Triumph of the Will (Special Edition)
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Movie Reviews of Triumph of the Will (Special Edition)
Movie Review: An un-nerving work of Genius
Summary: 5 Stars
There are many reasons why this film is disturbing. First, it was made to glorify the regime of Nazi Germany. Second, the film accomlishes its mission with greate success. Third, as a cinematic work, it has served as an archetype for propaganda films ever since.
The use of music, imagery, pacing, and other techniques for developing content reveal that Leni Riefenstahl was probably one of the most talented and brilliant film-makers or visual choraographers of the 20th Century. Had this movie been made for some purpose other than the glorification of Adolf Hitler's government, it wouuld have received high praise.
Had this film been made under the direction of an inept or clumsy hack, it would have been consigned to the dust-bins of history, not preserved as a chilling reminder of how to be effective, and a lesson in how to create, propaganda.
On technical merits, as a work of cinema, I give Triumph of The Will high praise. But that praise is tempered and mitigated by the knowledge of the uses to which all of director Riefenstahl's brilliance was applied.
Triumph of the Will is destinted to remain one of the most controversial and un-nerving movies ever made. Its real value lies in understanding the context in which it was produced, and (I hope) causing viewers to become much more critical and discerning in their analysis of the content of contemporary commercial and political media.
Movie Review: PUT YOURSELF IN THEIR SHOES!!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the infamous documentary produced by Leni Riefenstahl of the 1934 Nazi Party rally in Nuremberg, Germany. Working with an unlimited budget, she created the almost perfect propaganda film to promote the Nazi Party in Germany. Fascinating today, just for the historical interest, it has been the model over the decades for others wanting to understand the power of propaganda film. It was a powerful influence in establishing Hitler as the messiah for Germany. It was shown in part or whole in every theater throughout Germany during WWII. Of course, today we see it thru the lens of history and the unspeakable evil that was committed by Hitler and his regime but the people watching in 1934 did not have that insight. At the very least, it is a powerful warning to those of us who have the benefit of history to be more discerning in our falling for those who would seek to use this same kind of propaganda to push a cause, no matter how noble or good it might seem and the Nazi Party certainly seemed to be a noble cause for the German people. Riefenstahl used 30 cameras and 120 technicians during the filming. Hitler was always filmed separately so he could be edited in and out of the crowd pictures for maximum manipulation of imagery and seduction of the mind. While it runs a little long and is a little repetitive in places, this is an amazing piece of history and very much worthwhile of your time. WWW.LUSREVIEWS.BLOGSPOT.COM
Movie Review: Historically Significant...
Summary: 5 Stars
Leni Riefenstahl's masterpiece, Triumph of the Will is a cinematic milestone. Set aside your preconceptions, notions of political correctness, kick back with some nachos and enjoy the spectacle, pageantry, patriotism and just plain ole unmitigated evil of a bygone era. Yes, this is THE "documentary" of the events of the Sixth Nuremberg Nazi Party Congress in 1934, featuring a cast of thousands, mind blowing special effects, and show stopping musical numbers, as well as (of course) Hitler, Himmler, Goebbels, Hess, Goering and assorted other Nazi superstars of the day.
Get caught up in the wackiness as Hitler and Goebbels lead the German people around like neutered sheep on Thorazine. The brilliant camera work and editing, ratchet up the tension incrementally from the opening marches and speeches to the closing ones, creating a yearning and semi-religious awe for the realization of the full spectrum dominance of Nazi ideology.
The legendary cinematic genius Leni Riefenstahl creates in the viewer an irresistible excitement over the images of mindless obedience to patently psychotic leaders and vulgar nationalistic narcissism. But politics aside, one can't help but admire the energy and skill that went into this classic; the sweeping vision and the insight that are meant to lead the audience to an epiphany. Triumph of the Will pays off in sheer entertainment value despite the cliff-hanger ending.
Movie Review: Scary Movie-The Original
Summary: 5 Stars
Anyone who still wonders how the 'cultured Germans' could have spawned a regime of biblically proportioned Evil will find part of the answer in this film. This supberbly restored edition conveys the overwhelming sense of power and purpose that the Party rallies were intended to create. Ms. Reifenstahl, a gifted amoral enabler, crafted a brilliant record of finely organized propoganda. The camera work is surprisingly, disturbingly effective in drawing the viewer into the event. One experiences the guilty pleasure of seeing something bad, but enjoyable, like pornography. Confronted with the happy, attractive faces of the participants, full of hope, it is sobering to remember they have no idea of the roles they will play in a very few years as the destroyers of most of Europe and Russia, and the murderers of races of people. Students of history will know that the hope contrasts with the violent and melancholy turmoil of Germany after the loss of the Great War and the economic collapse of the twenties. Many, perhaps most of the participants shared the mistrust or even dislike of the Jews and Communists but few could have imagined the horror intended by the featured speaker. History will argue whether the War was the result of his miscalculation but it is unarguable that the deaths of almost 60 million people followed the decisions taken by the charismatic star of this show. See it and remember it.Movie Review: The Big Lie
Summary: 5 Stars
Hitler's propaganda minister infamously said, "If you tell the Big Lie often enough, people will believe it."
TRIUMPH OF THE WILL is a terrifying look at the zenith of Nazi propaganda. In the future, propaganda would be well-used cinematically by the Soviets (and Michael Moore) but never as well as "Triumph of the Will". The opening vista in the clouds, soaring above the earth, gives Hitler an almost divine persona. The landing is accompanied by throngs of ordinary people who call out his name as though he was a long-lost relative. The motorcade past the old somber buildings reflects Germany's past , while the parade presents Germany's future. To see these rapt children, teens and older adults in the light of history is to see those whom Hitler would most cruelly betray. Seldom has such evil been presented as messianic. This is the power of mass media perverted and abused.
Students of history and of mass communication would do well to view why a free press is critical to a democratic republic like ours.