We had to drive 1.5 hours to see this film, as it was only in one theater in our state. The drive was totally worth it!!! On Wings of Eagles is a very high quality film, with production value, sets, acting, and special effects that could compare to most Hollywood flicks. Joseph Fiennes' performance was very strong and believable. His acting talent carried this film, just as it did in Risen. The story is very moving and inspiring, and is a great sequel to Chariots of Fire. I was very excited to see this on the big screen and hope that many people will be inspired by it. Several scenes with blood give it its' PG-13 rating, but the violence is not disturbing or overly graphic. This is a great film that is worth watching! My rating: Excellent!!!
19 Reviews
Uplifting film sharing the life of a great man
greggthompsons31 December 2021
A good, if not great film. Could have been a lot better but some great scenes and glimpses of a wonderful man with a faith lived very well. So many Christians give Jesus a bad name but Eric Liddell lives with compassion, sacrifice and courage. Well worth a watch.
Good film but...
macadam1229 November 2017
This was a highly watchable film with good performances from Fiennes and the supporting cast. I know it's a small quibble, but I had an aunt who spent some of her childhood in a Japanese internment camp and these actors were simply too well fed. I'm not asking for the kind of extreme method acting that Chris Bale goes in for, but a loss of condition and a bit of weight loss would have added to the authenticity a little. The conditions in these places were atrocious and there just wasn't any non-make up suggestion of that. I don't know how close to the story this was but apart from my rather mean quibble, it was a good film. A couple of collar bones from naturally slender guys does not starvation show!
Good human interest story, complementary to "Chariots of Fire."
TxMike6 April 2018
My wife and I watched this movie at home on DVD from our public library.
In 1981 was a movie "Chariots of Fire". The IMDb synopsis is "Two British track athletes, one a determined Jew, and the other a devout Christian, compete in the 1924 Olympics." That Christian athlete was Eric Liddell (lid-uhl) who set a record but refused to compete in trials scheduled on a Sunday.
This movie "Wings" is a continuation of that story some years later as Liddell has returned to China, where he was born to British missionaries, to teach. Joseph Fiennes plays the role of Eric Liddell and most of the movie is during WW2 when the Japanese have imprisoned many of them.
It is a good study of who Liddell was and how he likely sacrificed himself to provide freedom for others. Not a pleasant movie but a meaningful one.
In 1981 was a movie "Chariots of Fire". The IMDb synopsis is "Two British track athletes, one a determined Jew, and the other a devout Christian, compete in the 1924 Olympics." That Christian athlete was Eric Liddell (lid-uhl) who set a record but refused to compete in trials scheduled on a Sunday.
This movie "Wings" is a continuation of that story some years later as Liddell has returned to China, where he was born to British missionaries, to teach. Joseph Fiennes plays the role of Eric Liddell and most of the movie is during WW2 when the Japanese have imprisoned many of them.
It is a good study of who Liddell was and how he likely sacrificed himself to provide freedom for others. Not a pleasant movie but a meaningful one.
Somewhat epic, but struggles
sergelamarche23 July 2018
Moving drama based on Eric Liddel's life, but doesn't get the gold
bill-816362 June 2023
The drama was moving. Hard not to tear up at a few scenes. The story follows the latter years of the real - life character Eric Liddlel (Liddell?), the world-famous Olympian runner many know by the "Chariots of Fire" movie. After winning the gold for his native Scotland, he gave up fame/fortune to move to the China he was born in to serve there.
Eric Liddel was an amazing man and I've read several books on him. He stands out not only for his athletic feats but for his exemplary character. He truly lived to serve and had a rare humility, especially rare given the fact that he accomplished feats that earned world recognition. For conveying a remarkable and humble man, I'd give the story 10/10.
Where this fell short for me was more in what this DIDN'T show - it was as if some one took the core of who Eric Liddel was and shoved that to the side, focusing on some of the externals but missing almost entirely what motivated this great man. Yes, Eric was humble, yes, he was self-sacrificing, yes he cared deeply for others. But when one reads about him, one gets the very strong sense that Eric's humility, self-sacrificing character and deep care all stemmed from his knowledge of One with even greater humility, self-sacrifice and love. This movie in my view only gave the barest glance at Eric's faith rendering it mostly rituals.
Again, the drama was moving and it is worth seeing,but hopefully spurs one to probe deeper into the life and motivation of the man it depicts.
Eric Liddel was an amazing man and I've read several books on him. He stands out not only for his athletic feats but for his exemplary character. He truly lived to serve and had a rare humility, especially rare given the fact that he accomplished feats that earned world recognition. For conveying a remarkable and humble man, I'd give the story 10/10.
Where this fell short for me was more in what this DIDN'T show - it was as if some one took the core of who Eric Liddel was and shoved that to the side, focusing on some of the externals but missing almost entirely what motivated this great man. Yes, Eric was humble, yes, he was self-sacrificing, yes he cared deeply for others. But when one reads about him, one gets the very strong sense that Eric's humility, self-sacrificing character and deep care all stemmed from his knowledge of One with even greater humility, self-sacrifice and love. This movie in my view only gave the barest glance at Eric's faith rendering it mostly rituals.
Again, the drama was moving and it is worth seeing,but hopefully spurs one to probe deeper into the life and motivation of the man it depicts.
Extremely dull, with a large serving of truly cloying sentimentality
samuelbruce31 June 2019
I can't stress enough just how bad this film is. There is a complete lack of narrative drive and zero dramatic tension. What it does have is an excruciatingly cloying sentimentality which may well trigger your gag reflex.
I can find no redeeming quality in this movie. Essentially, nothing much really happens. It is spectacularly dull, as are pretty much all the characters. Every scene feels like it was written and staged by a machine. Avoid.
I can find no redeeming quality in this movie. Essentially, nothing much really happens. It is spectacularly dull, as are pretty much all the characters. Every scene feels like it was written and staged by a machine. Avoid.
Not really worth the while...
FlopHouseDK1 March 2019
Maybe my expectations were too high but the overall impression of this movie was a huge disappointment.
The acting is way too exaggerated at most times, there're too many scenes which come and go before you really understands the point and the score of the movie seems oddly misplaced and often unsuitable for the actual events taking place.
After seeing the movie I actually thought that it was a TV movie which would somewhat explain the points above.
The acting is way too exaggerated at most times, there're too many scenes which come and go before you really understands the point and the score of the movie seems oddly misplaced and often unsuitable for the actual events taking place.
After seeing the movie I actually thought that it was a TV movie which would somewhat explain the points above.
On Wings of Eagles
CinemaSerf23 January 2023
This film picks up where "Chariots of Fire" (1981) leaves off with the Olympic champion Eric Liddell (Joseph Fiennes) now a missionary in the land of his birth - now war-torn - China. When the Japanese invade, he is initially fêted - well fed and looked after, but that is all part of the ultimate game of humiliation as he is basically being groomed for a race against "Xu Niu" (Shawn Dou). This is quite an interesting depiction of just how this man's Christian faith and sense of decency were pitched against the ruthlessness of his captors who used both physical and psychological methods to reduce their captives to jelly. Whilst this certainly hints at those atrocities, the whole look and feel of the film is just a little sterile and Fiennes isn't really up to much in the lead. Somehow his strength of faith and purpose is lost in a really mediocre production that never quite gets going properly. Based in fact, it does offer us a truth about the truly shameful ending for this man of principle, but perhaps a remake with a better cast, writing and more vision from a director who understands how to better deliver a story of a complex individual would leave us feeling better fulfilled. Watchable, but forgettable I am afraid.
Eric Liddell's (Chariots of Fire runner) last days of life
webjenniferyoung5 July 2016
I would like to be the first person to review this movie, given that IMDb is a wonderful platform that i always visit.
This is a semi-biographical story about Eric Liddell, the runner in the Chariots of Fire. It centred on his last days spent in China during the Second World War. As the HK director Jacky Shin lacked the promotional funding, his feat is all the more commendable, having spent ten years on investigative research; even going thru the pains of interviewing survivors from the War. He lacked promotional funds, so the showtimes were short. That said, this movie was built on an extremely concrete plot. Although it would not build towards a climatic ending like most Hollywood movies, it remained an extremely high quality movie to capture the audience.
First, the wonderful script was supported by sturdy acting from Fiennes, and also the supporting cast. Although at times, i found it a bit too tear jerking, the movie remained captivating as this icon was larger than life. This movie transcends creed, nationality nor religion as it centres on the boundless themes of love, hope and humanity. One just marvels at the courage he faces under suffering and tyranny. One can also share in the sheer joy of victory and determination.
One more credit goes to the soundtrack by Chris Babida. The sacred hymns were interspersed with original soundtrack sung by HK singer Francis Yip. Her singing blended neatly with the opening as well as the closing. Even after the movie ends, her angelic voice continued to resonate in one's ears. During the race, the original soundtrack managed to capture the audience with gripping focus, none less successful than Vangelis was for Chariots of Fire.
i don't believe many people would have seen or have planned to see this film, but i'm sure it should not be disappointing. Having seen so many bad films in 2016, this is refreshing indeed and a salute to HK Director. Every Chinese should go see it and pay tribute to this man who gave his life for China.
This is a semi-biographical story about Eric Liddell, the runner in the Chariots of Fire. It centred on his last days spent in China during the Second World War. As the HK director Jacky Shin lacked the promotional funding, his feat is all the more commendable, having spent ten years on investigative research; even going thru the pains of interviewing survivors from the War. He lacked promotional funds, so the showtimes were short. That said, this movie was built on an extremely concrete plot. Although it would not build towards a climatic ending like most Hollywood movies, it remained an extremely high quality movie to capture the audience.
First, the wonderful script was supported by sturdy acting from Fiennes, and also the supporting cast. Although at times, i found it a bit too tear jerking, the movie remained captivating as this icon was larger than life. This movie transcends creed, nationality nor religion as it centres on the boundless themes of love, hope and humanity. One just marvels at the courage he faces under suffering and tyranny. One can also share in the sheer joy of victory and determination.
One more credit goes to the soundtrack by Chris Babida. The sacred hymns were interspersed with original soundtrack sung by HK singer Francis Yip. Her singing blended neatly with the opening as well as the closing. Even after the movie ends, her angelic voice continued to resonate in one's ears. During the race, the original soundtrack managed to capture the audience with gripping focus, none less successful than Vangelis was for Chariots of Fire.
i don't believe many people would have seen or have planned to see this film, but i'm sure it should not be disappointing. Having seen so many bad films in 2016, this is refreshing indeed and a salute to HK Director. Every Chinese should go see it and pay tribute to this man who gave his life for China.
Ip Man in running shoes
DSPMachine20 September 2020
I was excited to find out that Liddell's life post-Olympics had been made into a movie Thinking that his family had found a way to have this part of his life told. But about halfway through the movie I began to wonder how the Chinese had managed to so influence the story and apparently it was just a Chinese-interest story from the start.
Yes, it's pleasant enough to watch, in the same way that Ip Man is pleasant. But you'll find a lot of parallels, and that's not by accident! For those who believe this is the story of Eric Liddell's life, ask yourself how many times "Christ" is mentioned in the film. My wife and I could not remember a single time. Nor was the gospel seen. There were a few bible verses, generally thrown at the Japanese to condemn them. Nothing that I could recall from the New Testament. There is far, far more of Liddell's faith presented in Chariots of Fire, and I expected it to be the other way around.
The movie is fine for all the things that I normally would want to see in a movie. Acting, script, etc., no complaints here.
Yes, it's pleasant enough to watch, in the same way that Ip Man is pleasant. But you'll find a lot of parallels, and that's not by accident! For those who believe this is the story of Eric Liddell's life, ask yourself how many times "Christ" is mentioned in the film. My wife and I could not remember a single time. Nor was the gospel seen. There were a few bible verses, generally thrown at the Japanese to condemn them. Nothing that I could recall from the New Testament. There is far, far more of Liddell's faith presented in Chariots of Fire, and I expected it to be the other way around.
The movie is fine for all the things that I normally would want to see in a movie. Acting, script, etc., no complaints here.
A sketch
Kirpianuscus11 January 2020
It is a sketch. Or, maybe, a drawing, but not the expected portrait. The acting is good, the storytelling resonable, the message touching, but something significant is missing. The good point remains the beautiful reflection of the faith of Liddell. Sure, a low budget and a too familiar theme. But the tragedy remains far to the viewer and all is reduced ar sort of resume. So, a decent film about the last part of the life of a champion and beautiful reflection of Christian faith in difficult times.
Box Blurb put me off
dougherron-2387723 March 2018
Why does the blurb on the back of the DVD box (in the UK at least) state the story is about the AMERICAN Olympic gold medalist Eric Liddell?
Is this some sort of weak falsehood to appeal to the American market or have they actually changed the story so much that he is portrayed as an American? Either way it gives me no confidence that the film is anything other than garbage...
Is this some sort of weak falsehood to appeal to the American market or have they actually changed the story so much that he is portrayed as an American? Either way it gives me no confidence that the film is anything other than garbage...
A Sacrilege of a Life Center in Christ
teresajanemccarthy2 March 2019
This movie is heartbreaking - not because of the story it tells, but because of the story it fails to tell. Eric Liddell is one of the greatest heroes of the Christian faith and his life in that Japanese camp was a testimony to God's faithfulness in the darkest hour. This must have been a film made by atheist Chinese. Horribly disappointing. Void of all that made Eric Liddell great. I give it NO stars!
Low budget with heart
muamba_eats_toast12 February 2019
Despite its low budget feel some great performances as well as a great deal of heart and charm carries it through as well as the amazing true story. An interesting, touching and thoroughly enjoyable watch especially give its resources.
This deserves far better ratings
vlevensonnd-872483 March 2019
First of all I am very very very pleased that there has been more and more Christian movies being made in this past decade then what there has been for a lengthy amount of time. The acting in this movie is truly superb. Though there may not have been a high budget to work with they did extremely well despite those circumstances. The expression of his faith was more unspoken and demonstrative, subtle and not largely pronounced, however, a Christian is able to see and recognize faith unspoken. I appreciated watching this film tonight and I intend to watch it again.
A very disappointing representation of Lindell's life.
robbriggs-9110914 December 2017
I bought this movie with great excitement. Having read much on Liddell and sharing his Christian faith I was hopeful of a movie telling of his faith and endurance and life as a missionary in China. Alas this was beyond disappointing. The depiction of Liddell was simply pathetic. His faith was barely mentioned and the accounts of his life in China I have read were not well presented. A better effort by more informed film makers will hopefully be made one day. This was not that movie.
A beautiful movie about the second half of Eric Liddell's life
cwhiteevan6 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
My wife and I loved this movie and appreciated the thoughtful way this story of faith and love was portrayed, including the music. Clearly, Liddell took to heart Jesus' words, "Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." One of my sister's was a missionary in Taiwan in the 70's and 80's and the senior missionary she worked with had been in the same Japanese internment camp with Liddell until his death from a brain tumor. I therefore had already heard much of the story of his love for the children and people of China, as well as how much the children in the camp loved their "uncle." The movie did an excellent job in portraying this tragic but moving and beautiful story, part of the history of World War II that more need to know about.
Another Hollywood Robbery of the Life of a great Christian
laecornell24 June 2018
If Eric Liddel be
I even in the essential goodness of mankind than he was not a Christian, for the Bible teaches the essential goodness of God shown through the sacrifice of Christ in the cross. Something all true believers wish to emulate. This movie removed from Eric Liddell the desperation and consistency with which he held onto and preached the Biblical Jesus. I would recommend it to no one.
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