Chariots of Fire

When Colin Welland received an Oscar for his screenplay for Chariots of Fire he famously pronounced, "The British are Coming" in his acceptance speech.

Quite whether this was the case or not is a different matter. The fact that the film won the Best Picture award against some stiff competition did come as something of a surprise to many though.

The film also picked up Best Screen Play and Best Score. Indeed, the slow-motion running sequence, complete with Vangelis' electronic synth (very 80s) score made for perhaps the most memorable aspect of the film.

The 1981-film, directed by Hugh Hudson and produced by David Puttnam, tells the true story of two competitors of the 1924 Olympics. Englishman Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross) and Scotsman Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson) are two characters who could not be more different in their personal beliefs and lives.

Abrahams is a freshman at Cambridge University. He is running to prove his worth as a man, personal satisfaction, and to prove the worth of Jewish men and women.

Eric Liddell is a devoted citizen of Scotland who believes deeply in his church and the teachings of God. He is a devout Christian and leads a model life. Being devoutly religious, Liddle even refused to run his qualifying heat because it falls on a Sunday.

Despite their differences, the two men do have one thing in common, their drive for excellence. The film charts their rise to success, despite the obstacles they have to face. It's an examination of whether Liddle and Abrahams were made by their beliefs or shackled by them.

Also worth noting is Ian Holm. Holm received the only acting Oscar nomination, that of Best Supporting Actor category for his performance as Sam Mussabini, Harold Abraham's' trainer.

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