Netflix Blurb: Two very different runners — hotshot Jewish Cambridge scholar Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross) and rigid Presbyterian missionary Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson) — compete for the British team in the 1924 Olympics, facing intense pressure and complex personal tests of faith. Hugh Hudson directs this edifying 1981 Best Picture Oscar winner, which is based on a true story. Ian Holm co-stars as Abrahams’s mentor, Sam Mussabini.
This is such a good movie to watch in preparation for the Olympics. Pop it in the queue so you have something to watch when your favorite venues are dark.
I’m old enough that I saw this in the theater when it first came out. I’m pretty sure that I also had the soundtrack, if you can believe it. I’m not sure why but I think my dad bought the cassette for his car. This is a classic for a reason. There are winners and losers but everyone is polite, well-dressed and good looking.
I had this movie in the background while doing some work around the house but I was still captivated by the stunning visuals and the excellent characterization. It is impossible to watch this movie and not know Harold’s motivation or understand the important of Eric’s faith to him. I will caution you not to go browsing through the internet while watching the movie – a good deal of poetic license has been taken when it comes to sequencing and minor characters. Just take my word for it. Yes, the unnecessary voice over is part of this issue. Forget it’s there and just focus on the main characters of Harold and Eric – that’s what we’re meant to do anyway.
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