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Chariots of Fire

1981 · Movie · PG · 123 min · ★ 6.8 · 81% critics

DramaHistory

In early-1920s Britain, two driven runners prepare for the Paris Olympics while navigating a society shaped by class divisions, prejudice, and faith. As training intensifies, personal convictions and outside pressures force hard choices about ambition, identity, and what they’re willing to sacrifice for their goals.

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Details
Years
1981
Release date
1981-05-15
Language
English
Rated
PG
Runtime
123 min
Critic score
81/100
TMDB rating
6.8/10 (1,039 votes)
Box office
$59,303,359
Budget
$5,500,000
About

You’ll likely enjoy this if you want an uplifting, character-focused sports drama about conviction, faith, and prejudice, with a classic, stately feel; Not for you if you need fast pacing or constant action like Eight Men Out.

Pros: inspiring true-story drive; iconic music and mood; strong period detail | Cons: slow middle stretch; too many side characters; some race scenes awkward

Themes

  • underdog
  • sports
  • scotland
  • missionary
  • olympic games
  • jewry
  • patriotism
  • mayor
  • praline
  • olympian sports team
  • ambition
  • based on true story
  • +10 more

Awards & recognition

  • Academy AwardBest Writing, Original Screenplay · 1982
  • Academy AwardBest Costume Design · 1982
  • Academy AwardBest Picture · 1982
  • Academy AwardBest Original Score · 1982
  • National Board of Review AwardBest Film · 1981
Show all 13 awards →
  • Toronto International Film Festival People's Choice Award · 1981
  • Academy AwardBest Costume Design · 1982 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Supporting Actor · 1982 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Film Editing · 1982 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Original Score · 1982 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Writing, Original Screenplay · 1982 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Picture · 1982 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Director · 1982 · nominated

Cast & crew

Directed by Hugh Hudson