The Flying Scotsman (2006)

Nice effects though.

A film with more than the usual spoiler issues. Talking about it in any detail feels akin to handing you a gift-wrapped present and saying, "I hope you like it -- It's a thriller about a diabolical secret experiment."

The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

If you're interested in the topic at hand, you should just watch it and judge yourself because the reviews have gone very biased by people that didn't even watch it and just hate (or love) the creator. I liked it, it was well written, narrated, and directed and it was about a topic that interests me.

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.

it is a special film. for story, for acting, for images, for the delicate precise portrait of a champion. but, more interesting, for its honesty. it is not a lesson about courage or fight against yourself. it is only a testimony. fresh, smart, seductive testimony. with a great cast and amazing Jonny Lee Miller. and this it is cause for, after its end, remains a spring air. a mixture of joy, hope and need of self definition. new perception of reality. sure, for short time. but a new image like seeds of a miraculous tree.it is not a surprise. only result of honest work who do not desire to convince or impress. only it says a story. about small basic values. and about each of its viewer.

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.

Genuinely loved the movie, and I'll let those who know more about Graeme and cycling comment on those aspects.Understand that Jonny Lee Miller is well regarded in Scotland for a really good Scots accent. But on the other side of the pond, us 'muricans catch only every third or fourth word. Strongly suggest you turn on the closed captioning right from the beginning and save yourself a lot of frustration and wear on your DVD player. Otherwise you'll be backing up a lot for "what'd he say?" You can always turn captioning off when you watch the second time. And you will want to see it again. It's that good.