Watch Olympia Part II - Fesival of Beauty

Olympia Part II - Festival of Beauty is a powerful documentary film directed by Leni Riefenstahl that captures the beauty, athleticism, and sheer spectacle of the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Released as the second part of the two-part Olympia series, the film stands as an impressive example of documentary filmmaking that masterfully captures the essence of the games and the Nazi propaganda machine that drove them.

The film opens with an impressive display of athletes from around the world marching into the Olympic Stadium to a cheering crowd. Riefenstahl then takes the audience on a breathtaking journey through some of the most iconic sporting events of the games. From diving and gymnastics to track and field, the film captures the grace and skill of the competitors in a way that is both inspiring and mesmerizing.

Throughout the film, Riefenstahl's camera lingers on the muscular bodies of the athletes, highlighting their beauty and strength in vivid detail. The film makes no attempt to hide the fact that the Olympics were a celebration of physical perfection, and the viewer is invited to marvel at the sculpted bodies of the athletes as they compete for gold.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is Riefenstahl's use of slow motion photography, which allows the viewer to see the athletes' movements in incredible detail. This technique is particularly effective in capturing the grace and fluidity of the gymnasts as they perform their routines, and in highlighting the explosive power of the sprinters as they race towards the finish line.

But the film's beauty, as well as its political significance, lies in its depiction of the Nazi propaganda machine that drove the games. Riefenstahl was famous for her close ties to the Nazi regime, and her film is a testament to the power of propaganda to shape public perception.

Throughout the film, Riefenstahl cuts to shots of the vast crowds that had gathered to watch the games. The faces of the spectators are a testament to the power of the spectacle, as they cheer on their respective nations with wild abandon. It's easy to see how the games could have been used as a tool to rally the German people around the Nazi cause, and to create a sense of national pride and unity.

But Riefenstahl is also brutally honest about the dark side of the Nazi regime. In one particularly striking scene, she shows a group of disabled athletes who are paraded before the crowds in wheelchairs as part of a display of Nazi eugenics. The juxtaposition of these scenes with the beauty and athleticism of the other events creates a sense of unease that lingers throughout the film.

Ultimately, Olympia Part II - Festival of Beauty is a groundbreaking documentary that captures the beauty and pageantry of the 1936 Berlin Olympics in all their glory. But it's also a disturbing reminder of the dark forces that were at work behind the scenes, shaping the event into a powerful tool of propaganda and mythology.

As a filmmaker, Riefenstahl was unafraid to tackle difficult subjects, and she does so with masterful skill in this film. Whether you're a sports fan, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates breathtaking cinematography, you won't want to miss this iconic work of art.