The Flying Scotsman (2006)

They say "you couldn't make it up" about a lot of strange tales, and in this case the theory holds true. This is an amazing true story about the battle between one flawed and impoverished "little" man against the corporate giants of the (cycling) world. And the little man wins. What more could you ask for?! The stage is irrelevant, the cycling is a backdrop that does not detract in any way from this as a film masterpiece worthy of critical acclaim. JLM is magnificent as the hugely talented but deeply troubled Obree, ably assisted by Billy Boyd and Brian Cox in strong supporting roles.The fact that it is set against the beautiful backwaters of Scotland and the cast are largely British unknowns, adds to the charm. A heart-warming and inspirational story turned into very watchable entertainment.

I've been a keen follower of cycling for 50 years and of course these included the Obree era, so I have some recollection of the actual events.This film seemed a reasonably accurate portrayal, allowing for the need to be discreet about some of the supporting characters, not least the "WCF" officials. I'll need to read Obree's own book to find out about the people in his camp.At the time of his racing successes, nothing was known of his problems with depression, though Obree became refreshingly frank about these later on.A viewer with no knowledge of the sport might be forgiven for assuming that the film started with Obree as a very ordinary rider who came from obscurity to beating the world. In fact he was a very accomplished racer on the British scene and, as he briefly mentions, had gone head-to-head with Chris Boardman before the film started.I did wonder about the scenes showing Obree riding along with a rucksack on his back - something very few experienced cyclists do. And I've a feeling that the "Superman" bars gave an even more extended riding position than that shown towards the end of the film - perhaps it was too extended for an actor to handle.Overall, an enjoyable film.

"The Flying Scotsman" tells the story of Graeme Obree, a championship cyclist from Glascow, who, in the mid 1990s, twice broke the world speed record using a bike he'd constructed out of washing-machine parts. To achieve his success, Obree had to wage battle against not merely the leaders of the World Cycling Federation - who considered him an upstart and thus did everything they could to try to keep him from competing - but his own personal demons brought on by childhood trauma and clinical depression. This slight but engaging film boasts an intriguing locale, smooth direction by Douglas Mackinnon and endearing performances by Johnny Lee Miller, Billy Boyd, Laura Fraser and Brian Cox. These serve as effective counterweights to all the sports-underdog, hometown-hero-makes-good clichés inherent in the story. For the movie makes it clear that Obree did become something of a folk hero for the citizens of Scotland, who are often forced to play second-fiddle to their more haughty neighbors to the south. For a brief but shining moment, however, the nation of Scotland stood atop the world of competitive cycling, all thanks to its Favorite Son, Graeme Obree.

The Flying Scotsman is a formula sports biographical movie, based on the book written by a champion cyclist Graeme Obree. As with sports biopics like Cinderella Man and The World's Fastest Indian, Scotsman tells the story of the underdog's triumph against himself and his adversaries through innovation in technique, technology, and of course, perseverance sprinkled with grit and determination. But of course, like A Beautiful Mind, there are inner demons that have to be worked out, before assailing to the summit.Graeme Obree (Jonny Lee Miller) is a bike enthusiast who works as a courier and owns a bike shop. Life's pretty plain, until he inspires to break an aged old World Hour record for longest distanced pedalled on a bicycle. But record breaking is an expensive ambition, and he realizes that aerodynamics will play an important factor. What I liked about the movie is to witness his keen observation and experimentation at work, to design the perfect sports bike, and riding techniques which some of us would have observed on television in the 90s.Thus the movie begins charting the ups and downs of his career, starting with his built from scratch and from spare washing machine parts bike affectionately called The Old Faithful. It's something that man and machine, when united seamlessly, is able to go the distance. But of course, what I also liked is perhaps the stereotypical boardroom suits, of the powers that be, who are dead set in making life difficult for Obree, introducing absurd rules, regulations and terms in order to upset the spirit of innovation, and maintain their absolute control over the sport.There are some moments which seem to mar the movie, despite understanding that they have to be introduced to give our on screen character more than one dimension. Struggling with injustice from the past affected Obree's EQ, but a good support structure in his wife Anne (Laura Fraser), manager Malky (Billy Boyd) and good adviser Douglas (Brian Cox), it makes a constant reminder that no man is an island, and that with good people supporting and believing in you, that's one of life's greatest gifts.The theme track is excellent in itself, but unfortunately, none can replace the contemporary classic theme composed by Vangelis from Chariots of Fire. Recommended movie despite its formula, if you're in need for some perk up when you're feeling down and low about yourself.