CHARIOTS OF FIRE is a very interesting movie with a good story and a great score. However, at the end, I wasn't near as inspired as I thought I would be. The movie is quite slow, but I have no problem with the pace. It's the execution of the story that feels choppy. On the plus side, however, the film features an amazing score by Vangelis and some great acting performances by Ian Holm, Ian Charleson, and Alice Krige. The dialogue is well-written. This isn't a bad movie, but the fact that it beat out brilliant RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK for Best Picture in 1981 stuns me. The only thing standing between this movie and a G-rating is one "s" word (which was dubbed in by the director so he could get a PG rating). Other than that, there is no language, no violence, and no sexual content/nudity. Drinking was hardly noticeable.
Chariots of Fire
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Brilliant true story of 1924 Olympic footrace.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 11 and Up
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Chariots of Fire was written by Nell Minow
Parents need to know that there is little to worry about content-wise.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about why running was so important to these men. Was it different for different athletes? Why does Harold Abrahams think of quitting when he loses to Liddell? Have you ever felt that way? What did you do? Why doesn't Eric's sister want him to race? Why does he race despite her objections? Why don't the teachers at Harold Abraham's school think it is appropriate to have a coach? Would anyone think that today?
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More on Chariots of Fire
What’s the Story?
CHARIOTS OF FIRE depicts the true story of two athletes who ran in the 1924 Olympics: Jewish Cambridge student Harold (Ben Cross), and Scottish missionary Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson). On Abrahams' first day at Cambridge, new students are encouraged to achieve for themselves and for those who were lost in World War I, which has just ended. Abrahams is a bit arrogant, but finds friends and impresses everyone by being the first to run the entire quad within the twelve strokes of the clock at noon. Liddell is deeply committed to missionary work, but sets the work aside to become a great runner. Abrahams is devastated when he loses to Liddell, but both men make the Olympic team. There is a crisis when Liddell's event is scheduled for a Sunday, because he will not run on the Sabbath. But Lord Lindsay (Nigel Havers) graciously allows Liddell his place in a different event, "for the pleasure of seeing you run." Both athletes face difficult choices and much opposition. One uses a coach, in defiance of tradition and expectations. The other goes against the wishes of his sister, and even defies the Prince of Wales.
Is It Any Good?
Wonderfully evocative of the time and place, with superb performances, Chariots of Fire shows us the source of the runners' determination, for one a need to prove his worth to himself and the society that discriminates against him, for the other, a way of connecting to God. The film deservedly won the Oscars for best picture, screenplay, costume design, and music.
Both men must take a stand in order to realize their athletic dreams. Abrahams deals with prejudices against his religion, while Liddell confronts the conflict between the dictates of his religion and the requirements of the sport (including the entreaties of the heir to the throne) when he is asked to compete on the Sabbath.
Movie Details
Studio: Warner Bros., Director: Hugh Hudson
Run time: 124 minutes
Theatrical release: 5/20/1981
MPAA Rating: PG
Run time: 124 minutes
Theatrical release: 5/20/1981
MPAA Rating: PG
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Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Interesting...But Not Great
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I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
Be aware that althought this movie is positive, it does contain a lot of drinking & smoking as well as brief nudity.
The story is positive and I really admire someone for standing for something (in this case a runner who chooses not to run on the Sunday as it is the Sabbath day). However, parents should know there is a lot of drinking and smoking throughout the movie - especially by athletes. Also, a male locker room scene that displays brief nudity.
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Stand up for what you believe in
Great movie with strong moral spine
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Ratings at a Glance
| 50% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 50% | of parents say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking |
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