The Flying Scotsman Parent Guide

Graeme Obree’s cycling aspirations began, not from a love of bikes, but out of fear. Given a set of wheels for Christmas, he finally had a way to outrun the schoolyard bullies who had relentlessly beaten him after class. Then as an adult, Graeme (played by Jonny Lee Miller) discovers that British cyclist Chris Boardman has ridden to a gold medal finish in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Having surpassed Chris in several local competitions, Graeme decides to pursue his own one-hour world record.

However, coming up with the funds to train and buy a bike proves difficult on the limited income of a bike courier. So he begins scavenging parts wherever he can find them—legally or not. Malky (Billy Boyd), a fellow courier, offers to drum up sponsors. The community’s boatyard owner and part-time minister, Douglas Baxter (Brian Cox) also offers encouragement to the young athlete.

But not everyone is eager to see him succeed. The cycling authorities seemingly have an interest in maintaining the status quo. Despite Graeme’s careful adherence to the organization’s specifications, the officials cite infractions with his bike made from scrap pieces and washing machine components. And rather than herald the advances he is making for the sport, they disqualify him for his riding style and continually manipulate the rules to prohibit his participation.

Haunted by the taunts of his childhood and the growing list of rejections, Graeme relapses into depression, an ailment he suffers from throughout his adult life. He even attempts suicide after another blow from the rule enforcement committee. Yet with the support of his wife Anne (Laura Fraser) and others who believe in his abilities, the Flying Scotsman is soon back on the track.

Several strong sexual expletives, other profanities, bullying and the suicide attempt make this film more appropriate for older audiences. But while the pace of the film doesn’t do justice to the hours of work and training put in by Graeme, this movie profiles the far-reaching contributions this unconventional Scotsman made to the sport of cycling.

About author

Kerry Bennett

Kerry Bennett is interested in media from both a journalist and parent perspective. Along with authoring articles for several family-oriented publications, she has written for Parent Previews for over 15 years. As a parent herself, she believes parents play a powerful role in teaching media literacy in their homes.