The Flying Scotsman

Based on the incredible true story of amateur cyclist Graeme Obree, who breaks the world one-hour record on a bike he made out of washing machine parts.

Critics found the true-life story compelling and Jonny Lee Miller’s performance sympathetic, but widely felt that brisk pacing and an uneven treatment of Obree’s depression weakened the drama.

• Graeme Obree designs and builds a revolutionary bicycle from scrap metal and washing-machine parts before challenging the world one-hour record.
• Obree’s record attempts are intertwined with depression and the pressure of exceptional performance.
• The bicycle is constructed from discarded materials rather than conventional professional racing resources.
• Obree is presented as an unemployed Scottish amateur competing against the expectations and structures of elite cycling.

• Eddie the Eagleshared biographical sports drama, perseverance against institutional obstacles, and inspirational competitive drive
• The World’s Fastest Indianshared true-story sports drama focused on an unconventional athlete, personal struggle, and determined self-invention
• Billy Elliotshared British biographical sports drama with working-class ambition, emotional adversity, and a sympathetic central performance

Director

Douglas Mackinnon

Release Date

2006-08-16

Runtime

96 min

Rating

6.5 / 10 (85)

What is The Flying Scotsman about?

An unemployed Scottish amateur cyclist turns scrap materials and relentless determination into a world-record challenge while confronting depression and the demands of sporting fame.

What is The Flying Scotsman like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Flying Scotsman as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is The Flying Scotsman violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Flying Scotsman.

What did critics think of The Flying Scotsman?

Critics found the true-life story compelling and Jonny Lee Miller’s performance sympathetic, but widely felt that brisk pacing and an uneven treatment of Obree’s depression weakened the drama.

Which films are like The Flying Scotsman?

Films with a similar feel include Eddie the Eagle, The World’s Fastest Indian, and Billy Elliot.

How long is The Flying Scotsman?

The Flying Scotsman runs 96 minutes.

Where can I watch The Flying Scotsman?

In United States, The Flying Scotsman streams on The Roku Channel, YouTube Free, Tubi TV.