At its most simple, Chariots of Fire is about two rival sprinters from the UK who compete against each other and who both represent the same nation (Great Brittan) in the 1924 Olympic Games.
Of course, this is not that simplistic of a movie. Far more goes on here than just two guys trying to beat each other to the finish line. All in all, Chariots of Fire is about the reason people compete. Why do we do the things we do? What is a proper motive to aspire to greatness? And ultimately, is there a right and wrong way to acheive greatness? These two runners, so equal in talent and ability, each approach the sport of running in very different ways and for very different purposes.
Eric Liddell is a Scottish runner, dubbed "Scotland's finest wing." He runs instinctually and with obvious pleasure. His form is terrible -head back, arms flailing -but his speed is breathtaking and his spirit unquenchable. He was also a dedicated Christian, raised by missionaries to China he eventually returned as a missionary to China himself and died during the Japanese occupation in WW2. Why does Eric run? Well, as Rev. Liddell (Eric's father) says to him, "You can praise God by peeling a spud, if you peel it to perfection. But don't compromise. Compromise is a language of the devil. Run in God's name, and let the world stand back in wonder." And as Eric say to his sister Jenny, "I believe God made me for a purpose. For China. But he also made me fast! And when I run I feel his pleasure!"
The challenge to Eric comes when his faith is pitted against his running. He is schedueld for a heat on a Sunday, but in his way of thinking the Sunday is the Sabbath and not a day for running. Thus, Eric refuses to run on Sunday. Now, I disagree with his theology of Sabbath, but I cannot do anything but admire Eric's stubborn insistance on doing only what he believed to be right, even in the face of being ordered to run by his future king. Why does Eric run? To glorify God. He will not run if it means breaking God's law. By the end we see how Eric's desire to honor God brings him honor as well.
In very high contrast to Eric stands Harold Abrahams. Harold runs not for the glory of God but in headlong pursuit of personal glory. As a Jew living in England Harold has always felt, as he puts it, "semi-deprived." He has throughout life been ostracized, "led to water but not allowed to drink." He thus regards his running as a weapon, a way to prove that he is just as much a man as any other. He centers his whole identity around running; training night and day, hiring the best coach, studying his opponents. Harold feels that if he doesn't win he will not prove his value.
Yet even for Harold there is hope. By the end Harold wonders if his determination to win will bring about everything he hopes. Speaking to Aubrey just before his big race Harold says, "And now in one hour's time I will be out there again. I will raise my eyes and look down that corridor; 4 feet wide, with 10 lonely seconds to justify my whole existence. But WILL I? I've known the fear of losing, but now I'm almost too frightened to win!" Harold needs to wrap his head around whether there is more to life than winning, and what he hopes to gain. That Harold avoids the limelight of glory at the end tells us that he has grown.
Of course there is more that goes on than just this. Chariots of Fire is also about prejudice, the pathetic politics of national pride, the division between commoner and royalty, and the ideals of amateurism vs. professionalism. It touches on the condescending nature of those who presume to judge the motives of other's hearts. And it helps us to understand when it is appropriate to participate vicariously in the success of others.
It's a great movie. With an unforgetable 80's musical score.
Entertainment: 8/10
Artistic value: 10/10
Technical merit: 8/10
Overall: 9.5/10
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