On Wings of Eagles (2016)

On Wings of Eagles Poster

Eric Liddell - China's first gold medalist and one of Scotland's greatest athletes - returns to war-torn China.

Intro to "On Wings of Eagles"
"On Wings of Eagles", launched in 2016 (also known as "The Last Race" in some areas), is a historical drama movie that works as a follow up to the 1981 British film "Chariots of Fire." Directed by Stephen Shin and Michael Parker, the film stars Joseph Fiennes ahead function and informs the story of Eric Liddell, a Scottish professional athlete and devout Christian who won the gold medal in the 400 meters at the 1924 Paris Olympics. The movie focuses on his life after the Olympics, especially his missionary operate in China and his imprisonment by Japanese forces during World War II.

Eric Liddell's Post-Olympics Life in China
"After his Olympic success, Eric Liddell feels called by his spiritual faith to go back to China, the country of his birth, to serve as a missionary like his parents before him. He works in the town of Tianjin and later in the remote village of Xiaozhang, spreading Christian teachings, assisting the regional population, and continuing to motivate those around him with his strong belief in God's providence.

Liddell's dedication to his objective and love for the Chinese individuals are evident as he dedicates his life to instructional and evangelical work. In the middle of increasing political stress and the looming threat of dispute, Liddell weds Florence Mackenzie, a Canadian missionary, and the couple starts a family in China.

Outbreak of World War II and Imprisonment
As World War II escalates, the circumstance in China becomes more unsafe. Eric is faced with the tough decision to send his better half and daughters to Canada for their safety. Regardless of the risk, he chooses to remain in China to continue his missionary work and to support the local Chinese neighborhood facing the hardships of war.

Unfortunately, the invading Japanese forces ultimately capture Liddell and lots of others, positioning them in internment camps. There, Liddell's strength and spirit end up being a beacon of hope for his fellow prisoners. In spite of the dreadful conditions and the continuous threat of Japanese brutality, Liddell arranges sporting occasions and teaches the kids in the camp, preserving a sense of normalcy and optimism amongst the internees.

Legacy and Impact
Eric Liddell's health deteriorates in the internment camp, and he is ultimately identified with a brain growth, which would cause his untimely death. He remains a generous figure throughout his final days, frequently putting the requirements of his fellow prisoners before his own. His tradition is among compassion, sportsmanship, and steady faith, leaving a lasting impression on those who knew him.

"On Wings of Eagles" concludes with recognition of Liddell's impactful life. It honors his athletic achievements, his commitment to his faith and missionary work, and the supreme sacrifice he made in service to others. The movie works as a homage to an Olympian who ran not simply for the magnificence of victory, but for the higher function he found in his faith and humanitarian efforts.

Summary and Reflection
In summary, "On Wings of Eagles" is a poignant movie that explores the lesser-known chapters of Eric Liddell's life after his Olympic victory. The story is a statement to Liddell's incredible willpower and character in the face of adversity, war, and individual sacrifice. While the film received combined evaluations, Joseph Fiennes' representation of Liddell catches the essence of a male driven by deep conviction and love for mankind.

Though less about the sport that at first made him famous, the film delves into the spiritual race Liddell ran, one that transcended the boundaries of the track and got in the realm of moral courage and endurance. His story is a potent reminder that the Olympic spirit and human spirit alike can manifest in different methods, not only in the pursuit of individual accomplishment however also in the dedication to serving others, even under the most traumatic situations.

Top Cast

  • Joseph Fiennes (small)
    Joseph Fiennes
    Eric Liddell
  • Shawn Dou (small)
    Shawn Dou
    Xu Niu
  • Elizabeth Arends
    Florence Liddell
  • Richard Sanderson (small)
    Richard Sanderson
    Dr. Hubbard
  • Darren Grosvenor (small)
    Darren Grosvenor
    Gentleman
  • Simon Twu
    Chen Quan
  • Augusta Xu-Holland (small)
    Augusta Xu-Holland
    Catherine Standish
  • Patrice Poujol
    Louis Klein
  • Shigeo Kobayashi (small)
    Shigeo Kobayashi
    Yoshinori Yumoto
  • Zach Ireland
    David Marshall
  • Asta Friis Lodahl
    Heather Liddell