A key testment of the human spirit.

Rating: 8/10 (27 March 2002)

Fresh, almost easy-going drama that looks at two men from Great Britian, Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson) and Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross), both of whom decide to compete in the 1924 Summer Olympics, that's in Paris. What makes these two lads different is what each one is motivated by, which surprised me. And one has certainly to ask why the athletes in this time appear to be so calm and hardly panic.
Cross and Charleson are supported by a well-choosen cast that includes a few familiar faces - the late John Gielgud, Lindsay Anderson, and Ian Holm. The one who plays a crucial role is Holm, who portrays Sam Mussabini, a seasoned veteran coach who helps Harold (Cross) prepare for the track and field events.
And the characters in this story make a portion of the movie somewhat interesting. The musical score by Vangelis, which sounds clear and doesn't goes for over-the-top, is still priceless. Besides the score, director Hugh Hudson's careful direction adds another element and makes the film even more appealing. "Chariots of Fire" is a key testment of the human spirit.