Chariots of Fire

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Chariots of Fire

PG

1981

2h 3m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

84%

Tomatometer

113 Reviews

80%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

In the class-obsessed and religiously divided United Kingdom of the early 1920s, two determined young runners train for the 1924 Paris Olympics. Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), a devout Christian born to Scottish missionaries in China, sees running as part of his worship of God's glory and refuses to train or compete on the Sabbath. Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross) overcomes anti-Semitism and class bias, but neglects his beloved sweetheart Sybil (Alice Krige) in his single-minded quest.

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Critics Consensus

Decidedly slower and less limber than the Olympic runners at the center of its story, Chariots of Fire nevertheless makes effectively stirring use of its spiritual and patriotic themes.

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Ed Potton

The Times (UK)

07/26/2024

4/5

Never, with the possible exception of Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible, has running looked so cinematic.

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Pauline Kael

The New Yorker

07/18/2022

The picture is a piece of technological lyricism held together by the glue of simpleminded heroic sentiment; basically, its appeal is in watching a couple of guys win their races.

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David Denby

New York Magazine/Vulture

07/18/2022

A handsome, well-acted, frequently charming film that would not be out of place on Masterpiece Theater. In other words, it is precisely what art-house audiences want at the moment -- a cautious, "distinguished," slightly boring good movie.

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Brian Viner

Daily Mail (UK)

08/08/2024

5/5

Chariots Of Fire is one of the glories of British cinema...

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Mark Johnson

Awards Daily

06/27/2023

The opening scene, thanks in large part to Vangelis’ immortal score, is cinematic beauty in the highest form.

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Edward Porter

Sunday Times (UK)

02/27/2023

It is a film that understands the sweetness of victory...

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Kyle M

@RT77296778 May 28

Majestically and scenically scored that’s genre-defining and generally well performed on the cast’s part whilst sharing the directorial fascination that lacks mutual engagement when thematically similar films have shown more spirit than this ironically being on a pedestrian pace, unceremoniously crossing the finish line with ineffectively forged uplift. (B-)

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Garrett B

@gmoney637 Apr 4

Chariots of Fire features stellar performances, beautiful cinematography, and an unforgettable film score.

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Peter V

@RT78913669 Feb 8

The university scenes in England are witty and good-natured, with Sir John Gielgud's refined performance adding a nice touch. The scenes in Scotland offer a refreshing change of pace. While some may view it as a stuffy costume drama, the film's unconventional form, refinement, and pitch-perfect performances make it stand out. The ending is particularly sublime, with memorable music that will be remembered for a lifetime.

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Johnny H

@RT44531721 Jan 3

A beautiful and moving film celebrating resilience, quiet moral courage and determination. A must-see for everyone, particularly poignant during these turbulent times. How to be the hero, not the victim.

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Brian H

@RT85999140 Oct 7

This is such a beautiful and rich film with great actors and soundtrack, and looks amazing. The way they've recreated the 1920's is so impressive. Love this film.

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Stephen C

@bob25009 Jul 8

The worldwide gross is $59,318,980.00.

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Hugh Hudson

Director

Ben Cross

Harold M. Abrahams

Ian Charleson

Eric Liddell

John Gielgud

Master of Trinity (as Sir John Gielgud)

Nigel Havers

Lord Andrew Lindsay

Nicholas Farrell

Aubrey Montague

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Synopsis

In the class-obsessed and religiously divided United Kingdom of the early 1920s, two determined young runners train for the 1924 Paris Olympics. Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), a devout Christian born to Scottish missionaries in China, sees running as part of his worship of God's glory and refuses to train or compete on the Sabbath. Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross) overcomes anti-Semitism and class bias, but neglects his beloved sweetheart Sybil (Alice Krige) in his single-minded quest.

Director: Hugh Hudson
Producer: David Puttnam
Screenwriter: Colin Welland
Distributor: Warner Home Vídeo, 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Allied Stars, Warner Brothers
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 26, 1981, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Aug 1, 2016
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2010
Runtime: 2h 3m
Sound Mix: Surround