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Chariots of Fire

Play trailer Poster for Chariots of Fire PG 1981 2h 3m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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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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Chariots of Fire

Chariots of Fire

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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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Critics Reviews

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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. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review Brian Viner Daily Mail (UK) 08/08/2024
5/5
Chariots Of Fire is one of the glories of British cinema... Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review Edward Porter Sunday Times (UK) 02/27/2023
It is a film that understands the sweetness of victory... Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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-) See more Garrett B @gmoney637 Apr 4 Chariots of Fire features stellar performances, beautiful cinematography, and an unforgettable film score. See more 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. See more 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. See more 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. See more Stephen C @bob25009 Jul 8 The worldwide gross is $59,318,980.00. See more Read all reviews
Chariots of Fire

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Cast & Crew

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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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Chariots of Fire

Chariots of Fire (1981) Poster Art Chariots of Fire (1981) View more photos

Movie Info

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
20th Century Fox, Warner Home Vídeo
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