And the Best Picture goes to....

“Chariots of Fire” is a film that tells the story of two British runners competing in the 1924 Olympics and focuses on their struggles with faith, friendship, and athletic ambition. While the film has its moments, I was not particularly impressed.  

Don’t get me wrong—the costumes were great and the cinematography is beautiful, showcasing the picturesque landscapes of both England and the Olympic stadium in Paris. The iconic Vangelis score is memorable and it certainly sets an uplifting tone that resonates with many viewers. However, I found the pacing to be quite slow at times, which made it hard to stay engaged throughout the film.

The performances are decent but felt somewhat uneven. While Ben Cross and Ian Charleson both delivered sincere portrayals of Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell, many of the other characters didn’t develop in a way that captured my interest. The storyline, while well-intentioned, sometimes felt drawn out and lacking the emotional punch that one might expect from a sports drama focusing on such ambitious themes.

My personal opinion, I believe that this may be another case where Academy voters were split between two films, most likely “Reds” and “On Golden Pond”, allowing this film to walk away with the Best Picture prize

In summary, “Chariots of Fire” had many positive elements going for it, like friendship, competition and inspiration, but it didn’t quite reach the heights it aims for. It’s worth a watch for fans of sports dramas or those interested in Olympic history, but it may not be for everyone.