User reviews

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!!!

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.