A handsomely realized and superbly acted story about the multi-faceted drive to win.

Rating: 9/10 (10 July 2010)

In the 1924 Paris Olympics, angst-ridden, Jewish Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross) and devout Scot Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson) compete for Britain.
Chariots Of Fire is a film of subtle qualities, rather like those of a BBC classic serial. In Colin Welland's thoughtful script, both men encounter and overcome prejudice and adversity, and find their own kinds of victories. It was a surprise Oscar winner, but in fairness, all the elements are in place: some classic scenes (including the slow-motion dawn training session on the beach) - and Vangelis's throbbing electronic score, which surprisingly suits the material to perfection. The film is ranked 19th in the British Film Institute's list of Top 100 British films.