Movies-TV

Rare pleasure

A rare convergence of exceptional talents created this film masterpiece. An even rarer convergence of common sense and good taste awarded this film the Academy Award for best film in 1981 rightly relegating the spurious historical epic REDS to deserved oblivion. And what a cast! Past and future theatre greats came together to give Hugh Hudson what might prove to be his one dip in the high tide of glory.

this is a classic

Classic and a true story. This is a must for today's young people. It's about values and courage. If your children are in sports they must watch this.

Is the widescreen version lost forever?

This is one of my favorite films. Luckily, I got to see it twice on the big screen during its original release. Where is the widescreen version of this film??? Are the suits at WB afraid to admit they've lost it - an Academy Award winner for "Best Picture"?

Incarnation of the hymn that inspired the title.

Less of a "review" and more of a reminder that the title "Chariots of Fire" is derived from a turn-of-the century English hymn--Jerusalem--that raises the question: Did Jesus Christ visit the British Isles??? The text of the hymn provids a valuable insight into the spirit of the film itself.

A brilliant and moving personal drama

Chariots of Fire is one of the greatest screen dramas ever made. An inspire blend of subtle qualities and achievement. It is also a deeply personal and profound insight into one of sports most famous moments. Solid performances, inspiring story and of course Vangelis's brilliant score, the main title theme being one of the best and most memorable in film History.

Review the film, not the format

Come on all you other film fans who paned this great film solely on the basis of no widescreen format and poor DVD quality. What are you playing at? Chariots of Fire is one of the greatest screen dramas ever made. An inspire blend of subtle qualities and achievement. It is also a deeply personal and profound insight into one of sports most famous moments. Solid performances, inspiring story and of course Vangelis's brilliant score, the main title theme being one of the best and most memorable in film History. The fact that widescreen is not available and the DVD is sub standard is disappointing, but come on. These are minor faults that shouldn't detract from, or discredit a brilliant film such as this.

What were they thinking!

It is astounding to me that the people at Warner Bros. could have so little respect for this movie as to not have a letterbox option on this DVD.

Call me when it's widescreen

I keep looking for my favorite movies on DVD, and look forward to buying this flick-- when it's finally released wide-screen. Can't imagine what dolts at Warner Bros. were thinking in not at least giving a widescreen option on this flick. I have the same question about why they released Bonnie & Clyde full-screen.

I agree with the other reviews. Give me Widescreen option.

I agaree with the other reviews. as a DVD enthusiast, widescreen is a MUST.

Wide screen format needed

Just in case I may be able to influence future releases, let me just say that I (and probably many others) will NEVER buy a DVD movie if it does not offer a choice of wide screen viewing !! It does not matter how good the movie is. It's a good thing that I still have my laser disc player.

Powerfully combines excellent film and a story of honor.

Perhaps my favorite movie of all time. It's told in a powerful, thought-provoking way, using what's best in film making. But has a story that's worthy of telling, a story of honor and character.

The night it won the Academy Award I had gone to bed. When my wife came in to wake my and tell my it had won, I stood on the bed, put my hand on my heart, and cried, "God bless America!"

One of the greatest non-fiction tales ever made into film.

Chariots of Fire is an exhilirating film, which was based on the lives of Eric Liddel, a Scotsman, and Harold Abrahams, an Englishman. Both were students in their respective countries and both were competing on the same 1924 Olympic team that was one of the best ever to represent the United Kingdom. The film brilliantly captures the vastly different goals the two had as they approached their olympic dream. Liddel, the devout Christian, running for the glory of God as he said, and Abrahams, the professionally-coached Cambridge man who relished individul glory. The film is at its best leading to the initial race between these two, but the drama continues as Abrahams becomes more determined and resolute subsequent to this showdown. The Olympic games proves to be a podium for international debate on religion, as Liddel takes a stand in the name of his faith which places intense poitical pressure upon him.For those unfamiliar with this bit of history, it would seem as though the story were indeed written for Hollywood- as the high drama is only slightly embellished. This film is truly one of the greatest, and will appeal to both sexes for its emphasis on the glory of sport and the strain of personal relationships and commitments.

Gold Medal Quality ... Truly Unique!

While this film captures the incredible drive that results in Olympic gold for two British runners, along with their contrasting lives, what will likely stand out in ones memory is a simple scene where Eric Liddel is knocked off the track and apparently out of the race. What results is an inspiring movie moment unlike any other! The synthesized sound track and beautiful photography set a wonderful mood that will draw you back over and over.

Inspiring and well done!

Chariots of Fire is a movie to inspire us all and has a moral fiber that most movies today lack. The story of Eric Liddell is one of determination and a will bent to please God. I would recommend this movie to those who want a story with substance and character. The soundtrack is beautifully composed and adds much to this already rich story.

give me widescreen or give me death!!!

I agree with the above reviewer; I thought DVDs were supposed to offer a choice of TV and letterbox? A boneheaded choice obviously made by someone who doesn't care about the film.

this movie should be on your top 10 list BUT...

the DVD is a joke. It does not carry the option of viewing on widescreen format as the movie should be seen, this is even available on VHS. Added to that insult, there are no bonus features on the disc. This film deserves much better and the DVD is not worth buying.

Great Score by Vangelis

CHARIOTS OF FIRE
Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, Nigel Havers, Cheryl Campbell, Alice Krige, 1981

Synopsis
True story of a Christian Scottish missionary Eric Liddell and a Jewish Cambridge student Harold Abrahams who overcome personal struggles for the honor of their country (Britian), and run to victory in the 1924 Olympic Games.

My Review
Intelligent and inspirational Oscar winning film with a great musical score by Vangelis. This film has a nice script and may have been the foundation for many sports movies that were made later on. However it may be a little boring for the young running enthusiast.

Film that works on several lev els

This has always been a favorite film of mine, and after 20 years I am purchasing it for our church library! Why? The film works on a number of different levels. It is beautifully filmed. The score seems to express the vitality and freedom a person feels when running. It takes you to an earlier fascinating era, 1920's England.

Other than these things, the film can be enjoyed by teens and adults purely as a sports-Olympic film. It certainly stands at the head of the cinematic sports genre of films, way above any sports films like Knute Rockne, Ice Castles, Downhill Racer, The Other Side of the Mountain--none I can think of can compare.

The film can be enjoyed as a reflection of its era. A profound moment occurs when the students arrive at Cambridge; their bags are carried into their dorm house by gents who are obviously WWI survivors with grotesque facial prostheses. This makes the new students a little bit uncomfortable and we see how guilty they feel, how lucky they feel to be attending Cambridge, sound of life and limb, whereas had they been a few years older they would probably have been cannon fodder at Belleau Wood or Ypres. The huge bronze plaque in the house dining room reinforces this feeling; it lists the WWI dead just from that particular Cambridge house. Their desire to take up the sport of running seems unimportant compared to the ultimate sacrifice their house brothers made so they COULD indulge in their sport.

The third level, of course, is religion. Contrast Eric Liddell's missionary zeal with the sort of whispered prejudice amongst the bigoted Cambridge dons towards Harold's competitive determination. Harold is out to prove he is worthy, as good as any Christian. Is someone blessed in life's endeavors because he is godly like Eric Liddell,or is someone just as blessed if he seeks to prove his worth in a world prejudiced against him? How does faith influence what we do in life? I find this theme in the film very interesting and satisfying. Reasons for competition vary, and Abraham's girlfriend really enlightens Harold after he loses a race, when she questions his motivations for running. Can you ultimately be successful in life even if you fail once in awhile? This film is not reflective of the frenetic American jazz-age; rather it explores an era when Europeans just felt lucky to be alive after a world conflagration. The reasons why two men run is the essence of the film. You also cannot help contrast the way the Olympics have changed from 1924 to today with their ridiculous overexpansion and vast expense. I prefer the 1924 version.

I enjoy this film for its many levels, and when I think that Reds almost won for best film that year I have to laugh. Chariots of Fire surely has withstood the test of time (I just watched it again last week); Reds nowadays seems like a LONG BORING film. Warren Beatty and Diane Keaton no longer matter.

Vangelis' score is absolutely perfect. As much as the main theme was overplayed in the 80s, it still is beautiful, and makes you want to put on your Nikes and head to the track even if you have never run in your life. The music does not express the jazz age but rather, expresses the exhilaration of running, your hair trailing in your own slip stream, as you stride along a seashore. The film's plot even reverts to Gilbert and Sullivan, which makes the evocation of the era very sweet indeed.

5 Stars for the Movie, No Stars for the DVD

I was excited to see an earlier review which alluded to a widescreen re-release of this DVD in 2001. This is a remarkable movie--perhaps the perfection that the early movie-makers dreamed of. Like some others who have reviewed the DVD, I must state for the record that I will not buy another DVD that lacks widescreen format. Shame on you Warner Studios!!!

Run For Glory

Chariots Of Fire tells the dual real life stories of two runners in 1920's Great Britain who overcame obstacles in life to win gold medals at the 1924 Paris Olympics. Ben Cross is Harold Abrams a Jew whose background has made him doubly determined to become the fastest runner in the world. He carries a grudge against society and not only does he race to beat his competitors, but the world as well. He is unrelenting and second place is not an option. He goes to Cambridge and makes friends with fellow runners Aubrey Montague and Lord Andrew Lindsay. Ian Charleston is Eric Liddell a Scotsman who is the son of a religious missionary. He runs not out of a desire to be the best as Abrams does, but because he feels God's pleasure. He says to his disapproving sister that God made him fast for a reason and when he runs he is praising His glory. Abrams and Liddell face off in a race in the middle of the film and Liddell prevails. This haunts Abrams as he had never lost before and he enlists the aid of a professional coach, played by Ian Holm, to train him. Mr. Holm plays the role as a delightful curmudgeon and adds a little levity to the film. Both men, as well as Lindsey and Montague, make the Olympic team. There is some controversy as Liddell finds out the preliminaries for the 200 yard dash which he is competing in are taking place on the Sabbath. He refuses to race, as it is a sin, thus sparking trouble. Lord Lindsay jumps to rescue, giving up his spot in the 400 as he already won his medal in the hurdles. The film took some heat for this bit of poetic license as in real live, Liddell knew of the situation weeks before the Olympics and the change was made well in advance of the race without the all the fervor the film depicts. That aside, the movie is a gripping, engrossing story of two seemingly different men, who in the end have more in common than we think. It shows personal triumphs in spite of shackles that would hold lesser men down. The film won a surprising 1981 Best Picture Oscar over the heavily favored Reds as well as one for Vangelis' memorable score (the main title became a number one hit for Vangelis in 1982). Just as in real life, the film overcame many obstacles to obtain the ultimate prize in movies.