the British were coming ...

Rating: 9/10 (14 May 2003)

At the Oscars when Chariots of Fire did exceptionally well for a British film at gong handing out time, writer Colin Welland announced 'The British are coming!' and predicted a renaissance for the UK. We might have had the odd success since (notably Gandhi the following year) but nothing on the scale expected. So, is Chariots a good film? Viewing it again recently, I think it has held up well since 1981. Everyone in it is really good, the music of Vangelis and Gilbert & Sullivan fit as soundtrack at various points, the story of the two students running for their own personal reasons (Harold Abrahams because he feels an outcast as a Jew in a predominately Gentile world, Eric Liddell because he feels his talent is a gift from God and runs in God's name) is an interesting one, and the intelligent script and rounded characters give the film some backbone. The only cast members really to benefit from this film long term were Ian Holm (already known from films and theatre) and Nigel Havers. The others have tended to drift and occasionally surface in small roles, and sadly Ian Charleson, Brad Davis, and Jeremy Sinden are no longer with us. The ongoing popularity of this film is a tribute to their memory and showcases their talents well.