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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
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
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
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
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.
32 of 34 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
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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Most Recent Customer Reviews
It's Not Only About the Bike...
This film is based on the remarkable true story of Graeme Obree (played by Jonny Lee Miller), the Scottish cyclist who twice held the world hour record and who was also twice world... Read more
Published 14 months ago by G. J. Oxley
Great Life Story
This is a great film very well acted. I had never heard of Graeme Orbree until I was doing a little bit of research into Chris Boardman and found out they were rivals and that... Read more
Published 15 months ago by John L. O. Cooper
Excellent Film
An excellent film based on the true story of an inspiring Scotsman.
Given the adversity Graeme faced during his racing career it has
gone on to help the cyclists of today... Read more
Given the adversity Graeme faced during his racing career it has
gone on to help the cyclists of today... Read more
Published 15 months ago by J. Cameron
Feel good film
If you are into cycling or not Im sure you will like this film. It is based on a true storyabout Brian Obree and his life long battle with bi-polar disorder. Read more
Published 24 months ago by film fan
An English Classroom is wowed by Obree
Students' names follow after their reviews
The Flying Scotsman *****
A film I recently watched was The Flying Scotsman. Read more
The Flying Scotsman *****
A film I recently watched was The Flying Scotsman. Read more
Published on 13 May 2010 by Ian Yule
Come Away Graeme
I watched this on television last night and what a delightful film. it was well worth a late night. As a non fan of Johnny Lee Miller my hopes for the film were a trifle low. Read more
Published on 31 Mar 2010 by G. R. Donaldson
The Flying Scotsman
The film of the book of the man of the legend. Having read the book, i thought i'd give the film a look see too. Not a bad film all in all, but not a great one either. Read more
Published on 25 Feb 2010 by Gary Courtney
Flying Scotsman - Graham Obree
Watched this film as a family and we all really enjoyed it. I didn't know much about Graham Obree before watching this film and whilst being an enjoyable movie we wanted to know... Read more
Published on 21 Jan 2010 by TrekChic
Great movie
This was a surpisingly good watch - my other half is a cycling fan so i bought it for him for Christmas. I'm not into sport at all, so wasnt sure if I would like it. Read more
Published on 18 Feb 2009 by A. Springett
A great movie about a great cyclist champion !
Firstly, excuse my english because i'm french ! I discovered Obree when i was 15. Usually, in july, when you read newspaper like "L'Equipe", they are always writing about Tour de... Read more
Published on 10 Jan 2009 by brotherstwins
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