The Top Sports Film of the 1980s

Rating: Null/10 (28 September 2011)

Hugh Hudson's "Chariots of Fire" ranks as the inspirational sports film of the 1980s. Ironically, this Oscar winning epic literally came out of nowhere, according to its director, with its line-up of freshman actors and its small $5-million budget. On the DVD commentary track, Hudson states that the theme of the film is faith. This biographical opus about the 1924 Paris Olympics and the British running team that captured several Medals focuses largely on Scotsman Eric Liddell and Jewish Harold Abrahams as they tangle with intolerance all the way to the top. Ben Cross is terrific as the strident Abrahams and the film opens with a memorial service to him in an English church. Although Eric Liddel did not face the prejudice that Abrahams had to endure, he created problems with his decision to keep the Sabbath and refuse to run the 100 meters heat on a Sunday. Liddell is a Christian missionary at Cambridge and he has trouble with his naïve sister Jeanie who wants him to forsake running for his service to God and often scolds him for letting his desire to run interfere with the Lord's business. Finally, Eric has to explain to his dutiful sister that he cannot hold in contempt what God has given him. "Chariots of Fire" is all about champions and the price that they are willing to pay to be triumphant in the end. Brad Davis of "The Midnight Express" and Dennis Christopher of "Breaking Away" co-star along with the impressive Nigel Davenport. You will never forget Vangelis' memorable Oscar-winning musical score.