Chariots of fire - Timeless

       Chariots of fire is a 1981 film based on a true story. It focuses on two individuals in particular; Eric Liddell (a devout Scottish Christian) & Harold Abrahams (a determined Jew). It depicts humans thrive and motivation towards attaining a goal, in this movie for instance it was winning a gold medal in the Olympics. Both of them had their very own reason for competing in it. Liddell; for God where as Abrahams; to overcome prejudice (as this was after World War 1 and the Jews we seen as a low class)


The themes around this film are about the Olympic spirit, God and class system regarding the races in the United Kingdom.

All in all from Abrahams view its about having a code of honour where as for Liddell it was to show that his religious belief transcend the notion of winning at all costs. Why this film was gripping was because it inspires people to strive for their dreams and never give up.

The underlying Theme therefore is Motivation 

There are 3 components of motivation

1.  Activation - A decision to follow through or initiate a behavior
 In the beginning of the film Liddell and Abrahams win races in their hometown and college, this was the beginning to their road towards success it was then that they were sure of joining they Olympics.

 
2. Persistence- striving towards a goal even though there are obstacles.
Liddell's biggest obstacle was his sister and his religion though he was running for God. He persevered through it, convinced himself he was doing it to proof a point about his religion and even managed to change his schedule in the Olympics just so he won't play on the Sabbath day (day of God).

Abrahams was not the fastest and so he hired a trainer to train him. It was not easy to get that particular trainer to train it but he did it. His strive for excellency was proof to everyone that they should not undermine his kind. 

 3. Intensity- The vigor that goes into pursuing a goal
Liddell delays his missionary work in China just show he could run and joins the Olympic. At one time he even missed the start of mass which made his sister really upset.

Abrahams put aside his girlfriend for awhile in order to make sure he got his head in the game. He also is seen arguing with his college counsel in order to pursue his running. 

Theories

1. Extrinsic and Intrinsic motivation
Extrinsic motivation can be seen mainly in Abrahams, Abrahams looking for social recognition and praise. He wants to show the word that even though he his a Jew, he is better than all of them or that he is capable. This is to overcome the prejudice and discrimination that individuals in England had regarding the Jews at that point of time.

 Intrinsic motivation on the other hand, can be seen in Liddell. Liddell wanted personal gratification,he did it for God to prove something to someone up above. He also wanted people to see that with God by his side he could do anything. He dedicated his win to his God as he ran with exuberance, anyone who saw him ran said he had something in him that they couldn't understand a very unique run like his doing it and giving his all for someone .

2. Drives and needs theory as well as Arousal theory can also be seen in various parts of this film.

3. The expansion of Malsow's Hierarchy of  Needs which included cognitive needs, aesthetic needs and transcendence needs.

Aesthetic need is the search for appreciation, form and balance.- This can be seen in the case of Abrahams mainly and Liddell too. Abrahams wants to be appreciated by the norm whereas Liddell says when he runs he feels God's presence (form & ballance).

Cognitive needs-  Knowledge & meaning- Both Liddell and Abrahams has a reason for competing; Liddell, knowledge of God he can instill in others and meaning of his life that he has dedicated to God. Abrahams, to show his knowledge and determination but after the win you could see he had loss his meaning for awhile, as he wasn't sure what to do next.

Transcendence need- Helping others to achieve self-actualizing tendency
A different character in the film shown this transcendence, Abrahams Coach; Sam Mussabini.
The overwhelm of joy and happiness that coach Mussabini shown was immeasurable he even looked more happier and excited than Abrahams himself. 

This movie was inspiring and different from our generation where our motivations aren't as intense. In this modern era, we start something and then we stop, we stop believing in ourselves as much as individuals from back then, as we have grown up with little or no adversity. This allows us to take life for granted, to many of us perseverance and patience is a trait that is difficult to find in us most of the time. I would say this movie is refreshing compared to other inspirational movies that I have seen. Greek composer Vangelis's deserved the Oscar as he achieved a kind of poetry rare in the world of the cinema.

Actual men: Eric Liddell & Harold Abrahams