Movie Classic : Chariots Of Fire (1981 - Original Release - 2024 - Reissue) *****

Starring : Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, Nigel Havers, Nicholas Farrell, Ian Holm, John Gielgud, Lindsay Anderson, Cheryl Campbell, Alice Krige, Struan Rodger, Nigel Davenport, Patrick Magee, David Yelland, Peter Egan, Daniel Gerroll, Brad Davis and Dennis Christopher

Director : Hugh Hudson

Duration Running Time : (approx) 2 Hours 4 Minutes (124 Mins)

Certification Rating Certificate : (1981) - U. (2024) - 12A.

Distribution : (1981) - Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Allied Stars Ltd, Enigma Productions (2024) - Warner Bros Pictures, (A Time Warner Company) The Ladd Company, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Allied Stars Ltd, Enigma Productions

The history of the sports movie is quite fascinating as they are a captivating unique genre in cinema, showcasing the thrill, drama, and also the triumph of notable athletic endeavours - and so here what follows are examples of some notable sports movies.

'HOOSIERS' - (released in some countries as 'BEST SHOT' (1986) : Directed by David Anspaugh - featuring Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey and also Dennis Hopper - the film in question is set in 1950's Indiana, and follows Norman Dale (Hackman), a coach with a chequered past who trains a small-town high school basketball team to become contenders for the state championship.

'ROCKY' (1976) : Directed by John G.Avilsden - featuring Sylvester Stallone, Burt Young, Talia Shire, Carl Weathers, Tony Burton and also Burgess Meredith - the film in question tells of the iconic story of Rocky Balboa, (Stallone), a small-time boxer from Philadelphia who gets a rare chance to fight the world heavyweight championship.

Stallone's portrayal of Rocky Balboa remains legendary as it took him at least three and a half days to write the screenplay shortly after watching the championship fight between Muhammad Ali and Chuck Wepner that originally took place at Richfield Coliseum originally situated in Richfield, Ohio, on March 24, 1975. Wepner, in question was TKO'd in the 15th round of the match by Ali, with few expecting him to last along as he did.

However, despite the match motivating Stallone to begin work on 'ROCKY', he has denied Wepner in question any inspiration for the script.

Other inspiration for the film in question may have included the characteristics of 'real-life' boxers Rocco Francis Marchegiano (aka Rocky Marciano) and also Joseph William Frazier (nicknamed as ''Smokin Joe'') as well as Rocky Graziano's - aka Thomas Rocco Barbella - his real name) autobiography ''SOMEBODY UP THERE LIKES ME'' and also the film of the same name released in 1956, directed by Robert Wise and featuring future Academy Award Winner Paul Newman and Pier Angeli.

Wepner in question had sued Stallone and eventually settled for an undisclosed amount.

The film was nominated for 'TEN ACADEMY AWARDS' including a 'BEST SCREENPLAY' nomination for Stallone and won at least 'THREE' - 'BEST PICTURE' - Robert Chartoff and Irwin Winkler, 'BEST DIRECTOR' - John G. Avilsden, and also 'BEST FILM EDITING' - Richard Halsey and Scott Conrad.

'FIELD OF DREAMS' (1989) : Directed by Phil Alden Robinson - featuring Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones, as Terence Mann, an activist, Ray Liotta, and Burt Lancaster (his final role) as Archibald 'Moonlight' Graham.

The film in question described as an American sports fantasy drama film and based on W.P. Kinsella's novel 'SHOELESS JOE' originally published in 1982, Kinsella is a Canadian novelist and features Costner as Ray Kinsella, an Iowa farmer, who hears a mysterious voice urging him to turn his cornfield into a baseball field that attracts the ghosts of baseball legends that include the likes of Shoeless Joe Jackson (Liotta) and also the Chicago Black Sox - this film - which by the way - is a magical film - also explores the many themes throughout including dreams, family, James Horner's magnificent music score - and more importantly - the love of the game.

'RAGING BULL' (1980) : Directed by Martin Scorsese - featuring Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci, Cathy Moriarty, Theresa Saldana, Frank Vincent and Nicholas Colasanto (in his final film role).

This in question, is in fact, an adaptation of former middleweight boxing champion Jake La Motta's memoir 'RAGING BULL : MY STORY' originally published in 1970, (fifty-four years ago). It follows the career of La Motta (DeNiro), his rise and also his fall in the boxing scene, and also his turbulent personal life beset by rage and also jealousy.

'MILLION DOLLAR BABY' (2004) : Directed by Clint Eastwood - featuring Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank and Morgan Freeman. Eastwood in question, not only directs and stars, from a screenplay written by Paul Haggis and also based on stories from the collection in 2000 and entitled as 'ROPE BURNS : STORIES FROM THE CORNER' by F.X.Toole, the pen-name of Jerry Boyd, a fight manager and also cutman, but also co-produced and even wrote the music score as well - the film in question - follows Margaret 'Maggie' Fitzgerald (Swank), an underdog amateur boxer who is helped by Frankie Dunn (Eastwood), an underappreciated boxing trainer to achieve her dream.

'THE FIGHTER' (2010) : Directed by David O. Russell - featuring Mark Wahlberg, (who also produced), Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Melissa Leo.

The film in question, centres on the lives of Micky Ward (Wahlberg), a professional boxer, and also Dicky Eklund (Bale), his older half-brother and a former boxer.

The film in question, was also inspired by the 1995 documentary featuring the Eklund-Ward family entitled as 'HIGH ON CRACK STREET : LOST LIVES IN LOWELL'.

And now in 2024, as we approach the Summer Olympic Games situated in Paris, France, it is only right that 'CHARIOTS OF FIRE' originally released back in 1981, is being reissued back in movie theaters so that a new generation can appreciate seeing a golden movie classic on a big screen.

The film directed by Hugh Hudson, it weaves together many themes of running, class distinctions, and also the human dignity - so here what follows are some key points throughout.

1 : 'PLOT SUMMARY'

. The film in question, is set in the years after WWI, and also revolves around two athletes : Harold Abrahams (Cross), a Jewish man, and also Eric Liddell (Charleson), a Scotsman, and also a Christian as well.

. Abrahams faces many challenges - this is due to his outsider status within the British class system, while Liddell grapples with his religious convictions (he refuses to run on Sundays).

. Both of these men in question, find solace and also the purpose in running for their beloved country - by simply using it as a unique means to assert their dignities and also to overcome their societal barriers.

. The film opens in London 1978, with a memorial service for Abrahams - and then flashes back to their university days at Cambridge in the 1920's.

. The nostalgia for their youthful glory days - is also a central theme throughout.

2 : 'THEMES'

'HUMAN NATURE' : 'CHARIOTS OF FIRE' uses the art of running as a metaphor for larger statements about human nature.

'CLASS DISTINCTIONS' : The film in question - critiques - 'THE BRITISH CLASS SYSTEM' - by highlighting how it affected Abrahams' sense of belonging.

'MUSIC' : The evocative soundtrack by Vangelis Papathanassiou, a Greek film composer, adds to the film's emotional impact.

3 : 'REVIEW'

. The movie in question, is British and also very patriotic, by celebrating the many achievements of these athletes.

. It also resonates with movie audiences throughout through poignant moments, precise cinematography - courtesy of David Watkin - and also the memorable soundtrack.

. Overall, 'CHARIOTS OF FIRE' - in question - is a powerful portrayal of determination, heroism, and also - the passage of time - but also that in summary that the film remains as 'a timeless classic' - by simply capturing the spirit of athletic pursuit and also the complexities of the human experience.

And then there's also the fascinating connection between 'CHARIOTS OF FIRE' (the film) and also the '1924 PARIS OLYMPICS' (the original sporting event).

A : 'CHINA'S OLYMPIC DEBUT' :

. The 1924 Paris Olympics had originally marked 'CHINA'S FIRST EVER APPEARANCE' in an Olympic Venue.

. Although Chinese tennis originally signed up to compete, they also ultimately withdrew from the tennis competition.

. 'ERIC LIDDELL' , a British runner, who had later inspired 'CHARIOTS OF FIRE' (the film), had won gold in the '400 METERS'.

Born in China, to Scottish missionary parents, Liddell in question had returned to China as a missionary teacher - after his Olympic victory.

B : 'CHARIOTS OF FIRE' :

. The film in question, had in fact 'IMMORTALIZED' Eric Liddell's 'true story', emphasising his 'COMMITMENT' - to both his 'TRUE FAITH' and also his athletics.

. Liddell's 'GOLD MEDAL WIN' in the '400 METERS' - had become as a pivotal moment in the film.

. Interestingly, Liddell's unique decision to return to China, in question, after the Olympics is also 'DOCUMENTED IN HISTORICAL RECORDS'.

C : 'PARIS 2024' :

. And so as we fast-forward to the present-day, the 2024 Paris Olympics continue 'THE LEGACY OF THE 1924 GAMES' - 'ONE HUNDRED YEARS LATER'.

. But also that while some aspects have changed (much to the inclusion of new sports), the spirit of athletic prowess and also the cultural exchange remains.

. The stadium that hosted the 1924 Olympics is 'NOW READY TO WELCOME THE MANY PARTICIPANTS AND ALSO THE MANY SPECTATORS' once again.

. 'PARIS 2024' will feature at least 329 'MEDAL EVENTS' across at least 32 'SPORTS', showcasing 'THE EVOLUTION OF THE GAMES'.

And in summary, the intertwining of 'HISTORY', 'ATHLETICISM', and also the 'HUMAN STORIES' that continues to captivate us , whether on the track, or even through the lens of cinema - SO ENJOY THE GAMES - AND WATCH RESPONSIBLY.

Meanwhile Lord David Puttnam, a film producer, was originally looking for a story in the mould of 'A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS' (1966), regarding someone who follows his conscience, and had felt that the sport had provided the clear unique situations in this sense, when in 1977, 'four years earlier' he discovered Eric Liddell's story by sheer accident, when he happened upon 'AN APPROVED HISTORY OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES', this was a reference book on the Olympics, while housebound from the flu, in a rented house situated in Malibu.

Then Colin Welland, a screenwriter, and commissioned by Puttnam, did an enormous amount of research for his Academy-Award winning script.

Now, among other things, he also took out advertisements in London newspapers seeking memories of the 1924 Olympics, and also went to the National Film Archives for pictures and also footage of the 1924 Olympics, and also interviewed everyone involved who was still alive.

Welland just missed Abrahams who 'passed away' on January 14, 1978, but that he did attend Abrahams' February 1978 memorial service, which had inspired the present-day framing device of the film.

Then Evelyn Aubrey Montague's son saw Welland's newspaper ad and sent him copies of the letter that his father had sent home - and which had also gave Welland something to use as a narrative bridge in the film, also just for the record the character of Aubrey Montague in question, was portrayed by Nicholas Farrell.

Except for changes in the greetings of the letters from ''DARLING MUMMY'' to ''DEAR MUM'' and also the change from Oxford to Cambridge, that all of the readings from Montague's letters are from the originals.

Welland's original script was also featured in addition to Harold Abrahams and also Eric Liddell, there was also a 'THIRD PROTAGONIST' known as Douglas Lowe, winner of the 'GOLD MEDALLIST' in 1924, and who was also presented as a 'PRIVILEGED ARISTOCRATIC ATHLETE', however, Lowe, in question, 'HAD SIMPLY REFUSED TO HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE FILM' - and that his original character was 'WRITTEN OUT' and also 'REPLACED' by 'THE FICTIONAL CHARACTER' of Lord Andrew Lindsay - portrayed by Nigel Havers.

The initial financing was provided by Goldcrest Films, an independent, British distribution, production, post-production, and also a finance company, and who then sold the project in question to Allied Stars, owned by Mohamed Al-Fayed, an Egyptian billionaire businessman, whose residence and also primary business interests in general were in fact in the UK from the mid 1960's, but had also kept a 'PERCENTAGE OF THE FILM'S PROFITS', but also that his business interests included the Hotel Ritz situated in Paris, and also the Harrods Department Store as well as Fulham FC, a Premiership football club, both situated in the heart of London, but at the time of his 'passing' in 2023, Fayed's wealth in question was worth US$2 bn (￡1,547,600,000.00 - UK).

Fayed was married to Samira Khashoggi from 1954-1956 and that they had a son named Emad El-Din Mohamed Abdel Mena'em Fayed (his real name) but was also known to many as Dodi, an Egyptian film executive producer, whose film credits include the following : 'BREAKING GLASS'(1980), 'CHARIOTS OF FIRE' (1981), 'F/X'(1986), 'F/X2' (1991) 'HOOK' (also 1991) and also 'THE SCARLET LETTER' (1995), but perhaps that he was romantically involved in a relationship with Diana, 'THE PRINCESS OF WALES' and who was previously married to Prince Charles - now King Charles III - but on August 31, 1997, that they both died in a car crash in Paris.

Also Ian Charleson, had originally wrote the character of Eric Liddell's speech to the post-race workingmen's crowd at the Scotland Vs England races.

Charleson, who in question, had 'STUDIED THE BIBLE' intentionally in preparation for the role of Liddell, had told Hugh Hudson, the film director, that he didn't feel the portentous and also the sanctimonious 'scripted speech' was either classed as authentic or even inspiring, but both Hudson and also Welland had allowed him to simply write the words that he personally found as quite inspirational instead.

Puttnam in question, had chosen Hudson, who was an ultimate award-winning advertising and also a documentary filmmaker who by the way had never helmed a feature film such as 'CHARIOTS OF FIRE' in his entire life, and that both Hudson and Puttnam in question, had also known each other since the 1960's when Puttnam was an advertising executive and Hudson was making films for ad agencies - and by 1977, Hudson, in question, had also been as a 'second-unit director' for 'MIDNIGHT EXPRESS' which Puttnam had co-produced with Alan Marshall and directed by Sir Alan Parker.

The film released in 1978, is based on a true story and is classed as a prison drama film adapted by Oliver Stone who wrote the screenplay and is based on William 'Billy' Hayes along with William Hoffer memoir of the same name.

It centres on Hayes (Brad Davis), a young American student, who on October 6, 1970, straps at least 2 kg (4.4 lb) of hashish bricks to his chest and is about to board a plane with Susan (Irene Miracle), his American girlfriend back to the US when he is arrested by the police, then strip-searched and is then sent to a Turkish prison for smuggling 'hashish' out of the country, the film's title is prison slang for his escape attempt and also features a supporting cast including Bo Hopkins, Paul L. Smith, Randy Quaid and Sir John Hurt, also Davis's performance as Billy Hayes was mesmerising that he was selected to portray Jackson Scholz, an American athlete along with Dennis Christopher who also portrays Charley Paddock, also an American athlete who both take part in the 1924 Paris Olympics - although the real location of the Olympic Stadium was shot in Bebington, Wirral, Merseyside.

Since its original release in 1981, the film in question won at least 'FOUR ACADEMY AWARDS' and was originally nominated for at least 'SEVEN' - and also that when Welland went to collect his award for 'BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY' - he famously announced that - 'THE BRITISH ARE COMING' - and true to his word that Welland - was 'spot on' - because the following year (1982) when 'GANDHI' the biographical epic story of Mahatma Gandhi (Sir Ben Kingsley) produced and directed by Lord Sir Richard "Dickie'' Attenborough came out it was 'NOMINATED FOR ELEVEN ACADEMY AWARDS' and won only 'EIGHT' including both 'BEST PICTURE' and also 'BEST DIRECTOR' for Attenborough as well as 'BEST ACTOR' for Kingsley as well - it was just the beginning - plus when 'CHARIOTS OF FIRE' (the film's title was originally inspired by the line 'BRING ME MY CHARIOT OF FIRE' from the William Blake poem adapted into the British hymn and also the 'UNOFFICIAL English anthem ''JERUSALEM'' - also the original phrase ''chariot(s) of fire'' is from 2 Kings 2: 11 and also 6:17 in the Bible) was reissued in 2012 (the first time) for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, there was also a stage show based on the film - and now that the 2024 Summer Olympics are just about to begin in Paris - the film is reissued (yet again - for the second time) for a new audience who just want to experience a unique true story and also shown on the big screen in movie theaters throughout - this is your chance to see this while you still can because this is one of the finest British movies of all time - but it is also one of these feel good films that makes you very proud and also sticks into the minds long after you've seen this.

THIS IS A UNIQUE MASTERPIECE OF A MONUMENTAL MOVIE FEATURING A MASTERPIECE IN CINEMATIC HISTORY - AND SHOULD BE SEEN - ON THE BIG SCREEN - FOR THE 'FULL-ON' CINEMA EXPERIENCE - IT IS ALSO ONE OF THESE THAT YOU SIMPLY HAVE TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE !

DON'T MISS IT !

David M.G Mitchell.

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