Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson) runs for the glory of God, whereas Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross) runs to. This film is about what drives people to do what they do. It's funnier, more playful (stand up Ian Holm as Abrahams' trainer and a young Nigel Havers hurdling champagne glasses) than its stuffy rep. July 18, | Full Review Critic profile image. Read More. . Chariots of Fire is very satisfying film, if an undemanding one An additional pleasure is the haunting score by Vangelis, which is destined to become one of. But Hall's production ingeniously solves. David. Chariots of Fire is one of the best films of recent years, a memory of a time when men still believed you could win a race if only you wanted to badly enough. Hugh Hudson's Oscar-winner gets a deserved Olympic rerelease: a bold, intelligent, romantic film with all the lineaments of a classic. Look, we get it, It's Everyone has an attention spans less than six seconds - thanks to TikTok - so filmmakers are feeling the pressure to. The story is told in a succession of quick, staccato scenes that betray the piece's cinematic origin. David Watkin's lensing is excellent without being fussy or contrived. Chariots Of Fire runs swiftly with an even pace, familiar format and rigid structure that is at best motivating and at worst worth exploring. It is a film of substance and intelligence, made on a realistic budget, without any signs of parsimony. The score by Vangelis, richly orchestrated with uplifting cadences, suits.