Watch Olympia Part Two: Festival of Beauty

Olympia Part Two: Festival of Beauty is a documentary film released in 1938, directed and produced by the legendary German filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl. The film is the second part of her two-part documentary about the 1936 Summer Olympics held in Berlin, Germany. Part Two of Olympia focuses solely on the Games' athletic and aesthetic events.

The documentary is awe-inspiring in its cinematic representation of beauty, athleticism, and human triumph. The film is a non-narrative chronological account of the games, beginning with track and field events and progressing through cycling, rowing, and gymnastics, among others. The film encapsulates the essence of physical prowess and strength.

Olympia Part Two is particularly known for its focus on the aesthetic and artistic events of the 1936 Summer Olympics, including the beauty contest hosted as a part of the games, the Cultural Olympiad, and the International Arts Competition. The beauty contest features the most beautiful women from across the world, all dressed in traditional outfits. The Cultural Olympiad and International Arts Competition showcase the talents of many musicians and dancers, both individuals, and groups, representing their countries.

Apart from focusing on the athletic events, Riefenstahl heavily emphasizes the beauty of the human form, especially the perfect male physique. Through her camera lens, she lauds the form of muscular strength and grace, portraying the beauty of human movement in slow motion. The camera captures the sheer strength, endurance, and finesse of athletes as they push their bodies to the limit. The film's emphasis on the human form and movement soon became the signature element of Riefenstahl's work.

The documentary is shot mostly in black and white, with a few shots in color. The use of different camera angles, close-ups, and slow-motion creates a visual treat for the audience. In typical Riefenstahl-style, the cinematography is exquisite, with shots of breathtaking scenery and detailed close-ups of athletes.

From the athletes' intense concentration to the exhilarating sound of the crowds' cheers, the film manages to capture the essence of what it must have been like to attend the Games in person. Each shot is meticulously crafted to emphasize the different aspects of the Games, including the coordination, timing, technique, and endurance required to compete at the highest level.

Sheigo Arai, Jack Beresford, and Ralf Berzsenyi are a few examples of the world-class athletes who competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics, which the documentary showcases. They astound the audience with their power, speed, and agility on the various tracks, fields, and equipment of their respective sports. The film's focus is not only on their actions but their reactions as well, particularly in moments of victory or defeat. The tension builds as the film takes us through these poignant moments.

Overall, Olympia Part Two: Festival of Beauty is a mesmerizing work of art that captures the essence of the human spirit competing at its highest level. The film received widespread critical acclaim on its release and was praised by many leading film critics. Even today, it is widely considered a landmark achievement in the history of documentary filmmaking. The film stands as a testament to Riefenstahl's skill as a filmmaker and her ability to create a lasting impact on the medium of film.

Olympia Part Two: Festival of Beauty is a 1940 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.