A very good film, but not for the impatient or shallow

Rating: 9/10 (20 February 2003)

It took two viewings before I really got into this film and latched onto its subdued tone and spiritual, poetic style. Although I am not a religious person I always enjoy films with a powerful and positive approach to spirituality, which was as much its subject as running. Like 'Ben-Hur', this film had a similarly persuasive argument in favour of faith. It will not be appreciated by those with a dislike for films about reserved British gentlemen, but for anyone if they pay attention, they will surely appreciate and relate to the determination inherent in the characters of Liddell and especially Abrahams (whose characterisation, and interpretation by Ben Cross, was particularly strong, making him someone who is driven almost by hate). This really is a film from which you will you take away as much as you bring to it. An admittedly unexpected choice for Best Picture, but certainly a worthy one; it's more focused and succinct and less confused than 'Reds', much less sentimental than 'Golden Pond' and about on par with 'Atlantic City' (it's so differnt from 'Raiders' that the two shouldn't even be compared).