Watch Chariots of Fire

Chariots of Fire is an award-winning historical drama film from 1981, directed by Hugh Hudson and produced by David Puttnam. It tells the story of two British track athletes who competed in the 1924 Paris Olympics, Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross) and Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), who each had their own personal motivations for running. Harold Abrahams is a Jewish student at Cambridge University who faces discrimination and anti-Semitic comments from his peers. He is determined to prove his worth and achieve success in athletics, particularly in the 100-meter dash. Abrahams quickly rises to the top of the ranks and forms a rivalry with a fellow runner, Lord Andrew Lindsay (Nigel Havers), which drives him to push himself even harder.

Meanwhile, Eric Liddell is a devout Christian and the son of Scottish missionaries who believes that his running is a gift from God. He refuses to participate in a qualifying race for the Olympics that falls on a Sunday, which goes against his religious beliefs. Liddell's dedication to his faith puts him at odds with his sister Jennie (Cheryl Campbell) and his coach, Sam Mussabini (Ian Holm), but he remains steadfast in his beliefs and eventually qualifies for the Olympics in a different race.

The film also follows the stories of other athletes, such as Aubrey Montague (Nicholas Farrell), who provides humorous commentary on the events, and Tommy Burton (Daniel Gerroll), who is injured during a race and has to come to terms with the fact that his athletic career may be over.

As the Olympics approach, tensions rise between Abrahams and Lindsay, and Liddell faces pressure to compete on Sunday. The film builds to a thrilling climax as the athletes take their places on the track and race to victory, accompanied by the iconic score composed by Vangelis.

Chariots of Fire is a powerful film that explores themes of identity, faith, and the pursuit of excellence. The performances of Ben Cross and Ian Charleson as Abrahams and Liddell are both exceptional, bringing depth and nuance to their characters. The film's cinematography is also stunning, capturing the beauty and grandeur of the Olympic setting.

In addition to its captivating story and impressive technical elements, Chariots of Fire is notable for its historical significance. The film celebrates the achievements of two groundbreaking athletes, Abrahams and Liddell, who overcame adversity and achieved greatness in the face of discrimination and doubt.

Overall, Chariots of Fire is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences nearly four decades after its release. It is a must-see for anyone who appreciates great storytelling, memorable performances, and inspiring tales of triumph.

Chariots of Fire is a 1981 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 78.