CHARIOTS OF FIRE!
For the benefit of newcomers, on Thursdays I post a Movie as a tongue in cheek suggestion, as I am no Roger Ebert. But "Friday Movie Suggestion Night" is a labor of love for me. Those of you "across the pond" will love this movie, "CHARIOTS OF FIRE", Winner of 4 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Score (by Vangelis) and Best Costume (Milena Canonero) (1981). Yes, for the sake of attribution, I'll mention that Bob Thomas of The Associated Press called this selection "A rare, intelligent, beautiful movie. Thoroughly rewarding".
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The Plot: Based on a true story of two very different long-distance runners competing for the 1924 Olympics in Paris. Each one runs...not just for the sake of running, but "to prove something to the world". Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross) is a Jewish Cambridge student who sees victory as a challenge to anti-semitism and acceptance by English elite, while Eric Liddell (Ian Charleston) is a devout Christian who sees his victory as a testament to the glory of God. The team seeks to bring honor to Britain in an inspiring and universally beloved story that brought Ben Cross, Ian Charleston, Nigel Havers (Lord Andrew Lindsay), Nicholas Farrell (Aubrey Montague), Ian Holm (Sam Mussobini) and Alice Krige (Sybil Gordon) their first major movie roles along with director Hugh Hudson's debut ("I Dreamed of Africa"). Producer David Puttnam ("The Killing Fields", "Local Hero"). Strong Cinematic storytelling from the sounds of feet hitting the sand to the slow-motion sequences blended so well into this film resulting in a unique and lasting impact. Vangelis provides his unforgettable Oscar Winning score that is beautifully matched to every aspect of this film (including the Classical Blake's "Jerusalem") and brings to life the athletic competition where anything is sacrificed except honor. The challenge from within is viscerally set with such perfection that we feel we are actually in the story ourselves!
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Enjoy This One!
posted by Michael Manning @ 12:31 AM
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8 Comments:
Loved the movie! Loved the theme music!
My Dad showed this movie after it won Best Picture and Mom dragged my brother & I to see it. We were 10 & 7 so we were bored completely. I figure I should watch it now I'm older. I might not be so bored! :)
What Denny said. Damn it! He beat me to it lol.
Denny: I did too and I wonder if Yanni was upset? LOL
Heather: lol! I think you'll like it. It's a good human drama about reaching a goal. Two entirely different colleagues with their own motivations and the sacrifice the Games require. Let me know!
LisaBinDaCity: Denny is fast on that computer keyboard--no doubt! lol!
I can hear the music now... The first time I finished my 500 miles, Keith and Keli were out at the end of the driveway with Chariots blasting from the car speakers and had a "finish line" rigged up for me and a medal to put around my neck and everything. LOL! Thanks for the reminder! :)
GREAT music. I may have to rent this one. How's that shoulder feeling today, M?
Keri: When I ran 10K's I had two running buddies and the races always started out with Vangelis' Theme from "Chariots of Fire" over the P.A. The shoulder is in a sling and I'm on a powerful anti-inflammatory for 2 weeks but prognosis is Great! Thanks and lol!
Oh, I loved that movie. I love the theme song too.
Thank you for stopping by my site and for the comment. Charley would have loved you , Michael. And he would have sat with you for hours on end talking about his music and what he did throughout his whole life. He would have shared with you his Army life, his tour throughout the U.S. performing with different Polynesian bands, even his fire knife dancing. He would have had you in stitches too, ROFL. Really! He was such a funny person who loved telling his jokes and making people laugh. He would have given you a tour of Hawai'i not through the eyes of a tourist, but that of someone who loved his people and his land. You would have heard some great sories of old. And he would have sang all his songs for you, and told you what inspired him at the time of his writings. And he would've fed you some of our hawaiian food till you got so stuffed you could hardly walk. :)
As soon as my son can find someone who can check our old reel to reel tapes and find the right speed, we will put it on a CD. I will send you a copy. It will only be a rough draft, but you will be able to hear Charley. I need to get your personal email address, so I can talk to you more. So can you please email me at: tutubent@yahoo.com, and I will give you the email that only my children have.
You take care and much Aloha to you, dear friend. (((HUGS)))
Tutu: "Blue Carnations" is one of my favorite of Charlie's lyrics. Having explored your site for so long, visited the photo section and felt the passion you have for Charlie I know he and I would have sat up all night and I would have greatly enjoyed listening to him talk of such a well-lived life. I will be happy to e-mail you, my friend. Mahalo, Tutu!!!
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