Watch Triumph of the Spirit

Triumph of the Spirit is a 1989 drama film based on the real-life story of a Greek-Jewish boxer named Salamo Arouch, played by Willem Dafoe. The film is set during World War II and tells the story of Salamo's journey through the concentration camps in Nazi-occupied Greece. The movie begins with Salamo, a successful boxer, enjoying his life with his family in their home in Thessaloniki, Greece. However, their lives are soon turned upside down when the Germans invade Greece and begin to round up the Jewish population. Salamo and his family are among those captured and sent to a concentration camp.

At the camp, Salamo is forced to participate in boxing matches for the entertainment of the Nazi soldiers. He is also given the horrific task of being a Sonderkommando, which means he is chosen to take the bodies of other prisoners to the crematorium. Salamo faces immense physical and emotional abuse during his time in the camp but perseveres with the hope of surviving and reuniting with his family.

Edward James Olmos plays Arthur, a fellow prisoner who becomes Salamo's mentor and trainer. Arthur teaches Salamo how to box in a way that will help him survive in the brutal environment of the concentration camp. Robert Loggia plays the role of Bill, an American soldier who is also a former boxer. Bill sees Salamo's potential and determines to help him overcome his oppressors and triumph over his situation.

Throughout the film, Salamo's love for his family and his passion for boxing are central to his struggle for survival. He forms a close bond with his fellow prisoners and does everything in his power to protect them from the evil that surrounds them.

Triumph of the Spirit is a powerful and emotionally wrenching film that effectively captures the horrors of the Holocaust. The performances of Willem Dafoe, Edward James Olmos, and Robert Loggia are all exceptional, immersing the viewer into the film's narrative and the emotional journey of Salamo.

The director, Robert M. Young, successfully depicts the atrocities of the concentration camp without being overly graphic, making it accessible to a broad audience. The movie's realistic portrayal of the effects of Nazi terror on human life adds to the authenticity of the story.

Despite the challenging subject matter and bleak setting, Triumph of the Spirit manages to convey a message of hope and redemption. The film highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of friendship and love in one's darkest moments.

Overall, Triumph of the Spirit is a top-notch drama that will leave viewers with a deep sense of empathy and sensitivity towards human suffering. It is a must-see for anyone interested in history, World War II, boxing, and the power of the human spirit.

Triumph of the Spirit is a 1989 drama with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.