1981 had to be a bad year for films...

Rating: Null/10 (14 March 2004)

All I can say is 1981 must have been a bad year for films. This is a slow-moving, veddy British rendering of a story about athletes competing in the Olympics during the '20s and especially the motives of the two leading actors--both of whom have no charisma.
A slender plot that has no significant conflict between the two competitors is given quality status with the fine color photography and some nice background themes--but the story did not require two hours of running time. Characterizations are weak and the win for Best Costume Design is questionable in view of the fact that most of the footage is devoted to men in running shorts.
Not worthy of Best Picture Oscar. Spielberg's RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK had more than twice the holding power and entertainment value of this one.