Inspirational and touching

Rating: 8/10 (15 May 2007)

I have been meaning to see this for over 3 years and yesterday I finally got to see what all the fuss was about. Chariots of Fire was the surprise winner of 1981, up against Reds and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Based on the true story of British athletes preparing for the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris. Surprisingly enough this was Hugh Hudson's directorial debut and that is very impressive. His direction fits the film perfectly, it takes us back to the 20's and it feels genuine. The score is incredibly moving and has been used and parodied so much know everyone is bound to have heard it. The actors look the part but in terms of the actual acting, there is something lacking that really prevents the film from perfection.
Ian Holm, Ian Charleson (who plays Eric Liddel) and Alice Krige are superb in their roles but I find that Ben Cross (who plays Harold Abrahams) and Cheryl Campbell don't give powerful enough performances to lift their characters which is a shame as they are vital to the story.
What really makes this movie as good as it is is the perfect use of music and the beauty of the story. It is extremely inspiration and moving, especially the ending. Chariots of Fire is definitely deserving of its Oscar and a must-see for everyone.
4/5