BFF25: British Brilliance - Chariots of Fire (1981)

Winner of four Academy Awards®, Chariots of Fire tells the incredible true story of two British runners who are driven to win at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris, as they wrestle with issues of pride and conscience.

In the class-obsessed and religiously divided United Kingdom of the early 1920s, two determined young runners train for the 1924 Paris Olympics. Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), a devout Christian born to Scottish missionaries in China, sees running as part of his worship of God's glory and refuses to train or compete on the Sabbath. Meanwhile, Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross) overcomes anti-Semitism and class bias, but neglects his beloved sweetheart Sybil (Alice Krige) in his single-minded quest.

Featuring an iconic score by Vangelis, this highly acclaimed story of patriotism, faith and meritocratic success remains much admired over forty years after release.

Director: Hugh Hudson 
Cast: Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, Iam Holm, Nigel Havers 

WINNER x4 - Best Picture, Best Writing: Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen, Best Costume Design, Best Music: Original Score, Academy Awards® 1982

WINNER - Best Foreign Film, Golden Globes 1982

WINNER - Best Film, Best Costume Design, Best Supporting Artist, BAFTA Awards 1982