The Games (film)

The Games is a 1970 British sports drama film directed by Michael Winner. It follows the interwoven stories of four marathon runners, each with different motivations and backgrounds, as they prepare for and ultimately compete in the Rome Olympic marathon.

The film features an international cast, including Michael Crawford, Ryan O'Neal, Charles Aznavour, and Stanley Baker. The narratives explore the psychological pressures and physical demands placed on athletes aiming for Olympic glory. The film delves into themes of nationalism, commercialism in sports, and the personal sacrifices required to reach the highest levels of athletic achievement.

The Games aimed to realistically portray the training regimes, competitive environments, and emotional states of marathon runners. It includes location filming at actual marathons and incorporates insights into the world of professional athletics. The film garnered mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its ambition and realistic portrayal, while others found the narrative disjointed. Despite its initial reception, The Games remains a notable entry in the sports film genre, offering a glimpse into the competitive world of Olympic marathon running in the early 1970s.