Finding one's Spirit within

Rating: 10/10 (27 June 1999)

Chariots is a wonderful movie that moves the viewer emotionally on multiple levels. Superficially, the viewer is grabbed by the inter/intra-instituitional and Olympic racing contests which pique the viewer's competative spirit with the wonderment of who will win. But, like others who have commented, I most enjoy the spiritual uplifting level that tells the truth of our need to become more than we are in ourselves - to find that spirit within that helps us achieve what we cannot on our own.
Once in a while a movie captures this essence of God's great gift to us, the Spirit within. While striving to live our lives on our own terms, to those who will listen, God finds a way to pull our attention to the greater glory of service to Him by serving others. Protagonists Liddell and Abrahams each demonstrate this truth, albeit differently.
Liddell has grown up knowing this and, in seeking to race, is only conflicted by Jenny's concern that his racing will pull them away from the greater missionary journey they both know lies in front of them. I feel Eric's answer to her for this purpose hits precisely God's relationship to us. He wishes to lift us up so that we may lift others up to the knowledge of Him.
Perhaps the most beautiful and poignant scene comes on Sunday in Paris as
the Olympics continue while Eric Liddell speaks his heart from the a pulpit. Quite a telling scene about one's priorities.