- Film Review
- Reviewed By Jeremy Aspinall
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4 out of 5
"Inspire a generation" was the slogan that defined the London Olympics, and that sentiment looms large over this portrait of the heady, euphoric days of summer 2012 when the sporting extravaganza held sway over the national consciousness. Acknowledged as the official film of the Games, this lovingly crafted chronicle is more of a snapshot of the event, with the emphasis firmly on first-time Olympians from all over the world. Some were already superstars (Kenyan athlete David Rudisha, Irish world champion boxer Katie Taylor) but others were just glad to be there. As with most sports documentaries, the athletes experience the agony (including American gymnast John Orozco and Aussie BMX rider Caroline Buchanan) and, of course, the ecstasy (South African swimmer Chad Le Clos defeating his idol, the mighty Michael Phelps; bubbly British cyclist Laura Trott speeding to double gold-medal triumph). But there's also sportsmanship, mutual respect and revealing personal stories, though thankfully not of the cloying kind. The footage - of cycling and diving, especially - is often electrifying and accompanied by a suitably contemporary soundtrack, while the sublime Rudisha's historic run in the 800m final makes for a rousing climax.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Laura Trott
- Laura Trott
- Missy Franklin
- Missy Franklin
- David Rudisha
- David Rudisha
- Chad Le Clos
- Chad Le Clos
- Katie Taylor
- Katie Taylor
- James Ellington
- James Ellington
- John Orozco
- John Orozco
- Qiu Bo
- Qiu Bo
- Caroline Buchanan
- Caroline Buchanan
- Heena Sidhu
- Heena Sidhu
- Majlinda Kelmendi
- Majlinda Kelmendi
- Christophe Lemaitre
- Christophe Lemaitre
- Queen Underwood
- Queen Underwood
Crew
- Director
- Caroline Rowland
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