42 years after its release, this great cinema classic is back on the big screen and will thrill you!
Released in 1981, Chariots of Fire was a real phenomenon! Directed by Hugh Hudson, the film won 4 Oscars in 1982: Best Film, Best Original Screenplay, Best Costumes and Best Music composed by maestro Vangelis.
42 years after its release, Chariots of Fire has become a great cinema classic. Hugh Hudson loosely adapted the true story of two British athletes at the 1924 games in France.
A POINTING TRUE STORY
English Jewish sprinter Harold Abrahams runs to combat anti-Semitic prejudice. His compatriot and opponent, “the flying Scotsman” Eric Liddell, runs to affirm his Christian faith. This is the first feature film directed by Hugh Hudson, who would later direct another notable work: Greystoke, the Legend of Tarzan.
An intense and powerful drama, Chariots of Fire is carried by the brilliant Ben Cross and Ian Charleson. The two actors deliver an exceptional performance, brilliantly portraying the rivalry between their characters, but also their shared admiration.
MUSIC TOUCHED BY GRACE
The score of Chariots of Fire is one of the greatest successes of the feature film. Epic and grandiose, it is considered one of the most beautiful film scores of all time. Whether you have already seen this work or not, you have most certainly already heard its now legendary theme.
Signed by the Greek composer Vangelis, this music accompanies the memorable race of the athletes by the sea which opens and concludes Hugh Hudson’s film. While the latter wanted to use The Childincluded in Vangelis’ album Opéra sauvage (1979), the musician offered him an original piece which met with the expected success.
THE MYTHICAL THEME OF VANGELIS
A successful bet for the composer who therefore won the Oscar for Best Music, and gave birth to a soundtrack that is now cult throughout the world.
Note that a certain Kenneth Branagh makes his very first appearance in the cinema in Chariots of Fire. Long before directing Henry V, Thor or more recently Mystery in Venice, the actor and filmmaker was an intern on the set of the feature film. He was offered the opportunity to be an extra for a very short sequence.
Besides, he wasn’t the only one in this situation! A very young Stephen Fry, then a student at Cambridge, is also hidden in a shot of the film. Nice coincidence: a few years later the actor would play the title role in the feature film Peter’s Friends directed by Kenneth Branagh.
A BOX OFFICE SUCCESS
Produced for a small budget of 5.5 million dollars, Les Chariots grossed 59 internationally. Released in France on May 22, 1981, following its presentation at the Cannes Film Festival, the feature film did not attract crowds, achieving only 312,931 admissions.
Fun fact: Chariots of Fire is the favorite film of the 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden. If you’ve never seen this great classic, rush to theaters on October 11!