CHARIOTS OF FIRE (1981) C widescreen123m dir: Hugh Hudson

w/Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, Alice Krige, Nigel Hovers, John Gielgud, Lindsay Anderson, Nick Farrell, Ian Holm, Patrick Magee

A thrilling, poignant drama based on the true story of two members of Britain's 1924 Olymic team: Harold Abrahams, a Jew running to prove himself in the face of the subtle hostility he found in the British environment, and Eric Liddell, a deeply religious man who refused to run on the Sabbath. Engrossing, impressively acted, and impeccably costumed and designed to convey the sense of the period. The use of slow-motion and freeze frame intensifies the emotional aspects of the story without being "arty."

Oscars for Best Picture, Original Screenplay (Colin Welland), Score (Vangelis), Costume Design.