Chariots of Fire (1981)

Chariot's of Fire is arguably on the the greatest sports movies of all time. The movie focuses on the British track and field team during the 1924 Olympic Games. This era in sports gives a refreshing break from the usual baseball, football and boxing films that dominate the sports movie industry. The film follows two protagonists :Eric Liddell, a devout christian who finds the strength to run from God and Harold Abrahams, a english jew from Oxford trying to overcome his stereotype in a very rigid British Society. The film uses the two protagonists to show a divide in paths of achieving excellence. Abrahams uses brute determination and traditional athleticism. He trains for years on the technique of his stride and finishing position. His training is mostly physical. Liddell's path towards greatness veers off the traditional path of athletes. While Liddell is athletically gifted, his strength comes from his absolute faith in God."I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel his pleasure." While Abrahams struggles with being a jew in conservative England, Liddell struggles with his extreme faith to God and running. His main struggle is the qualifier for one of his races is on Sunday, the sabbath. Through their struggles, both protagonists find something deep within themselves, which results in greatness. Coming out of this movie makes you want to achieve something. If you ever are feeling at a loss of motivation, look no further. In addition, Chariots of Fire's theme song by Vangelis, which won the academy award for best music score, is with out a doubt one of the most recognizable and powerful songs in movies of the century.