Champions [DVD]

I first saw "Champions" as a theatrical release and then owned it on Beta (yep, one of those!). I had a horrible time finding it on VHS, even on Amazon, and the only DVD versions were European. But finally, it's out on DVD on this side of the pond and it's everything I remember. Fine acting (John Hurt, Edward Woodward, a very young Kirstie Alley) and amazing horse riding and steeplechasing, ending with the most exciting race of all time, the English Grand National, 40 tall, wide, dangerous fences over a four mile course, at a full gallop, of course. No horses may have been hurt in the creation of the film, but I'll bet you can't say that for the riders! The story is a little trite: jockey develops cancer that may kill him and prevents him from riding, his favorite horse comes up lame and may never race again, they both recover at the same time, and well, you know the rest. What's amazing, aside from the racing, is that this is a true story (the horse even plays himself, with full screen credit). Highly recommended for anyone who likes English movies in general, horse racing in particular, and just a genuinely good, but often overlooked, film.

All I can say is that this is probably one of the greatest inspiring stories - about a Thoroughbred and jump jockey who face career-ending - for the jockey, life-threatening - injury and disease: for the horse, a bowed tendon - for the jockey, cancer. Great family movie, great action movie about the Grand National Steeplechase race at Aintree in England. You don't have to know anything about horses to enjoy this movie. It's a wonderful pick-me-up when you're feeling down and things aren't going too well. Watching this movie will jack up your hope, determination, your very will to win, to survive even when the odds look pretty bad. I'm a lifelong horseperson and there's nothing like the outside of a horse for the inside of a human! Makes a wonderful present - whatever the occasion. Gift yourself first and enjoy!

"Champions" came on one night when I was very ill on chemotherapy in 1984. The story of Bob Champion and the magnificent Aldaniti became one of my favorites forever. I sent away for the VHS tape and when it came, I watched it over and over for it gave me hope and as you can see, I am still here. John Hurt, one of the finest actors of his time, is absolutely wonderful as Bob. Nobody else could have played the part with such realism and depth and if you plan to see this movie, you may as well prepare yourself. You will see the results of cancer treatments in all their grim reality; depressing, lonely, painful and hard. You will also find yourself cheering on the two heroes of this great true tale. Your heart will pound out of your chest to see the the Grand National steeplechase action, you just won't believe the scenes! If you only watch it because you love horses, you will still love this movie. I also highly recommend "Champions" as an uplifting gift.

Firstly, sure - a couple of the acting performances are a bit wooden. And, yes, turning a book in to a film will always be a 'hatchet job'. I read the book after the film and felt that the most important fact about the screenplay is that it's as faithful to the book as it could be while holding the viewer's attention right to the end. The story is not about Bob Champion *only*. It's called 'Champions'. It's about Bob Champion *and* the great Aldaniti (who plays himself in the film). It's about having absolutely nothing left except a small glimmer of hope and holding on to that dream while all the circumstances around you point in a different conclusion to your life. But it's *true*. Not 'based on' a true story. This one happened as closely to the events as they could make it. And filmed very close to the time when the events actually took place. One final point - the opening titles soundtrack is magnificent and gets me tearful before the film even starts every time I watch it...

I especially loved the scenes of the rider and horse that started this movie, was featured now and then during it then played again at the end. To me the horse was the true star of this movie and they should have shown more about his recovery - a sort of parallel to the story of the man recovering. This is a very good feel good story of great courage and the will to live. I always thought the woman he married had been his physical therapist or something but apparently not. I never did figure out exactly how she came into the story so I guess I'll look at the movie again. Hurt just looked terrible most of the time and he may have simply been too old for the part when cast. But, I like him very much and enjoyed his performance.

This is a fabulous movie. The true story of a man who won a fight against cancer and a horse that was nursed from lameness. These unlikely individuals came together to win the greatest horse race on Earth; The Grand National. Their story is told with grace and dignity. The direction, production and photography are superb. The photography of the horses and riders is particularly spellbinding. This is a 'makes you feel good' movie. A refreshing reminder that a good film can still be made without loud noises, computer animation and pyrotechnics. One reviewer mentioned that it wasn't as good as the book. In most cases it's almost impossible for a movie to capture every nuance of the written word so simply recognize the as a great piece of art in its own right.

This is an older movie, but it's worth watching (and purchasing). The true story about Bob Champion and Aldaniti is very encouraging, uplifting, and spectacular.

Muy emocionante! y además esta basada en hechos reales, me ha encantado! está en idioma castellano: audio y subtitulos, demás de alemán, inglés, e italiano. Se la recomiendo a todos los amantes de los caballos y las carreras de caballos.

Parfait Merci beaucoup

Excellent movie would recommend.

tratto da una storia vera john hurt al suo meglio

I saw this movie for the first time ages ago, and it just stuck with me. The idea of both horse and rider overcoming incredible odds to rise above their circumstances was an inspiration when I saw this movie as a much younger person. It certainly helped that it's all true, which makes the movie a real testament to perseverance. I was just hoping that the side stories and technical merits still held up after all this time...and they do. There's also a wonderful little speech by Bob Champion to his niece about courage - comparing the bravery of a lion to the bravery of a horse. Wonderful stuff. Sure, John Hurt may be a little tough to buy as a rakish young man given that he has always looked ancient and plays better as a sympathetic character (Elephant Man) than as a dashing one. But the story carries this movie along, as well as some excellent steeplechase scenes that leaves you scratching your head wondering how no riders or animals got hurt during the filming. This one goes into my "keeper" collection.