The Theme of Dedication in the Movie Chariots of Fire - Essay Example

The Theme of Dedication in the Movie “Chariots of Fire” Dedication is the state of conviction to continue with one's actions despite the challenges presented, discouragement from others or even the lack of a sign to excel. From the course, this trait is shown to emanate from an individual’s internal sense of victory. As a result, it can be connected with the support and guidance from God to do things according to his wish. It is for this reason that motivation results in a kind of motivation that others cannot understand. This is because it involves the making of significant sacrifices, crucial decisions and options. It additionally involves the taking of several bold, courageous and unusual steps. At times, the choices may be tough if two vital options are involved. It is such choices that may lead to criticisms and discouragements from others. In this case, dedication plays an essential role in giving an individual the will to continue while bearing in mind the benefits of his or her activities. Ultimately the fruits of the action of dedicated people are shown from the impact they create in the society as well as the reputation they present to the society. Dedication and Perseverance in “Chariot of Fire” The main theme brought out in this movie is that of dedication and commitment. This is shown in the events and results of the races in which Abraham and Liddell participated. It is revealed that for an individual to have this strong drive of dedication there is an underlying reason. This is considered the main element that makes him strong in the implementation of his actions. Abraham notices a high level of anti Semitism among the staff and students at the University of Cambridge. He is convinced that he can take part in an activity that will prove the ability of Jews to succeed and thus eliminate prejudice (Bradshaw par. 1). It is one of the actions that he uses to cover their prejudice and superior feeling by ignoring their criticisms. Liddell, on the other hand, gains enjoyment from serving God as a son of missionary parents. In spite of his sister; Jennie’s disapproval, he is convinced that, through his participation in competitive running, he will get a chance to glorify God (Ben, Charleson and Havers). This is before he goes for missionary work in China. As such, his main dedication is in the overall service of God in different fields. In addition, the action in which someone is to be dedicated should elicit the feeling of enjoyment. Despite the prejudice Abraham enjoys taking part in the Gilbert and Sullivan club. As such, dedication id brought about by various motivational factors. They include the numerous wins and victories that Abrahams gets within the college and in other national competition (Bradley, 576). These include the first time historical win at the Great Court run. It is these activities that give him the confidence of a greater win. It is from this that he attains the dedication to run in the effort to fight prejudice. In “Chariots of Fire” dedication is detected to be made stronger by the faced obstacles. During the 400 meter race, Liddell is tripped by a Frenchman. He is like Abraham, equally motivated by his performance, and recovers the distance to his win (Ben, Charleson and Havers). This opinion is especially influenced by their convictions to take part in the race. Nonetheless, the main difference between the intended purposes of the Jew and Christian in running activities also reveals this. While the Scottish Eric Liddell does it in order to glorify god, the Jewish Harold Abraham runs to escape from prejudice. The desire to achieve these purposes in the race prevents them from being discouraged and instead provides them with the strength to pursue their goals towards success. They thus possess a powerful will despite their different religious and racial affiliations. Ben, Charleson and Havers use it to show that dedication in the same field surpasses the differences in different aspects yet brings about the same results. From the books of 2 Kings 2:11 and 6:17, the Bible clearly describes the chariots of fire. This is in relation to the difficult times faced by both the Kings and their subjects. In this regard, the dedication of Abraham and Liddell is accompanied by their limitless actions that are connected to hard work and commitment. These include extended times of training and running and hence the relation to perseverance as displayed by Kerman (196). Liddell is dedicated to his running efforts to glorify God that he does not give room to criticisms that would lead to discouragement. This he reveals when he disregards Jennie’s criticisms after he misses a church service accidentally during his training. This he does by stating "I believe that God made me for a purpose. But He also made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure" (Ben, Charleson and Havers). He states this after Jennie attempts to show him that he is going in the wrong way by his choice to run over religious practices. He thus shows her that he still intends to go to his missionary work but has a divine duty to accomplish through running. With this, his dedication to achieve his goals offers him a chance to redefine his priorities and ensure that both his plans are met. In a similar way that he is convinced that he still cares about God, Abraham is convinced that race does not make an individual lesser than the rest. Abraham portrays dedication to participate and win in the race when he chooses it over his girlfriend. He is shown to neglect her first as he chooses the race before he goes back to her after his success (Ben, Charleson and Havers). Ultimately, the benefits of dedication in one’s activities are portrayed through the triumphant results of the British team. They are able to return home jubilantly. The other result of dedicated efforts is shown in Abraham’s fulfillment and his relief to go back home to his girlfriend and go on with his life. Without any other principal purpose to achieve, he is at peace to marry her. On the other hand, after the successful accomplishment of God’s glory in the race, Liddell feels free to go and take the awaiting missionary work in China (Chapman 358). In addition, the other benefit of dedication is shown when the person is finally able to prove to the world that his efforts were not in vain. As a result, he is able to get a great recognition from the society. Abraham reveals this when he becomes an elder statesman in British athletics. In this relation, dedicated efforts lead an individual to accomplish his task and achieve the intended purpose. This is because, from his achievement, Abraham breaks the barriers of prejudice as he is given a position that was not likely in the past. The same case applies to Liddell whop achieves his purpose of giving glory to God. He refuses to participate in the heat of his race which was to take place on a Sunday. He holds strong to his Christian conviction that people should not run on a Sabbath. It depicts that dedication at times compels one to take a firm and not yield to distracting influence. He dismisses the pleadings from the Prince of Wales and the British Olympic committee in an attempt to convince him otherwise. To the surprise of all, his teammate; Lord Andrew Lindsay who had already won a silver medal opted to give him his place in the 400 meter race that was to take place on a Thursday. With this, his dedication and convictions give him a positive recognition owing to his decision in the face of pride in national athletics (Ben, Charleson & Havers). In this sense, dedication is shown to be interconnected with the wonderful and magnificent works of God. As indicated by Collin, it is greatly connected with faith (par. 2). This is because of the strong belief in success and achievement of purpose despite the available obstacles (Ramsey, 54). It is also shown by the immense strength required to go through the performances involved, wisdom and the joy related to triumphant finish. It also shows that, for a person to go through a dedicated process, he or she needs to rely on the help of a supreme being. Liddell realizes this and reflects it in the sermon he gives in the Church of Scotland in Paris on the Sunday after he won his race. He quotes the words “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings as eagles; They shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint”. From Isaiah 40 The strong will to continue is given by a sense of dedication is revealed by Abraham. In the first race, he is defeated by Liddell. Although he takes it in a bad way, he is not discouraged. Instead, he hires a coach to teach him some of the techniques. He is also not discouraged by the masters from Cambridge College who include John Gielgud and Lindsay Anderson who think that an amateur should be a gentleman. He should thus not stoop low and employ a professional coach. In addition, despite his bad loss in the 200 meter race due to favoritism, he still believes in the availability of a last chance to win and prove himself. He takes great conviction in this, participates and wins in the 100 meter race (Dans, 223). Dedication is also portrayed by Abrahams coach: Sam Mussabini who put a lot of efforts in training for many years. It is because of this that he feels relieved and fulfilled after Abraham’s win. He is thus overcome with joy over this achievement. He feels successful by the Olympic gold medal they jointly win. Works Cited Bradshaw, Peter. Chariots of fire-review. The guardian, 12 July. 2012: par. 1. Print. Chapman, James. Past and present: national identity and the British historical film. London: Tauris. 2005: p. 358. Print. Chariots of Fire. Dir. Hudson Hugh. Perf. Cross Ben, Ian Charleson and Nigel Havers. 1981. Print. Collin, R. Chariots of fire review. The telegraph, 13 July. 2012: par. 1-3. Print. Dans, Peter E. Christians in the Movies: A Century of Saints and Sinners. Rowman & Littlefield, 2009: p. 223. Print. Bradley, I . The Complete Annotated Gilbert and Sullivan. Oxford University Press, 2005: p. 576. Print. Kerman, J. Retrofitting Blade runner: issues in Ridley Scott's Blade runner and Philip K. Dick's Do androids dream of electric sheep? Ohio: Bowling Green State University Popular Press, 1991. Print. Ramsey, Russell W. (1987). God's Joyful Runner. Bridge Publishing, Inc: p. 54. Print. McLaughlin, J. "In Chariots They Ran." Runner's World. February 2012. Print. Read More