Popular Media – Chariots of Fire Movie Review

The movie chariots of fire presents two main contrasting characters in the 1924 Olympics namely Abraham and Liddel. However, they have contrasting and similar psychological constructs where Abraham runs for self esteem and Eric runs to glorify God. Love trait is presented in the movie by both characters in the movie. The love for oneself, family and the world is portrayed in the character of Abraham in the movie. On the contrary, for Eric Liddell love for God is paramount than love for the world. This is demonstrated by his decision not to compromise his faith and love for God by refusing to run on a Sunday despite all efforts from worldly leaders including the prince.

Another psychological construct is faith. Unremitting Christian faith is demonstrated by Liddel in contrast to Abraham who runs to overcome anti-Semitic prejudice. Powered by his faith for God, he pulls out of 100 meters Olympic heat which was scheduled on Sabbath day. Self dedication and determination is depicted in the film by the two athletes as they sacrificed their emotional relationships for the sake of success on track. Abraham left his girlfriend and Liddel defied his sister to concentrate on running, (Chariots of fire, 2003).

Arrogance is another construct depicted in Abraham as he fights off anti-Semitism in the Cambridge College through sporting competition. Defiance is seen in both athletes as Liddel defied her sister and even the Prince of Wales. On the other hand, Abraham use of coach in defiance to tradition and expectations. Consumerism is clearly shown in the movie by lone billboard of Lipton tea advertisement. Language use is abusive, with words such as hell, frog and bloody in reference to French are heard in the movie to confirm prejudices by Britons.

Sex, drinking and smoking are shown within the movie by participants who eventually falls victim of their activities as others become pregnant and quits the competition. The use of Abraham and Liddel as role model is a lesson to be focused, determined and disciplined to be successful in life. It takes good morals to overcome challenges of life like poverty and discrimination. The spirit of competition is good and essential for ones’ survival in competitive world. Abraham and Liddel trained hard to succeed in their races. 

Medium identification and construct evident 

The use track races and participants as a medium to depict determination and love for sport and religious achievement. Mr. Liddel compares the power of winning the race to have come from within and can also be used fight to poverty and discrimination. Mr Liddel derives his constructs of love and determination from the holy bible; an example is Isaiah “Those who hope in the lord will renew their strength”. Practices hard through the terrains of  Scotland hills is shows hoe determined the athlete was to achieve his goals using God given talent, (Chariots of fire, 2003).

 The language is used as a medium to depict different constructs. The French are called “frogs, bloody and hell” in the movie to depict arrogance and discrimination. It further explains the racial prejudices which Mr. Abraham is fighting through competition. Violence is another medium depicting different constructs in the movie, for instance in the movie chariots of fire, violence is shown towards the end of the movie when it is told that Liddel died in Japanese Chinese war. This indicates his love for others as required by Christian faith and love for God.  Another form of violence is shown by tense moments of competition. They depict the determination on the part of participants. For, instance Abraham could not accept anything less than victory to overcome racial prejudices.

Consumerism in the movie is depicted by the billboards for Lipton Tea which is visible at a race in the movie. Another important construct is sex depicted by key performers in the events, which is shown by some kissing and pregnancy by one performer who eventually quits the race. This might be the reason it is rated a PG movie rather than a G. Lots of drinking and smoking by some athletes before races depicts some immoral constructs most sporting events as clearly depicted in the movie. However, the two main characters are used as a medium of good societal morals in the sporting activities and how it pays back. They are determined and focused and are used as role models in the society. Good morals and discipline is essential for success in daily life despite many obstacles as shown by the two athletes, (Chariots of fire, 2003).

Constructs use in the movie

Different constructs in movies are used to depict different things. The construct of love for sports is used in the play for different reasons.  Abraham’s love for running is strong and he could do all he can to win the race, and he uses the love for sport to overcome prejudices against him, his family and others in the society. In contrary, Liddel is using his love for sporting competition to spread his Christian faith and promote his missionary work in China and the world in general, (Chariots of fire, 2003).

Determination as a construct in the movie is portrayed by both Abraham and Liddel to encourage society that nothing is impossible. It takes ones determination in life to fight poverty and several barriers in life. They defied tradition, friends, and world leaders to get what they wanted in life. Being principled and focused is essential for success in life as shown by the two athletes. Sex and eventually pregnancy is lack of focus and determination on the part of some sportsmen and women which is devastating and should be avoided. The lone Lipton Tea billboard is used to show how the current sporting events are littered with advertisement in the name of promotion and making money.

The use of abusive language in the sporting events such as frogs, hell and bloody which were used to represent the nature of some Britons, which confirms the prejudices against immigrants like Abraham. This is not acceptable in the society and is the reason that prompted Abraham to participate in the sporting events. Violence within the movie during tense moments of competition. This is healthy and shows determination of individuals to overcome challenges of life. Drinking and smoking traits by some participants is shown in the movie, however their performance is overshadowed by those of Abraham and Liddel who were of good moral character prior and during the sporting event, (Chariots of fire, 2003).

Conclusion

Competition is a construct that should be imitated by the society. It helps one to overcome many challenges that life presents. The construct of love is good in life and should be embraced to help one succeed in life as depicted by Liddel in the movie. He eventually dies in war while spreading his message of love for the word of God and others. Another important construct to be embraced from the movie is the fighting spirit and determination in life as shown by the two athletes. 

Bad constructs include the use of abusive language in the movie and discrimination of whatever nature. Smoking drinking and losing focus should be avoided in by sportsmen and women. They should be good ambassadors of societies they present in various events and should portray a good picture of their societies. Consumerism in the movie is well organized unlike in current events which are littered by advertisements.

References

Chariots of fire. (2003). Retrieved on 21st July, 2012 from https://www.commonsensemedia.org