Olympians of two contrasting attitudes

Rating: 10/10 (1 June 2001)

This Best Picture is certainly gripping and unusual. At the time of its theatrical release, its soundtrack was well received despite its unusual electronic elements. However, I believe the contrast between the two major characters is what drives the movie's narrative forward! Surprisingly, Liddell and Abrahams are not headed toward a climactic "fight-to-the-death," as most big recent films would have staged such contrast. They, however,are pioneers of a sort and exemplary world-class athletes. I recommend the film to young viewers because the philosophical approaches to competition are so well-drawn. Do you win "because winning is the only thing"? One of the leading characters says "No," and most Americans are befuddled at such a philosophy. It calls into question so much of our consumer-mad obsession with sports and winning. CHARIOTS OF FIRE is a "10" for me because it dares to slow down its races and put "the microphone" in behind the scene conversations that tell all about post World War I society. It is also notable as one of the projects that Princess Diana of England's doomed "boyfriend" Dodie Fayed managed to bring to fruition.