The Flying Scotsman (2006)

This movie is the proof that the world is becoming a sick and dumb place

Must See Movie...

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

The true story of Graeme Obree, living in poverty in Scotland, whose receipt of a bicycle as a gift during his childhood brings him joy-and eventual fame. But the road is not easy, even when he reaches the top.Losing his bicycle business, he uses effort and guile to create a homemade racing bicycle and get himself noticed by potential corporate sponsors so he can get into big-time bicycle racing. He succeeds, but one catch: the bicycle industry doesn't like the fact that Obree had been using a homemade bike, so they try to trip him up with all sorts of rule changes and finally succeed in pushing him back down. Along with his existing mental problems, Obree is back in the slums.But he makes a comeback and wins again, and the movie ends, though Obree's career (and unfortunately his mental problems) would continue long after. As for the movie itself, the pacing is right, the characters are credible, as is the story, and it gives the message that once you reach the top, the challenges still go on. Recommended.

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.

A great movie about the live of Graeme Obree. The movie does a good job of showing the historical context of Mr. Obree's attempt at the one hour record. The intensity of the sport as well as the "inbredness" of cycling at the "hors" professional level (only insiders who are connected with major component manufacturers--and use their equipment--will ultimately be allowed to win). Some of the the timing tends to be off and is not necessarily true to the order of events. I really appreciated the caricature of the WCF officials who stood in the way of his rise to fame. They remind of of the UCI officials that they represent!Where the movie lacks is on the telling of the story of Graeme's emotional foibles. That element of the story seems disconnected--both within the subplot and with the rest of the movie--and hard to follow. A little bit more closure and development would have been good.

Having read the book several years ago, and recalled the achievements of Graeme Obree back in the early nineties, I knew that this film would at least be inspiring. In some ways, this film reminded me of the last Scottish athlete to be given the nickname 'The Flying Scotsman', the great Eric Liddle. Both were criticised for their unorthodox styles, even though it gained them great success and honour. Both men, also engendered wide criticism, although for different reasons. The film is honest and direct, as it deals with issues like bullying and depression, which are suffered by so many. Like Obree, many people try to deal with such problems on their own. Jonny Lee Miller does well to portray the agony and ecstasy of professional competition. Laura Fraser(Ann Obree) plays his supportive wife, serenely, but with an underlying earthiness. His friend and manager Malky(Billy Boyd) follows his highs and lows. Douglas Baxter plays the wise local parish minister, Brian Cox, who offers his workshop and scrap metal, along with much needed moral support. Cox is almost a second father figure to young Obree. With the addition of the obvious high drama of the competitions, this film is superb.