Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2955 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-11-05
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Format: PAL
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 98 minutes

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

Synopsis
THE FLYING SCOTSMAN follows the standard blueprint for a sports film: underdog overcomes obstacles to become a champion--but adds the element of the hero's real-life mental illness to make an engaging drama. Jonny Lee Miller (TRAINSPOTTING) plays Graeme Obree, a Scottish cyclist who is seemingly past his prime. He has gone from winning races to running a losing bike shop, but he can't be called a quitter. When he learns his old rival will race for a record, Graeme decides to get back in the game. His wife (Laura Fraser, A KNIGHT'S TALE), a fellow avid cyclist (Billy Boyd, THE LORD OF THE RINGS - THE RETURN OF THE KING), and a friend (Brian Cox, RUNNING WITH SCISSORS) all join him in his quest. Though his opponent's bike boasts £250,000 in engineering, Graeme builds his from scratch, even dismantling a washing machine to make the perfect bike. In addition to his lack of a designer cycle, Graeme also struggles with a mental illness that makes it difficult for him to get out of bed, much less try for a world record. But despite his troubles, Graeme is stubborn and driven, and Miller ably captures the zeal of the real-life athlete. Cox may be best known as a villain in films such as X-MEN 2, but it's fascinating to see him play such a sympathetic character here. For those who love sports movies (or even just dramas in general), THE FLYING SCOTSMAN begs comparison to CHARIOTS OF FIRE. For most people, cycling doesn't hold the thrill of the typical spectator sports, and one might assume that extends to the movie as well. But thanks to its strong characters and the novelty of a film about cycling, THE FLYING SCOTSMAN deserves a look. The mental illness aspect of the plot adds an interesting element to what would've been a standard film.

Customer Reviews

flying scotsman
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...

Flying Scotsman a great film
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
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