Long before I saw or was even
made aware of the Academy Award-winning 1981 classic Chariots of Fire, I read a biography on Eric Liddell. His life was an inspiring story of Christian
faith, and I remembered being very moved after reading the book.
When I finally saw Chariots of Fire, I found it utterly beautiful. For ordinary film buffs, its merits must have
been limited to its dramatic, stirring sports plot and the iconic rousing
music. Some may even find it
overrated. But, by revolving around a
faithful depiction of Liddell’s faith, the film’s themes are actually quite
deep and resonating – an aspect that Christians will particularly grasp and
appreciate. But great a film it may be,
I was also a tad disappointed because it simply focused on Liddell during the
1924 Olympics. Having read about him, I
know his life as a missionary after his running career is just as remarkable
and moving, though not in a similar “feel-good” way.
At last, On Wings of Eagles tells the story of Eric Liddell after Chariots of Fire. The title is based on Isaiah 40 – “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” – which he quoted in a sermon in Chariots
of Fire, and which is also what’s written on his monument in Weifang, China
(according to text at the end of the movie).
The film follows Liddell during World War II when he was sent by
the Japanese soldiers – along with other white foreigners living in China – to Weihsien
Internment Camp, a place of harsh conditions but ironically called by the
Japanese as “The Courtyard of the Happy Way.”
Despite the lack of food, poor living quarters, his failing health, cruel
guards, being far from his family (whom he sent away to Canada when China was
beginning to become dangerous, while he himself opted to stay to continue his
ministry), and other heartbreaks and difficulties, he maintained relentless hope, displayed a
cheery disposition, and proceed to encourage and help the others in the camp.
This movie won’t become as
renowned as Chariots of Fire, as it’s
not nearly as well-made. But it’s
nonetheless a worthwhile watch. There
are a couple of bumps when it comes to being evenly cohesive, but I think it
has a well-told, poignant narrative as a whole.
Joseph Fiennes – headlining his third faith-based film after Luther and last year’s Risen – gives a sincere and solid performance in playing Eric Liddell, while matching the manner of portrayal of the late Ian
Charleson.
The only problem I have with this
movie is that it seems like, despite its strong Christian message, the ultimate
reflection from the narrator Xu Niu (Shawn Dou), Liddell’s friend and former
driver, is shockingly and cringingly humanistic. It’s as if the character – and the filmmakers
for that matter – didn’t really get what Liddell’s life and faith have been all
about.
However, let me have a different
takeaway, and I hope everyone who sees this movie will share mine. The hymn “Be Still My Soul” is prominently featured
in this film, and its message is arguably – and rightfully – the essential
theme of On Wings of Eagles:
Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heav’nly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
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