Champions

1984
PG
1h 46m

IMDb RATING

YOUR RATING

A British steeple chase jockey who, in the late 1970s, was diagnosed with cancer. Rather than succumb to the disease, however, Bob stages a miraculous recovery and goes on to win the 1981 Gr... Read allA British steeple chase jockey who, in the late 1970s, was diagnosed with cancer. Rather than succumb to the disease, however, Bob stages a miraculous recovery and goes on to win the 1981 Grand National steeplechase on the horse Aldaniti.A British steeple chase jockey who, in the late 1970s, was diagnosed with cancer. Rather than succumb to the disease, however, Bob stages a miraculous recovery and goes on to win the 1981 Grand National steeplechase on the horse Aldaniti.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.5/10

810

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 1 win & 1 nomination total

Photos16

+ 8

User reviews17

6.5810

Featured reviews

6bre62

Tear jerker par-excellence

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.

mizar-1

This is an all time favorite of mine...

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.

8jerryllintz2

One of the best horseracing movies ever-4 stars

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.

spiritranch

Rave

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.

dbdumonteil

National Champion.

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.

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
The lucky horseshoe, given to Champion (Sir John Hurt) by Jo (Jan Francis), and later carried in his boot during the Grand National, was the original one once worn by Bob Champion, who was an advisor on this movie.

Goofs
At the start of the film, Bob Champion and Aldaniti are seen winning a race at Chepstow racecourse. Aldaniti never raced at Chepstow.

Quotes
Bob Champion: There are different sorts of courage. Fighting is the lion's courage, but running is the courage of a horse. Running and jumping. A horse will do anything for you, if he's genuine and he loves you.