Amazon.co.uk Review
Silver-screen sports stories rarely revolve around the big and brawny, but the small and scrappy, like Sean Astin in Rudy or Toby Maguire in Seabiscuit. For Scottish cycling sensation Graeme Obree (Trainspotting's Jonny Lee Miller), the biggest obstacle isn't physical, but financial--and psychological. From 1993 to 1995, when most of The Flying Scotsman takes place, he's a bike-shop owner and courier who dreams of turning pro (Laura Fraser plays his supportive spouse). After Rev. Baxter (Brian Cox returning to his native Scotland) sets him up with supplies, and fellow courier Malky (The Lord of the Rings' Billy Boyd) agrees to manage him, Obree sets out to break the one-hour world record. He starts by building a bicycle from spare parts, a move that recalls Anthony Hopkins' eccentric racer in The World's Fastest Indian.
Obree's money woes are further complicated by a battle with manic depression, which is handled sensitively, if superficially, i.e. it isn't made clear whether he ever receives treatment. Though he'll break several records before the film is over, the World Cycling Federation (represented by former James Bond villain Steven Berkoff) makes him jump through several demeaning hoops to get there. As for Miller, he's convincing as a cyclist (Obree serves as one of his stand-ins), though Boyd provides the bulk of the charisma. Nonetheless, the real-life champ deserves recognition for his achievements, and Mackinnon's movie is as a sympathetic testament to a true talent. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
Customer Reviews:
Film of the Year.......2007-12-29
Thanks to my Cineworld season ticket, I see many films in the cinema; one or two a week throughout 2007. My favourites for the year included Zodiac, the latest Harry Potter, The Lives of Others, and Brick Lane. But the best of all - and the best by a long way - was The Flying Scotsman. As others have mentioned, this is a biopic of Graeme Obree and about ordinary people doing great things. I found found myself drawn into the story and began to think (fancifully) about doing great things myself. The acting is great and tremendously realistic, the story is heroic, and yet there is a sensitivity at the film's heart as we follow Obree's obsession. As the film progresses (as is the case with all good biopics), you begin to get a sense that you understand the main character. Just when you feel this, the film ends by zooming into Obree's eyes and we realise just how little we really understand the man. There are many other reasons to watch the film; the drama of the cycling, the anger at the officials who banned his bike, the tenderness of the relationships, and some great feel good moments - but the real draw of this film is the exploration of a man's obsession, the support of his friends, and ultimately the realisation that we can never know what is going on in someone else's head. To me, this is the best British film since Punishment Park. If you only buy one DVD this year, this is the one to buy.
Inspiring and a MUST SEE.......2007-12-04
I read the book a while ago and found it so moving I was always going to see the film. And when I did I wasn't disappointed. Its one of those little gems of a movie that for whatever reason don't seem to get the attention they deserve. Its inspiring and touching in turns and really puts you there at the trackside willing Graeme on. At its heart it is a good old fashioned heartwarming biopic- but its all the better for that, because theres no patronising pseudo intellectual subtext, or over the top effects: it is simply a true story about Scotlands greatest cyclng hero.
One last thing- you don't need to be into cycling to enjoy it (I'm not, particularly) but it does make you want to get your old racer out of the garage and see how far you can push yourself afterwards. Anyways, its asolutely brilliant and I totally recommend that you go watch it.
Flying Scotsman a great film.......2007-11-24
After reading the book we were looking forward to seing the film, and boy was it worth the wait. You are really in the saddle with Greame Obree when he goes for the hour record. You feel his frustration with his illness and the officials who put everything in his ways hoping he,d give up. Jonny Lee Miller plays Obree with passion. A must see film for all cyclists
The Flying Scotsman.......2007-10-29
I watched this film after reading Mr Obree's book of the same name. it is an amazing story and shows that greatness and extream personal achievments are in the range of anyone. his braking of the hour record and the way in which it was done, was somthing i think moved me greatly and somthing that i think would change and insipre any sports person for the remainder of there life.
Totaly a must watched film and an amazing story
flying scotsman.......2007-09-17
This is a fantastic movie. It gives a sense of the challlenge of taking on the system and doing extra ordinary things. This is a story of great courage and determination in pushing the envelope of sport and human accomlishment. For everyone who wants to see the dream of jumping over the rainbow and coming back to earth, this is a chance to do it. For everyone who has ever enjoyed the bike-be the first to buy the DVD and watch it with your friends. Ordinary people can do extra ordinary things if they have the courage and the vision. Go for it...
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UK DVD List
UK DVD
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All Drama
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Drama
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DVD
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Video
In Search of Robert Millar: Unravelling the Mystery Surrounding Britain's Most Successful Tour De France Cyclist
The Flying Scotsman: The Graeme Obree Story
Flying Scotsman: Cycling to Triumph Through My Darkest Hours
Paris-Roubaix: A Journey Through Hell
Overcoming
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