Champions (1984) User Reviews (17)

Lovely true story which serves as an inspiration to us all.

[barnabyrudge · 7/10 · 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!!!

Sadly does not do justice at all to what was a truly remarkable story.

[webstercharlotte · 6/10 · 8 November 2021]

Champions could and should have been a superb film had it been true to its story and not rushed and aimed towards having US audience appeal. It would have appealed to everyone - horse-racing fans or just average movie audiences alike but it was too quick and keen to make the most of the success story whilst it was still in everyone's mind but then again it is was made by Ladbrokes.

As a horse-mad kid I loved this film for its opening shot and music and the dramatic climax being the 1981 Grand National even feeling genuine flutters of nerves as Bob (John Hurt) was weighing in and gearing up to ride the race of his life.

Didn't care for much in-between other than seeing Bob's harrowing but touching transformation as he battles cancer which takes him from resignation and almost bitter resentment to finding strength, courage and determination after children make him realise he either fights for himself and Aldaniti or gives up on them both.

As an adult I have even less time and respect for anything other than its respectful tribute to the strength, courage and determination of those with cancer, the fact John Hurt actually rode Aldaniti (aged 44 over fences as an amateur which is no easy task) and for its beautiful score.

Aldaniti and Bob Champion had been a successful paring until leg injury put Aldaniti out and off the track for over a year which for most horses would have been the end to his racing career if not his life given the difficulties in treating that level of injury. However the owner's promise to keep persevering and treating Aldaniti was more to help motivate Bob who was at this time undergoing gruelling chemotherapy with the end goal "If you recover - you can ride him in the National" being something of a carrot on a stick nobody realistically expected either to see.

The Grand National is run over four miles with 30 fences to jump some of which have since been modified for safety but in the 70's and 80's they were notorious and often fatal. I was a competitive rider for years and would hurtle around XC courses and steam over fences in open team chase events like a lunatic but even I knew then the madness in going that distance, over so many fences with so many horses going over with you so tightly bunched in together during the National.

The year before Bob and Aldaniti won, only four horses managed to finish the race which gives some idea as to how difficult and gruelling it is.

I understand Ladbrokes and Embassy must have almost peed their pants when given the rights to this movie especially as one about "Red Rum" was still off the cards but it shows. A sultry Kirstie Alley is thrown in briefly for the "Wit-Woo" factor wearing tight top, jhods, shiny riding boots and her hair and make up done beautifully.

It feels generic and cliché and some real and genuine reflection, explanation and focus could have been on emphasising exactly what the Grand National is and what is involved in just getting to and completing the most gruelling steeplechase in British racing let alone winning.

I'm giving this a 6/10 because it does have some superb shots, because John Hurt actually rode Aldaniti in his 40's, because it's a true story and a brilliant one and because of the beautiful score by Carl Davis.

Would love to see this remade at some point but with time, care, patience and full due respect given to this legendary team both of whom have since been lost.

Just don't give it to Randox or Disney...

Tear jerker par-excellence

[bre62 · 6/10 · 8 February 2003]

Whilst this film sticks mostly to the 'disease of the week' formulae of American TV-movies, it does contain, for me, one of the most moving scenes in cinema history. Check out the scene at the children's ward and make sure you have a box of tissues handy.

Rave

[spiritranch · 27 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.

Predictable, but worth the ride!

[troskaya · 7/10 · 9 December 2007]

I usually avoid the overcoming-the-odds type movies, but I love movies about horses and since this was British, I hoped it could avoid the type of cliché usually found in American films of this sort. It might have if the music wasn't so overdone. I wished I could shut it off in certain scenes, it was too dramatic and corny for the action, and should have been saved for the ending, for which it was well-suited.

John Hurt is a wonderful actor. He was possibly a little old for the part and didn't really have a jockey's physique, but he made it work, especially in the scenes in which he dealt with his illness. The only thing I didn't think was very good was that he didn't seem to have much rapport with the horse, Aldaniti, and I was expecting something more in those scenes.

I only have seen Kirstie Alley in weight loss commercials, and didn't realise that before she gained the weight she had a stunning figure, she looks quite beautiful in the short scene in which she is featured.

The children in the film were great, especially the niece. A cute scene is the nieces asks Bob, who is hairless from the chemotherapy, "Uncle Kojak, if you only came third in the Gold Cup, how are you going to win the Grand National?" Their subsequent dialogue is funny and moving.

I also liked treatment of the nurses devotion to Bob.

I'd say my biggest complaint about the DVD is that there are no special features. So many DVDs have interviews, comments and documentaries. This is one that really should have had some footage of the real Bob and Aldaniti, and at least one interview. BIG disappointment.

Bob Champion has a website and has done a lot for the cancer research. I'd like to read the book the movie is based on, but still ... some special features would have been nice.

Good story, so-so film

[t-pitt-1 · 7/10 · 3 January 2021]

John Hurt was 5'9" tall. The average height for jockeys is between 4'10" and 5'6". That puts him well outside the normal size for a jockey. Unfortunately, this meant I had great trouble suspending my disbelief while watching this film. Also, at the age of 44, he seemed much too old to be playing this role. Don't get me wrong - John Hurt is a fine actor, but he was sadly miscast in this movie. One other small thing I noticed: at one point, during an early scene in the hospital (the camera is tracking down a corridor), there is a one-line female voiceover that is supposed to be the doctor speaking. The voice didn't sound anything like the voice of Judy Parfitt, who played Dr Merrow. I could swear it was Judi Dench's voice. It seemed like the line had been added in post-production, so this is a plausible theory. The film is certainly worth watching, nevertheless, especially for horse and racing fans.

Stand up and cheer...

[Flixer1957 · 8/10 · 21 November 2001]

**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.

For horse-lovers only...

[okonski · 3/10 · 10 August 2007]

I really tried to like this film - an excellent ensemble cast and technically well-shot, however the addition of the US scenes (credited as being shot in Kentucky) appeared to be stuck on simply to provide US 'appeal'. There appeared to be no sophistication of the plot - and it simply boils down to; Jocket gets cancer, his horse tears a ligament and may be put down. Therapy for both before eventual recovery, and both win the Grand National at Aintree. Even Edward Woodward didn't appear to be overstretching himself, and whether you could believe John Hurt as a successful jockey with his size of frame requires a massive leap of faith. It just hasn't stood the test of time, and it's re-release on DVD may gain a few extra viewers, but if there's a car to wash or dog to walk, your time may be better spent doing these task instead.

Brilliant

[pbaines_50 · 10/10 · 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.

Two subjects i dislike.

[malcolmgsw · 5/10 · 22 February 2024]

I viewed this film more out of curiosity than interest. Any film featuring an actor with a dreaded disease is something that I won't normally view. However as it featured that great actor,John Hurt i have it a go. Horses and horseracing totally note me. I think the only good racing for was The Marx Brothers At The Circus.

So whilst one must applaud the courage and tenacity of Bob Champion,the film for me was a borr. I have only given it a 5 because of Hurt,the excellent sore by Carl Davis and the cinematography.

This a film simply for racing fans and those who enjoy a good cry.at.a film. I am in neither category.

The most amazing story from the most amazing race

[norniron · 4 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.

Truth is often stranger than fiction.

[rohansrider · 9/10 · 19 April 2011]

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.

...wonderful, well-acted, three-kleenex movie

[filmfox · 8/10 · 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!

A statement about champions

[the_downtrodden2001 · 10/10 · 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.

[dbdumonteil · 31 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.

One of the best horseracing movies ever-4 stars

[jerryllintz2 · 8/10 · 21 July 2003]

I saw this film years ago when it was on cable for a short time and have been looking for a copy since. This movie is one of these sports movies that will have you yelling/pounding the arm of your chair/crying by the end,(think HOOSIERS/ROCKY).The track sequences are so realistic, you'll wonder how they could do them safely. The fact that the story is true is only one of it's great strengths. John Hurt does another of his (sadly underappreciated) great performances. All in all, a movie that is worth hunting down. I'm thinking that this film and the new SEABISCUIT would be a great 1-2 pick... now if I could just find a suitable third for a parley.

This is an all time favorite of mine...

[mizar-1 · 4 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.