This week in Christian history: ‘Chariots of Fire,’ first Christian Reformed church plant

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, March 26, 2023

Chariots of Fire wins Oscars – March 29, 1982

This week marks the anniversary of when the film “Chariots of Fire,” a film based on 1924 Olympic gold medalist runners Harold Abrahams and Christian missionary Eric Liddell, won four Academy Awards.

“Chariots of Fire” won Oscars in the categories of Best Picture, Costume Design, Music (Original Score) and Writing (Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen). It was also nominated in the categories of Best Actor in the Supporting Role, Directing and Film Editing.

Focus on the Family’s pluggedin movie review called the film a “true masterpiece” in a 2015 article, saying that “for families interested in a film with heart, character and a respect for one man’s faith in God, it remains one of the most spiritually uplifting motion pictures ever made.”

“The film’s cerebral centerpiece and a flurry of foreign accents may be too much of a challenge for young children, but teens and adults should enjoy Chariots of Fire from the moment it bursts from the blocks until it crosses the finish line,” the review added.