On Wings of Eagles
Reverent tribute to Olympic champ has some violence.
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On Wings of Eagles
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that On Wings of Eagles is a biography of Olympic gold medalist Eric Liddell's life after the 1924 Olympics when he returned to China, where he was placed in an internment camp by the invading Japanese army. Wartime violence includes bombings, soldiers raiding, beatings with rifle butts, and people being whipped. Mildly gory, bloody injuries are shown. A child is killed in a bombing and another is killed on an electric fence. There are also several scenes of a nosebleed from illness with blood dripping and smearing. There's one use of "dammit," and a few people are seen smoking cigarettes. Married couples kiss a few times.
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What's the Story?
ON WINGS OF EAGLES tells the story of the later life of Olympic gold medalist Eric Liddell (Joseph Fiennes), famously called "The Flying Scotsman," who competed for Britain in track and field in 1924. After the Olympics and completing his education, he returned to China, where he was born to missionary parents and where his faith called him to teach chemistry and English. When Japan invaded China, Liddell sent his family back to Great Britain while he stayed on to help those most impacted by the invasion. When World War II broke out, Liddell was placed in an internment camp. Despite many hardships, his faith never wavered, and he never hesitated to put others first, even at great cost to himself.
Is It Any Good?
This movie treats its subject with a great deal of reverence, but it falls short of really showing viewers who Eric Liddell really was. On Wings of Eagles credits three writers and two directors, which might be why some of the events and characters are hard to follow or place in context. The acting and production quality are overall very good, but many viewers might feel like they're watching character types do pretty much what you'd expect them to do instead of helping us get to know them. Viewers who share Liddell's belief in the power of prayer may not mind the shortcomings and be able to appreciate Liddell's nearly flawless example of keeping the faith.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in On Wings of Eagles. How much is too much? Is it there for a reason, like to help tell the story, or is it gratuitous? Why?
Is Eric Liddell a positive role model? What are his character strengths and weaknesses?
How much did you know about events in China during the 1930s and 1940s? Did you know that Japan invaded China? Did any of the events in the story surprise you? Where could you go to learn more?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: February 3, 2023
- Cast: Joseph Fiennes, Shawn Dou
- Directors: Stephen Shin, Michael Parker
- Studio: Archstone Distribution
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts, Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, History
- Character Strengths: Compassion, Courage
- Run time: 108 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: for some violent images.
- Last updated: February 3, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
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Chariots of Fire
Brilliant true story of 1924 Olympic footrace.
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Empire of the Sun
Beautiful but grim WWII saga through a boy's eyes.
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Run the Race
Touchdown for faith-based fans; underage drinking.
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