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| Index | 14 reviews in total |
Lovely true story which serves as an inspiration to us all.
Author: Jonathon Dabell (barnaby.rudge@hotmail.co.uk) from Todmorden, England
13 February 2005
Cinema audiences have always enjoyed sporting dramas in which the
underdog triumphs against the odds. Champions goes one step further in
that it takes its plot from the true story of Bob Champion, an English
jockey whose quest to win the Grand National was jeopardised by health
problems to himself and his horse. The film is very conventional and
workmanlike in its approach, but it tells such a remarkable story (if
it wasn't a true story, you'd accuse it of being too far-fetched) that
it's hard not to find it alternately absorbing, moving and inspiring.
Bob Champion (John Hurt) is a successful jockey who learns that a
swollen bruise picked up in a horse fall has turned cancerous.
Initially believing that he will be treated quickly and painlessly and
back in the saddle in next to no time, Champion soon finds his plans in
tatters as the illness is diagnosed as much more serious than
originally thought. After months of chemotherapy and drugs, he emerges
from hospital a thin, weak, pale, aged shell of his former self. He can
barely walk, barely ride a pony around a patch of garden, barely feel a
thing. Against the odds, Champion pushes himself to the limit to
restore his health. However, during his illness his favourite horse,
Aldaniti - aboard which he dreams of having a crack at the Grand
National - suffers a severe injury. Can both man and horse get fit in
time for the most gruelling race of them all? And even if they recover
in time to enter, do they have a chance in hell of winning?
Hurt is excellent as Champion, a not-always likable man who often upset
those around him in his stubborn yet determined journey to the Grand
National. The scenes of Champion's treatment are quite punishing and
vividly show a man on the brink of despair. Just as effective is the
exciting climax in which Champion's fairy-tale comeback becomes a
reality. There are some overly-stylised slow motion scenes of horses
galloping across the horizon which don't feel quite right in this film,
and some of the subsidiary characters are under-developed, but these
are the only significant flaws in an otherwise well-made film. If you
don't find yourself emotionally stirred when Champion races his way
into everyones' hearts - as well as the history books - check your
pulse... you may be dead!!!
The most amazing story from the most amazing race
Author: norniron from Belfast, Northern Ireland4 June 2001
I've been to Aintree every year since 1977. I've seen Red Rum score an unbelievable third win, I've seen a National declared void after two false starts, a bomb scare stop the race and a pile up that left just two horses in the race. I've seen champion jockies try year after year to win and never even complete the course while a fifty-six year old grandmother gets round to finish fifth. This though is THE story. Bob Champion was finished as a jockey. His only fight should have been for his life. Aldaniti was finished as a race horse. Yet these two combined to make the impossible happen. John Hurt was perfect as Champion. I'm privileged to say that I was there to see this amazing climax to an amazing story.
Brilliant
Author: pbaines_50 from Australia
2 January 2013
A wonderful movie, easily one of the best of the last 50 years. I would put it in the top 5 ever made. Great acting, production, script,drama,realness. Why this film didn't scoop all the awards in 1985 is beyond belief. I feel sorry for people who haven't seen this film. It is a beauty, and John Hurt is simply a genius. A knockout and a true story. Absolutely a magnificent film that I hope people rediscover. It is a story of a jockey and a horse who rise against incredibly difficult circumstances. A great feature of the film is the casting . Some films are cast badly, but this one gets it remits in every part. Though it was made in 85, some films age, but to this one. It is as relevant, raw and real as it was in 1985 and moves easily as a believable storyline in 2013.
Stand up and cheer...
Author: Flixer1957 (wg2530@aol.com) from Columbia County, NY
21 November 2001
*** This review may contain spoilers ***
**Possible Spoilers**
This winner is FINALLY available in the US on DVD--truly a cause for
celebration.
This is the true story of British jockey Bob Champion, stricken with
cancer and facing near-certain death. Nearly everyone--even
himself--writes him off as dead but the people closest to him give him
the will to fight, and maybe live. John Hurt, Jan Francis, Edward
Woodward, Ben Johnson, Kirstie Alley and the supporting cast are
terrific; the steeplechase footage nearly blew out my speakers and
knocked me out of my living room chair. Unlike other fine films in a
similar vein (BRIAN'S SONG; BANG THE DRUM SLOWLY) this movie doesn't
sanitize the details involved when cancer strikes and some passages are
downright harrowing, but ultimately, you'll stand up and cheer.
Truth is often stranger than fiction.
Author: rohansrider from bedford
19 April 2011
*** This review may contain spoilers ***
Having seen the real Bob Champion interviewed on the BBc this year at Aintree I was reminded of just how much the guy has done to raise money for cancer. The film for its genre is excellent;it was great that they used the real Aldaniti. So okay, there are a few minor flaws and Edward Woodward as John Gifford and also Peter Barkworth as Nick Embiricos are a bit wooden and capable of far better but it is the overall impression that the film makes which should stir the audience. John Hurt is very good as Champion and I think that the portrayal of the savage chemotherapy on him is very realistic. If you are knowledgeable about horses and racing you will spot many continuity mistakes but that is nit-picking. The horse racing scenes are well directed and filmed on location. The rupture of Aldaniti's tendon was as potentially serious as any horse injury can be therefore his come-back is quite remarkable. I think the real protagonists involved with his recovery must have had input in the film.I doubt if ever they would have considered to put- down such a lovely horse. the film has a theme of tenacity and hope and is worth seeing for that reason alone.
A statement about champions
Author: the_downtrodden2001
22 September 2004
This movie is a compelling story that truly opens your eyes to the
possibilities in life. The story is remarkable, and many would say if
this was fiction, too unbelievable. Here is the story of Bob Champion,
a jockey who gets struck down with cancer which should of ended his
career. He got so ill he could hardly breathe, nor did he have any
feeling in his hands or feet. Then there's his mount Aldaniti, a horse
of similar bad luck. Suffering from a ruptured tendon, this horse under
normal circumstances would be put to sleep, but the owners keep him
alive. Yet together, Bob Champion and Aldaniti go on to win the
greatest race in horse racing, the grand national.
5/5
National Champion.
Author: dbdumonteil31 August 2003
Comparing it to "Rocky" is demeaning the movie and insulting the hero ,because it's based on a true story.Directing is just okay and rises to the occasion only for the final race,but John Hurt's performance is just perfect and the reason for which you should watch it.It's also a message of hope for people suffering from cancer.
Rave
Author: spiritranch (spiritranch@earthlink.net) from La Quinta, CA, USA27 March 2001
Even if you are not a horse fancier, CHAMPIONS is a movie to be seen, savored, and collected. A classic about the indomitable human spirit. Grounded in fact, the movie involves you in an arcane sport and in the life of two of its passionate followers. Somebody out there...re-release this! Please.
...wonderful, well-acted, three-kleenex movie
Author: filmfox from Fort Collins, CO
27 August 2000
A wonderful, well-acted three-kleenex movie; based on a true story about the recovery and triumph of a near-fatally afflicted jockey and his similarly injured mount. Steeplechase scenes are par excellence. It's a real pity this film is not available on any media today!
This is an all time favorite of mine...
Author: Judy Eaton (mizar@pinetel.com) from Richland, Oregon4 February 2001
I am sure that I first rented this movie, then saw it on TV. I was devastated when I accidentally erased the copy I made from the Tv showing, and would love to find one to buy..I have been unsuccessful.. As an RN and an avid horseperson and fan of John Hurt's, I adored this film. If anyone finds a copy I would be very grateful.
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