Year 1936. The Berlin Olympics. Although the idea of commingling at Olympics was antithetical according to Hitler to his party's core belief, his propaganda minister Joe Goebbels persuaded him to host Olympics that would provide an opportunity to present to the world an alternate reality of Hitler's Germany, modern and cultured Germany, a masquerade.
This documentary attempts to depict Hitler's Germany, once seen as 'a nation of Huns', as a refined civilization. It adorns the Nazis' nascent regime, warped mythos and ideology with grace, and youthful vigor.
Leni Riefenstahl was not only one of the first women directors but she was the first one to use all conceivable angles including some unusual closeups and also, underwater cameras. The techniques that she employed later became the industry standards. Just the opening sequence raises the bars of the future filmmaking. The sharp angular and slender silhouettes of men and women pirouetting and swaying arms gracefully illustrate the essence of this centuries old festival. The torch flames blinding the sun is the quintessential of the photography. Camera captured few interesting moments such as how Jesse Owen's 100 meters new record of 10:20 seconds was not counted due to wind (He of course wins but with 10:30) and how most players started running before even a shot was fired).
This documentary sets the filmmaking standards. It is considered as one of the top 100 movies of all time.
A MUST watch.
This documentary attempts to depict Hitler's Germany, once seen as 'a nation of Huns', as a refined civilization. It adorns the Nazis' nascent regime, warped mythos and ideology with grace, and youthful vigor.
Leni Riefenstahl was not only one of the first women directors but she was the first one to use all conceivable angles including some unusual closeups and also, underwater cameras. The techniques that she employed later became the industry standards. Just the opening sequence raises the bars of the future filmmaking. The sharp angular and slender silhouettes of men and women pirouetting and swaying arms gracefully illustrate the essence of this centuries old festival. The torch flames blinding the sun is the quintessential of the photography. Camera captured few interesting moments such as how Jesse Owen's 100 meters new record of 10:20 seconds was not counted due to wind (He of course wins but with 10:30) and how most players started running before even a shot was fired).
This documentary sets the filmmaking standards. It is considered as one of the top 100 movies of all time.
A MUST watch.