Rating: 
Summary: ON THE WINGS OF EAGLES - CHARIOTS SOARS TO VICTORY ON DVD!
Review: "Chariots of Fire" (1981) is a riveting biography told in flashback about two congenial buddies and budding British track stars, Harold M. Abrahams (Ben Cross) and Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson) who are set to compete in the 1924 Summer Olympics. Eric, a devout Scottish missionary, pledges his victory to God. Harold, a Jewish student from Cambridge, seeks fame and the chance to escape prejudice. Both are cocky, razor sharp and defiantly patriotic. Neither is willing to concede defeat. While other sports films (Rocky, Field of Dreams, Hoosiers) tend to go for the gusto in a prerequisite finish of bru-ha and flag waving, "Chariots" arguably goes for the gut, because director Hugh Hudson has correctly determined that it is in the gut where heroes and legends are born to flourish. This film plays like a vintage news reel, brought vividly to life. Its passion for deriving grandeur from the everyday, rather than transforming the every day into the grandeose, is precisely where the film most brilliantly succeeds.
Colin Welland's script is a masterful tapestry that fully explores the private demons and public destiny of these two titans. It poignantly captures the agony and the ecstacy of competition in the face of an uncertain and defiant world. What is even more remarkable about "Chariots of Fire" is that it lacks a singular star turn to buttress its seemingly straight forward plot, and yet there are star caliber performances riddled throughout. The acting is superb - particularly Ian Charleson's Eric Liddell; an incarnation of subtle masculine beauty that is marked and contrasted through his considerable ease and joy in running competitively against the emotionally raw and physically tortured Abrahams - the other outstanding acting acheivement of this or any other year. As prospective love interests, Cheryl Campbell (Jennie Liddell) and Alice Krige (Sybil Gordon) add to the air of documentary style that develops this film into its epic race-to-the-finish-line finale. Sam Mussabini's (Ian Holm) reaction to that final high note of victory is memorable and will leave even the most cynical of cinema critics with a lump in their throat.
A note to remember when viewing films based on real life for historical accuracy: Due to the refusal of several key participants to lend their real names to the film, director, Hugh Hudson was forced to take artistic liberties with two key characters; that of Watson (Stephen Mallatratt) who was in fact was Arthur Porritt, father to environmentalist Jonathan Porritt, and Lord Andrew Lindsay (Nigel Havers) who is actually a knock off of Lord Burghley.
Warner Home Video's DVD is, at long last, a reason to get excited. The previously issued release of this contemporary classic was bare bones and NOT widescreen. Both shortcomings have been rectified on this 2-disc special edition. The image quality on this anamorphically enhanced and newly remastered disc is outstanding. Colors are rich and vibrant, capturing all the subtle palette of nuances in the original cinematography. Blacks are solid, rich and deep. Whites are sharp and clean. Occasionally flesh tones will appear somewhat pasty or a bit too orange but these momentary lapses in color do not distract from the lush and lovely presentation. Fine detail is fully realized throughout. Only during the slow-motion photography do details tend to look a tad soft. The audio has been remastered into a 5.1 sound mix that is dated but really shines during the race sequences. Occasionally dialogue sounds strident or too frontal but again, this is a soundtrack from the early 80s. Extras include a very interesting commentary track by Hugh Hudson, a newly produced documentary, "Wings on Their Heels: The Making of Chariots of Fire", "Chariots of Fire - A Reunion" in which key cast members reunite to discuss the film's impact on both their careers and on cinema, seven deleted scenes and some actor's screen tests. Bottom line: "Chariots of Fire" is thrilling entertainment, poignantly realized and destined to become a classic. It's reintroduction on DVD - properly formatted and completely realized - has been long overdue but has been well worth the wait!
Rating:
Summary: Uplifting and Inspiring
Review: "Chariots of Fire" makes the list of my ten favorite movies of all-time. The film depicts the true life journey of two sprint champions from the 1924 Paris Olympics. This isn't your average sports movie as the character development is more significant than the competition on the track. The "Flying Scotsman" Eric Liddell is man of deep moral conviction and joyful heartfelt devotion to God. As he runs he senses God's pleasure. Harold Abrams is an intense Jewish student at Cambridge who is driven to win in defiance of the obstacles of prejudice and institutionalism. He runs to prove his worth. The film is slow moving and filled with numerous flashbacks. Knowing the history of the characters would enable you to better follow the story and appreciate the men portrayed. The acting is excellent with terrific performances by supporting actors such as Ian Holm as track coach Sam Mussabini; John Gielgud and Lindsay Anderson as the stuffy masters of the university; and Nigel Havers as the likeable Lord Lindsay. The electronic sounding musical score is the most recognizable part of the movie and the costuming is exceptional. I was deeply moved and inspired by "Chariots of Fire."
Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece of British Cinema
Review: Before the opening titles are even finished, accompanied by the excellent and haunting musical score by Vangelis, the viewer feels almost swept back in time. This is the fairly simple (and based on true) story of Harold Abrahams (played by Ben Cross) and Eric Liddell (Ian Charelson) and their exploits before and during the 1924 Olympic games. The two main characters could not be more different in that Abrahams runs for himself, and greater glory, and to prove his worth in a society that accepts, but eschews his Jewish heritage. The other is a missionarys son who believes God has made him fast for a purpose, and runs to please and honor the almighty. Both have their respective faith, and nerves tested to the limits, often to the detriment of those close to them, but the movie cleverly stays away from pretentious social comment, or philosophical undertones. Producer David Putnam, Writer Colin Welland, and Director Hugh Hudson evoke a time of gentlemen, fair play, decorum and esprit de corps that stays with you long after the end titles roll. There are some excellent supporting roles from a host of well knowns, including Ian Holm, Nigel Havers, and Alice Krige and the film reminds us of a far better and simpler time in the world of sports almost. Deserving of the 4 Oscars bestowed upon it back in 1981 (as a surprise winner)this new widescreen release to a polished DVD format with Dolby sound is a long wait finally over. There are lots of extra's to enjoy on the second disc, making the all round package more than worth the money. Often regarded as the quintessential "British" movie, it certainly has that flavor but is much more, and should appeal to anyone with a love of true drama. Undoubtedly 5 stars. Enjoy
Rating: 
Summary: Competition and Character
Review: Chariots of Fire is an outstanding epic based on the lives of two men (among others), Eric Liddel and Harold Abrahams. Eric Liddel, a Scotsman and a missionary believes he can succeed as a testament to his undying faith. Harold Abrahams, a Jew wishes to succeed to prove that Jews are no inferior to others in post WWI England. This movie is one of refinement, ambition, commitment and integrity. In that era, there are tempers when the Masters of Cambridge do not take lightly to Harold being trained by a professional as they pride in the amateur aspect of the sport and the esprit de corps. His interaction with his girl friend when he loses a race is a special point. She says, "He won fair and square. There is nothing you can do about it." Then he retorts, "I do not run to compete, I run to win, if I cannot win, I should not run." She replies, "If you do not run, you cannot win." It ends with her frustration and saying, "Grow up". As compelling as the racing scenes are, it's really the depth of the two main characters that touches the viewer, as they forcefully drive home the theme that victory attained through devotion and sacrifice is the most admirable feat that one can achieve. I am glad that I have a wide screen edition of this DVD, however this is a region 3 and cannot play in a regular DVD player, as they play only the region 1 version. It is similar to the version released in UK. Even this version does not have a good audio and video transfer. There are dots in the video and the audio should be better considering the outstanding score by Vangelis. The widescreen edition is farbetter than the one released in US though. I am sad that they are not releasing this one here. I got this one in US through another website, thanks to my enhanced DVD player. So, I would give 5 stars for the movie and 4 stars for the transfer (I am being very generous here).
Rating:
Summary: The only winner epic film of the eighties !
Review: Despite the different awarded films in that decade focused in the family troubles , Africa memories and superb biographies , this decade showed as very few an absolute neglect for rescue the epic sense and the power of will besides the adversity and fate .
The real challenge behind the countless efforts of these England runners who participated in 1924 Olympics is an adittional proof , a true statement about the human will in the harshest conditions. The Vangelis mood in the soundtrack has been a must reference in many musical curtains .
The acting levels are first rate and the edition is superb . By far the best achievement of Hugh Hudson in his career .
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding Film! One for the ages ...
Review: Garnering four Academy Awards including Best Picture, Hugh Hudson's debut theatrical feature, CHARIOTS OF FIRE, chronicles the inspiring true story of Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell, bringing the two runners' striving for gold to the limelight of Britain's 1924 Olympic track-and-field efforts.
Abrahams, both confident Cambridge student and self-consciously Jewish, runs "to win," to be the best. To that end, he takes on the professional training of Sam Mussabini. His quest takes him through the ranks of Britain's finest runners (including Eric Liddell) and one reluctantly supportive showbiz girlfriend ... right up to the fore of the very fastest competition in the world (Jackson Scholtz, Charles Paddock), culminating in a triumphant Parisian showdown to bring him a hard-earned medal.
Liddell, son of Scottish missionaries, "runs for God." His sister, on the other hand, believes his love for running will quench any intentions to follow in his father's footsteps and return to their Chinese mission. When he discovers that the qualifying heat is to be run on the Lord's day, it runs in conflict with his principles (no pun intended), putting his own love for God to the test. And when the 400 meters opens up, he is given one final opportunity "to make the world stand back in wonder."
A few historical inaccuracies notwithstanding, the movie reenacts the timeless tale of two men - each driven by different forces, toward different goals - and each of whom must triumph by following his own heart and convictions, making the drama all the richer for it. Strong performances by all. A story of focus, principle, honor, sportsmanship, and God-before-king mentality, CHARIOTS OF FIRE is a masterpiece from start to finish.
Rating: 
Summary: "meaning" for the masses, more than a tad trivial
Review: I must say I found it more than a bit discomforting when this film tried to strike an emotional cord of sympathy for two characters with whom I was completely unable to care for: one, an elitist fundamentalist Christian Scot, and the other a spoiled, infantile Jewish socialite. To make matters all the more sublimely ridiculous, anyone with an ounce of knowledge would be aware that all this forced sentimentalism for two sons of privilege occurs whilst the corrupt British-imposed Treaty of Versailles was nurturing the seeds of fascism in Germany, and Imperial British forces were viciously exploiting the peoples of Africa, India, and East Asia to fund all this hubris.
Then why all the Oscars, you ask? Certainly Hollywood is too easily intoxicated by the appearance of even the most minute form of Jewish suffering. What is next, Adam Sandler's passionate quest for mazza balls whilst living in Wisconsin? Laugh if you must, but Chariots of Fire is about two paces away from being that absurd.
This is not a bad film. But it just didn't deserve all the accolades. If you want to see a great film about the British made in 1981, watch Gallipoli. If you want to see a great British film, watch Lawrence of Arabia or Gandhi. It's curious to note that the very next year, the Academy only saw fit to award the Best Picture prize to Gandhi by the narrowest of margins... over Tootsie, a cross-dressing comedy with Dustin Hoffman. It's high time we all realize that for most of the 20th century the British were morally only marginally better than the Nazis. Chariots of Fire serves to obscure that fact.
Rating:
Summary: Running the race set before you.
Review: Mini Review of one of my top 10 favorite films of all time. Chariots of Fire is the excellent story of two runners (Eric Liddell, portrayed by the late Ian Charleson and Harold Abrahams who is played by Ben Cross)in the 1924 Olympic Games. It is an understated epic showing the dichotomy of faith and self determination. It is also two fine character studies of men blessed with as much courage and fire as they do athletic prowess. The overall effect of the film is inspirational. The stories of these great men inspire me and I believe countless others to always live life to its utmost. Two scenes stand out in my memory that illustrate this effect. The first takes place at a track meet between Scotland and France. Liddell takes a bad spill in the 400 meters event and somehow manages to not only get back up but catch up with the field and win the race as he falls to the ground utterly exhausted form his ordeal. When Sam Mussabini (Abrahams' Coach) comments "It's not the prettiest 400 I've ever seen Liddell but it is certainly the bravest" the audience is given words with which to process the exhilarating feat they just witnessed. The second scene takes place after Abrahams loses a race to Liddell. Abrahams is devastated as he has never lost before. He comments to his girl friend that he won't race of he can't win. She counters back: "You can't win if you don't race." Whether it be in words or pictures Chariots of Fire communicates to the viewer that life is a race worth running full out to the end.
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Summary: THIS IS THE REASON BEHIND DVD...
Review: One of the most beautiful films ever made, and certainly the best scored (By Vagelis) this film is the reason DVD is important in film appreciation. The firat edition DVD was full frame, and plain stereo sound. This edition shows all the splender that the director intended. He had a visual eye, a certain style he wanted to capture. This film won the oscar for best picture beating out "On Golden Pond" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and it was well deserved. Wonderfully acted and written this is a true story of inspiration and determination and beating the odds. Now it can be seen in widescreen and heard in Dolby 5.1!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Gold medal winner!
Review: Simply put, CHARIOTS OF FIRE is one of the greatest cinematic triumphs ever acheived. The story is brilliant, moving, compelling, exciting, unique...and true. The acting is rich and subtle. The direction is understated, but strikes a perfect balance, giving room for the story and the characters to leap off the screen and into our hearts. The cinematography is superb; the film has a look that manages to be both crisp and lush...epic and intimate. The score by Vangelis is a classic... stunning display of keyboard mastery and tonal nuance...well-deserving of the Academy Award that it received. CHARIOTS is a warm human story that will have you cheering out loud at points...and deep in contemplation at others. (Think SEABISCUIT or ROCKY, but more subtle.) This movie received a total of four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, beating a very tough 1981 field that included REDS, ON GOLDEN POND, and RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. One can only hope for a DVD upgrade with many more extras in time for this film's 25th Anniversary next year.
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