionary who runs because he feels it is a gift from God and to use it makes God happy. As the Olympics draw close, the two of them meet in a warm up race, where Eric defeats Harold. To ensure that this won't happen when they meet in the Olympics, Harold hires a trainer, Sam Mussabini, to get him into top form. As they depart for the Olympics, it comes to light that Eric's qualifying heat is scheduled for a Sunday and although he comes under pressure from the British Olympic Committee, he refuses to compete on the Sabbath. Fortunately, Lord Lindsay gives up his slot in the 400m so that Eric will still be able to compete. And the rest, well you will have to watch the film.
Filmed in 1981, Chariots of Fire is based on the true story about two British athletes in the 1924 Olympics, but like many films based on a true story, there has been plenty of poetic license used to make it into an enjoyable film. In researching for this review, I became aware of quite a few inaccuracies within the film, but it still doesn't detract from what is one of the greatest British Movies of all times. There are several reasons why this film is so enjoyable, firstly it is a very good drama as you follow the drastically different lives of Harold and Eric, secondly, is the wonderful cast who all put in amazing performances. Thirdly, the very memorable soundtrack to the film provided by Vangelis. Fourthly, it has some of the most moving cinematography I have ever seen and finally it deals with the subject of standing up for your beliefs. For those of you who have seen this film, I will guarantee that you are remembering scenes such as, the race round the quad at Trinity College, or Lord Lindsay training over hurdles with champagne glasses on them or maybe the powerful scene of them running across the white sands. There are too many really great scenes to mention and all of this adds up to why this is such a great movie.
The main 2 characters in the film are Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell. In the role of Harold is Ben Cross (Turbulence) who creates a character who aims to achieve social acceptability for his achievements and for his family wealth. The role of Eric Liddell is played by Ian Charleson (Gandhi) who plays the man of God with gritty realism, and who won't be swayed from his beliefs to race on a Sunday, I can just imagine him, out there preaching to the masses. There are numerous other well known actors within the cast which includes Sir John Gielgud, Nigel Havers, Ian Holm and Nigel Davenport. Not a single member of the cast can be faulted in this film as they all put in masterful performances.
The film is directed by Hugh Hudson and produced by David Puttnam. So much credit should go to the both of them for creating such a memorable film. From getting the right cast and extracting some amazing performances, too the wonderful cinematography and for choosing Vangelis to create the sound track. But most importantly, they have created a film which tells a story that keeps the audience's attention for the whole length of the film. They have relied on good old fashioned techniques to keep the audience entertained, which sadly many film makers today have forgotten about. Of course probably one of the most memorable things about this film is the wonderful soundtrack composed by Vangelis, with the actual theme tune being used in numerous other films and athletic programmes.= The Cast =======Ben Cross .... Harold Abrahams Ian Charleson .... Eric Liddell Nigel Havers .... Lord Andrew Lindsay Nicholas Farrell .... Aubrey Montague Daniel Gerroll .... Henry Stallard Ian Holm .... Sam Mussabini John Gielgud .... Master of Trinity Nigel Davenport .... Lord Birkenhead Dennis Christopher .... Charles Paddock Brad Davis .... Jackson Scholz Patrick Magee .... Lord Cadogan Peter Egan .... Duke of Sutherland======= Technical Details =============Certificate: PG Length: 123 mins========== Conclusion & Rating ================Brilliant film which is still good today as when it was first released 25 years ago. Even though the film is not factually correct, it is still a great film which a very good story. With an exceptionally good cast, and an amazing soundtrack, this film delivers on all levels. I would recommend this to anyone, whether young or old as it is such a powerful film and at £6.97 on Amazon it would be a shame not to have a bit of British Movie history to watch over and over again.
== Trivia
==Ruby Wax, Stephen Fry and Kenneth Branagh are among the crowd artists. Fry acted as shop steward (organiser) for the extras and managed in David Puttnam's words to "screw an extra pound a day out of me". - Information courtesy of IMDB
Advantages: Emotional and engrossing story Disadvantages: none
Chariots of Fire is based on a true story about two British athletes for glory in the 100 metres race, at the 1924 Olympic Games, in Paris. Hugh Hudson directs a multi-Oscar winning film
The two athletes which the film focuses on are, Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross), an Englishman who is Jewish and has to face prejudice over his religion and Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), a Scottish man who is very religious and wants to become a missionary. Both men ... ...This is a poignant and touching story made even more uplifting by the fact that it is based on a true story. Although you know the outcome of the races, you can’t help but be exited watching the story unfold, thanks to the stunning direction and acting. Ben Cross and Ian Charleson are brilliant as the determined athletes out for glory. The supporting cast features some great performances from such names as Nigel Havers, Ian Holm and John Gielgud. ...
mozzie76 15.09.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Chariots Of Fire (DVD)
Advantages: Inspiring to people from all walks of life Disadvantages: Can seem overly 'English'
This, in my opinion, is one of the most timeless movies ever. Anyone who believes passionately in anything will relate to Eric Liddell, and be inspired by the passion, determination and drive constantly exhibited by this great man. And in the same way, anyone who has ever been marginalised and rejected will understand the pain of Harold Abrams, and the absolute determination to prove 'the establishment' wrong. Perhaps, yes, it has aged a little and ... ...group of priveleged and wealthy young men studying at Cambridge - yet the manicured and controlled beauty of the surroundings of the rich and balanced and humanised by scenes of the Scottish Highlands. Watch this, and I defy anyone not to have a longing to find the nearest beach and just run wild . . . ...
abisurveying 12.05.2007 (25.05.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Chariots Of Fire (DVD)
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Advantages: Great film Disadvantages: Poor sound and vision quality, no extras
Chariots of Fire (a plot synopsis is to follow in another review ? and before anyone accuses me of going to regurgitate this op ? this op is solely about the DVD and which will be clear from the rating of the DVD as opposed to the rating that the film will receive) has a place in cinematographic history, having won four Oscars in 1981, including the Oscar for best film. The title though is a deliberate pun, the quality of this DVD angering me due to its inadequacy, when the film is a great film.
In April 2001, a DVD version of the film was released to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the film, and I bought this DVD from the Virgin Megastore on Vienna?s Mariahilferstraße for EUR 29 (that?s approx £18), although it is available at amazon.co.uk for £14.99 (reduced from £15.99) plus postage and packing at the moment. I bought it ...
Advantages: fabulously moving film Disadvantages: none
the director Hugh Hudson and the writer Colin Welland. It's very interesting to find out how they researched the film and how it was cast. i was also fascinated to learn that all the actors who played the athletes actually went through three months of physical training before the filming started. Ben Cross and Nigel Havers certainly have some memories about that.
There is also a Chariots of Fire reunion where a number of people involved including Welland and Havers sit round and leisurely reminisce about how it all began. this was also very enjoyable to watch as well.
On this second disc there are aslso some deleted scenes. It's always interesting to watch these and to wonder why some of them were left out!
Overall, this is an excellent DVD - a brilliant film with some really good extra features as well. The two disc special is available ...
Advantages: FAST PACED - NO LONG LOVE SCENES Disadvantages: VERY VERY BRITISH
Watching Chariots of Fire on the television for the umpteenth time a day or so ago, I suddenly realised here was a film on which I could write an opinion. Not only that, but I can add some little trivia details which might, or might not, be of interest to one or two of you. I am able to do this because guess what.........I was in it! !
I can now imagine a few of you gasping and wondering was I the sumptious opera singer who falls in love with Harold Abrahams....eh no. Was I the stunning long haired blonde sister of Eric Liddell then.......nope. The truth is if you blink during the scene where the olympic hopes are setting off by ship to france - quite honestly you'll miss me. I'm the Paddington Bear lookalike standing next to Jeremy Sinden at the supposed quayside. Well enough about my starring role for a while and on to ...
The story of the intense rivalry between two British athletes as they prepare for and participate in the 1924 Olympic Games.
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment; Deluxe Video Service - Fox
Release date
06/08/2001
No of Discs
1
Catalogue No
01118 DVD
Barcode
5039036004824
Composer
Vangelis
Languages
Main Language
English
Subtitle Language
Czech, Danish, Finnish, Hebrew, Hungarian, Icelandic, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Swedish
Hearing Impaired Language
English
Technical information
Special Features
Interactive Menus, Scene Access
Aspect Ratio
1.78 Wide Screen, 16:9 Anamorphic Wide Screen
Sound
Dolby Digital 2.0
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital 2.0 English
Award information
OSCAR
Best Screenplay Written Directly For The Screen 1982 (Colin Welland)
Professional reviews
Review
"...Unashamedly rousing, invigorating....Splendidly performed..." (New York Times, p.C14, 25/09/1984)
"...Strong script values and top-notch performances....The casting is pin point..." (Variety, 08/04/1981)
DVD Description
Director Hugh Hudson's absorbing drama, based on a true story, deals with the personal struggles faced by two very different long-distance runners competing for Britain in the 1924 Paris Olympic Games. Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson) is a devout Christian who sees victory as a testament to the glory of God, while the other, Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross), is a Jewish Cambridge student who sees victory as a challenge to anti-Semitism and his ongoing struggle for acceptance by Britain's elite. Eric, a hometown Scottish hero to the people, gives rousing sermons after victory and works at a local missionary. Harold runs with a zealous commitment, upsetting Cambridge's educational upper crust (played with enjoyable wit and candor by Sir John Gielgud and Lindsay Anderson) while enjoying social life with his university chums and his beautiful showgirl girlfriend (Alice Krige). But when faced with such a competent challenger, Harold hires trainer Sam Mussabini (Ian Holm) to further his dreams of winning the gold. Ultimately, the two runners meet in Paris to run for British victory in a rousing finale. Featuring an unforgettable soundtrack by Vangelis, this Academy Award-winning film is an inspirational story of athletic excellence and spiritual awakening that captures the zeal of post-WWI Britain and the glory of the Olympics.
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