Colin Welland (1934–2015)

Based on the true story of Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams, both exceptional runners with strong religious principles. Harold is Jewish, and struggles against prejudice; he's also something of a sore loser. Liddell is a Christian, the son of missionaries, and has to make a difficult decision when his beliefs clash with his desire to run in the Olympics.

A great sound track, sometimes on the theme of the well-known Vangellis piece, sometimes Gilbert and Sullivan. Great acting, with one or two show more well-known actors in minor roles. But for my tastes there's too much sport, some of it - bizarrely - in slow-motion form, and I found myself almost falling asleep, even though it was over twenty years since I last watched this film.

Worth seeing once as it's now considered a classic, but not one of my favourites.

Longer review: https://suesdvdreviews.blogspot.com/2025/03/chariots-of-fire-ben-cross-ian-charl... show less

We got this to show to our church youth group; they weren't terribly impressed - it's a slow story for this age and era.
We saw it on the original theater release & loved it, as did my parents.

Two British track athletes, one determined Jew Harold Abrahams, and the other devout Christian Eric Liddell, compete in the 1924 Olympics. Each are spurred on to win for different reasons.
Rated PG for thematic elements and mild language.

The inspiring true story of two British track athletes competing in the 1924 Summer Olympics. One is a devout Scottish missionary who runs for God, the other is a Jewish student at Cambridge who runs for fame and to escape prejudice. Amazon.com Best Picture, Academy Awards 1981.