Filmed in 1936 Berlin during the Olympic games, Leni Riefenstahl’s ‘Olympia’ showcased the German celebration of international competition and virtues of athletic performance, sportsmanship, and, despite what critics may claim – goodwill amongst nations and peoples. Controversy however was inevitable as the Second World War was just around the corner, and tensions between the great powers were already rising. Regardless of one’s politics, and even to some of interwar-Germany’s harshest critics, ‘Olympia’ is heralded by audience members and film-makers alike as a masterpiece of its craft, showcasing innovative cinematography and highlighting some of the beauty inherent in the human spirit.

Myth of the 20th Century – Episode 221 – Olympia

— References —

• Das blaue Licht, Riefenstahl (1932)
• Der Sieg des Glaubens, Riefenstahl (1933)
• Triumph des Willens, Riefenstahl (1933)
• Olympia, Riefenstahl (1938)
• Miracle, O’Connor (2004)
• Rocky IV, Stallone (1985)
• Hitler’s Olympics : The 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, Hilton (2006)
• Homo Americanus, Sunic (2007)
• Tom Sunic – Homo Americanus, Myth of the 20th Century (2019) – https://myth20c.wordpress.com/2019/05/15/tom-sunic-homo-americanus/