The Flying Scotsman (2007)

minor but enjoyable sports movie

***1/2

*SPOILERS*

"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 cliches inherent in the story.

For the movie makes it clear that Obree did indeed 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. June 22, 2008

Great Motivating Movie

Great movie. wish they would have talked in the end about what he is doing today. Let a few friends borrow it already & they also had the same thoughts, good movie. May 28, 2008

For biking enthusiasts

Whoever bikes and heard about the achievements of Obree must watch this movie. The filmaking is just above average but cleary shot with the heart. May 19, 2008

Inspiring True Story

This movie tells the true story of Graeme Obree, an amateur cyclist with a mental illness, determined to become the fastest rider. If you're a fan of the book and see the movie, you'll quickly discover that there are some elements taken out, but that doesn't ruin the movie's drive. Fans of the movie who have not read the book, should, in order to get the full feel of Obree's challenge. That aside, The Flying Scotsman is a great movie with fantastic acting from Miller, Fraser and Boyd. The soundtrack was great, I hope I can it soon. The ending had me in tears, no lie. January 20, 2008

The Flying Scotsman

This film offers more than your usual come from behind sports victory story. For both cycling fans and others, it delves into an unusual "against all odds" true tale of beating personal demons as well as crooked sporting czars. January 18, 2008

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