I don't know if this is because of the actors trying to recreate the actual runner's gates or if it is the use of slow motion or what, but all the race scenes are absolutely hysterical looking. The final 400 meter dash is especially goofy and weird. The first time I saw this I couldn't help but laugh out loud at it. This may be more a personal reaction but boy when the sport section of your sport film doesn't work you film is in trouble.
The rest of the film, the tasteful drama about how religion and society interact with sports, is generally OK. It is all far too slow, and far too proper to fully engage. It is rather perplexing that this won Best Picture at the Oscars as it is really a British God and Country film. Re-watching it a few days ago really soured me on the film because the the film feels so 80's, especially the score.
Very weak Best Picture winner
The rest of the film, the tasteful drama about how religion and society interact with sports, is generally OK. It is all far too slow, and far too proper to fully engage. It is rather perplexing that this won Best Picture at the Oscars as it is really a British God and Country film. Re-watching it a few days ago really soured me on the film because the the film feels so 80's, especially the score.
Very weak Best Picture winner