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Parents' Guide to

Chariots of Fire

By Nell Minow, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

Brilliant true story of 1924 Olympic footrace.

Movie PG 1981 124 minutes
Chariots of Fire Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 11+

Based on 8 parent reviews

Susan M.
Susan M. Parent of 9 and 11-year-old
November 24, 2018
age 8+

Running, Faith, and Courage

This is a great movie using the story of the British Mens Olympic Team to highlight and contrast the experiences of two men: one is a Jew who feels the outsider status implied in every snide remark or limp handshake. The other is a Scottish missionary who has to balance his fervor for sharing God's word and his desire to run. The cast is rounded out by aristocracy and upper class British values. The nudity is a man's backside in the shower during a panning shot in a locker room. I read that the producers put this in to make sure the movie didn't receive a G rating back in the 80s--which would have doomed it from serious artistic/Academy consideration.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
1 person found this helpful.
Ashnak
Ashnak Adult
April 9, 2008
age 8+

Stand up for what you believe in

Great movie with strong moral spine
1 person found this helpful.
See all 8 parent reviews

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 12 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?

Our review:
Parents say (8 ):
Kids say (12 ):

This film is 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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why running was so important to the men in Chariots of Fire. Was it different for different athletes? Why does Harold Abrahams think of quitting when he loses to Liddell?

  • Why doesn't Eric's sister want him to race? Why does he race despite her objections?

  • Why don't the teachers at Harold Abrahams' school think it is appropriate to have a coach? Would anyone think that today?

  • How do the characters in Chariots of Fire demonstrate integrity and perseverance? What about compassion and courage? Why are these important character strengths?

Movie Details

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