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.
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Chariots of Fire
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 11; suggested age 11. -
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
About Chariots of Fire
Parents need to know that there is little to worry about content-wise.
Read our full review by Nell Minow
Families Can Talk About
- 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?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Interesting...But Not Great
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give itMy 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.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
- 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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