Based on a true story, Chariots of Fire is the internationally acclaimed Oscar-winning drama of two very different men who compete as runners in the 1924 Paris Olympics. Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), a serious Christian Scotsman, believes that he has to succeed as a testament to his undying religious faith. Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross), is a Jewish Englishman who wants desperately to be accepted and prove to the world that Jews are not inferior. The film crosscuts between each man's life as he trains for the competition, fueled by these very different desires. As compelling as the racing scenes are, it's really the depth of the two main characters that touches the viewer, as they forcefully drive home the theme that victory attained through devotion, commitment, integrity, and sacrifice is the most admirable feat that one can achieve. (Ian Holm was nominated for an Oscar as Best Supporting Actor in his role as Abrahams' coach), and this powerful film ended up with four Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Costume Design, and Best Original Score. Don Kaye, Rovi
- Genre: Drama
- Category Period Film, Sports Drama
- Theme: Obsessive Quests, Underdogs, Faltering Friendships, In Training, Success is the Best Revenge, Class Differences
- Studio: Warner Home Video
- Run Time: 02 hr 04 min
- Language: English, French
- Subtitle Language: Spanish, French, English
- Picture Format: widescreen
- Format: DVD
- Release Date: January 4, 2011
- Lead Actor: Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, Nigel Havers, Ian Holm, Nicholas Farrell
- Supporting Actor: John Gielgud, Daniel Gerroll, John Young, Yves Beneyton, Benny Young, Gordon Hammersley, Rosy Clayton, Nigel Davenport, Philip O'Brien, Kim Clifford, James Usher, David John, Colin Bruce, John Rutland, Peter Cellier, Richard Griffiths, Andrew Hawkins, Ed Wiley, Yvonne Gilan, Alan Polonsky, Jeremy Sinden, Jack Smethurst, Peter Egan, David Yelland, Ruby Wax, Robin Pappas, Brad Davis, Dennis Christopher, Patrick Magee, Struan Rodger, Cheryl Campbell, Lindsay Anderson, Alice Krige
- Director: Hugh Hudson
awards
- Awards: Academy Awards (4), Cannes Film Festival Film Festival (1)
- Winner: Academy Awards, Best Picture, 1981, David Puttnam
- Winner: Cannes Film Festival, Best Supporting Actor, 1981, Ian Holm
- Winner: Academy Awards, Best Original Screenplay, 1981, Colin Welland
- Winner: Academy Awards, Best Score, 1981, Vangelis
- Winner: Academy Awards, Best Costume Design, 1981, Milena Canonero
- Nominations: Academy Awards (3)
- Nominee: Academy Awards, Best Director, 1981, Hugh Hudson
- Nominee: Academy Awards, Best Supporting Actor, 1981, Ian Holm
- Nominee: Academy Awards, Best Editing, 1981, Terry Rawlings
