Short Review: Sure its long, slow and boring - sometimes that works.


This is not only a period piece because it portrays athletes battling to win the 1924 Olympics, but also because this film would never be widely distributed today. This is a period piece about British runners with no sex, no violence, and has one of the strongest Christian characters in film history. Yeah, this isn’t going to come around to the multiplex again soon.

This is a first-class production from the ground up, and I have nothing negative to say against it...well...okay, it's very dry in spots...well...okay, it's dry in a number of spots. The portrayal of Eric Liddell is stirring to see particularly contrasted to how Christians are usually portrayed now. Liddell is shown to be a generous and careful man who keeps himself bound by his faith. When his allegiance to Christ is tested, he offers the only answer possible.


Chariots of Fire is a film I would suggest young Christian filmmakers look to for inspiration. This film maps out a textured character who is caught in the very common Christian trap of being caught serving yourself instead of serving God. We have a story that patiently shows our world in a clever metaphor for our faith without ever becoming overbearing in its message. Those making Christian films today can learn a great deal from this classic.


Related Reviews:
Film with positive portrayals of Christians
The Heart of Texas (2008)
The Hiding Place (1975)


Other Critic's Reviews:
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Labels: Ben Cross, Christianity, film, Ian Holm, John Gielgud, movie review, Nicholas Farrell, Nigel Havers, sports