CHARIOTS OF FIRE
CHARIOTS OF FIRE
This film marked the beginning of the golden era of heritage cinema. Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross) is an ambitious English Jew running for fame and recognition, while Eric is a humble Scotsman motivated by running for the glory of God and country. Their ideals clash on and off the treadmill.
It is safe to say that this film began the golden age of heritage cinema – a movement initiated in the 1940s and flourishing in the 80s and 90s thanks to the success of CHARIOTS OF FIRE. Visual splendor, intimate stories from a bygone era, and a subtle social commentary hidden beneath longing glances and polite gestures will define heritage cinema.
Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross) is an ambitious English Jew running for fame and recognition, while Eric is a humble Scotsman motivated by running for the glory of God and country. Their ideals clash both on and off the treadmill. The fight for a medal also becomes a fight for acceptance and recognition outside the sports halls. The competitive spirit hovers in the air between the proudly fluttering British flags and the film's solemnity is complemented by the now iconic music of Vangelis (author of the soundtrack to such films as BLADE RUNNER, 1492: CONQUEST OF PARADISE and ALEXANDER). It is mainly thanks to the work of the Greek composer that the film is still alive in pop culture.
Director Hugh Hudson captivated audiences and the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences with his debut, returning from the Oscars with four statuettes, including one for Best Picture. Although he was later recognised for his upcoming film GREYSTOKE: THE LEGEND OF TARZAN, LORD OF THE APES (nominated for Oscars, and BAFTA awards), it was through his story of the 1924 Olympic Games that he made history.
Dominika Stachowiak
