..a simple story that glorifies life..

Rating: 10/10 (27 May 2007)

So many wonderful comments have been written about "Chariots of Fire," there is little else to add. What a study of life it is in an era when it was important to be true to one's self ! People living in that period of time simply don't exist anymore, in any country. If I knew of one, I'd more there. To conform to a gentler society and have respect for other humans is an admirable quality - we are so selfishly indulging ourselves today (2007), we hardly notice how uncaring we are.
As many have written, director Hugh Hudson and screen-writer Colin Welland have produced a film which will be inspiring for an eternity. What a shock that schlock ("Reds") and cartoon-like action ("Raiders") rightfully lost-out to a gentle story of personal pride in one's own actions and beliefs....."stay the course" certainly had a different meaning in that age. I know from personal experience - I gave-up my life's dream because I did not have the determination to struggle through the difficult times to reach the ultimate happiness of success. However, I've grown from that mistaken decision: it forced me to see myself as perhaps others would, if they knew the story.
The fact that Eric Lidell returned to China to take-up his interrupted mission, and died because of his courage and desire to serve his God, is edifying enough. Doing something for the sheer joy of doing it is seldom seen today. Every factor of this movie is inspiring - those who do not gain peace and a desire to do better, after watching "Chariots of Fire", do not know enough to accept life as it is given.....pure at its beginning and later sullied by imperfection and selfishness.
I saw it tonight (5/27/07) on TCM, although I had earlier decided that I would not, I am so pleased there was nothing else on TV worthy of watching. I have found peace in such a gorgeously photographed film. We need more of these; I recommend it to all......all those who participated in bringing it to the screen should be proud. I rate it as a 20 -