Kattiera Nana
I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.
Pacionsbo
Absolutely Fantastic
Deanna
There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.
l_rawjalaurence
OLYMPIA was split into two parts for its German release, but amalgamated into one elsewhere. I saw the amalgamated version, in which the principal focus of attention centered on the athletics. Riefenstahl's photography is quite outstanding; her sense of camera placement impeccable; her ability to define the individual in relationship to environment cannot be questioned. As a study in the human body and its potential, OLYMPIA cannot be faulted. However there is perhaps less to OLYMPIA than meets the eye: viewers looking to the film as a source of Nazi propaganda are likely to be disappointed. True, there are shots of Adolf Hitler clapping approvingly at German athletes winning gold medals; and shots of the swastika being raised during various ceremonies; but the film in this version adopts an even-handed approach to its material. The only suggestion of politics comes when the British and American athletes refuse to adopt the Nazi salute, both during the opening ceremony and during medal ceremonies; rather they salute as they might have done if they were acknowledging superior officers in the Army. As a record of a unique event, OLYMPIA cannot be faulted, but perhaps it should be treated first and foremost as a sports documentary rather than a piece of political propaganda.
Dalbert Pringle
This high-quality sports documentary, photographed in stark b&w by Leni Riefenstahl, features all of the glorious highlights that took place at the 1936 Summer Olympic Games held in Berlin, Germany.It also features Nazi leader, Adolf Hitler as he officially proclaims the Games open, as well as footage of Hitler, all decked out in a Nazi uniform (swastikas included) saluting the athletes at the opening ceremonies - And, later, Hitler sitting with his buddies, laughing and smiling and cheering his beloved Germany on to victory.Besides that, this production also includes several "fantasy" sequences that, presented like some sort of a slow-motion ballet, display completely nude male and female figures.All-in-all, Olympia was certainly well worth a view.
libi_rose
something like 50 cameramen. 18 months of editing. they invented the underwater camera FOR THIS DOCUMENTARY. it is a beautiful and amazing achievement. the fact that Leni managed to make a live event look like something staged, planned, rehearsed- simply amazing.
Agent10
If this film was never made, the current camera movements and angles we see today on television would probably never exist. Given unquestionable freedom, Leni Riefenstahl created a film which is bold in composition and visual aptitude. The motions of athleticism are caught beautifully, especially the diving sequence and the running sequences. While many will say Riefenstahl was a pro-Nazi film maker, one cannot deny the innovation she instilled in the art of film making. If you can take the near 4-hour running time and the fact there is no dialogue in the film, then experience this film for the power and breathtaking visuals, not the supposed pro-Nazi agenda.
