British Film - Chariots of Fire (1981) Clip 2

In this second clip from 'Chariots of Fire' (1981) we begin to be shown some of Abrahams' (Ben Cross) motivations for running.
In the film, we have just been introduced to the other lead character, Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), as being a devout Scottish Missionary, recently returned from China, living in a beautifully unspoilt Scotland. He runs because '[God] made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure.'
Abraham's situation is clearly being juxtaposed with Liddell's. How is he different? How might he be similar?
What do we learn about Abrahams' character and family in this clip?
What do you think that Abrahams' father, a former Lithuanian immigrant Jew, might love about England, considering his son's experiences?
If Liddell runs for his God, what motivates Abrahams?
What effect does the choice of soundtrack over the montage sequence have?

Having watched both clips, what impression are you given of England in the immediate aftermath of WWI? What position does the film appear to have on the immigrant experience at the early part of the 1980s?
How might 'Chariots of Fire' be seen as both traditional and subversive, conservative and modern?

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Chariots
• of
• Fire
• British
• Film
• Heritage
• Immigrant
• Experience
• Collective
• David
• Puttnam

[remucnairomirnoham]

2:48: He is an Englishman!

[Rachelmariaaa]

Thank you for uploading these clips and all your worked out questions.