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Leni Riefenstahl, Joseph Goebbels, Martin Bormann, Hermann Göring, Rudolf Hess ... see more see more... , Heinrich Himmler

Triumph of the Will (Triumph des Willens) is a filmed record of the 1934 Nazi Party Convention, in Nuremberg. No, it is more than just a record: it is an exultation of Adolf Hitler, who from the momen... read more read more...t his plane descends from Valhalla-like clouds is visually characterized as a God on Earth. The "Jewish question" is disposed of with a few fleeting closeups; filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl prefers to concentrate on cheering crowds, precision marching, military bands, and Hitler's climactic speech, all orchestrated, choreographed and illuminated on a scale that makes Griffith and DeMille look like poverty-row directors. It has been alleged that the climactic rally, "spontaneous" Sieg-Heils and all, was pre-planned according to Riefenstahl's specifications, the better to take full advantage of its cinematic potential. Allegedly, propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels resented the presence and intrusion of a woman director, but finally had to admit that her images, achieved through the use of 30 cameras and 120 assistants, were worth a thousand speeches. Possibly the most powerful propaganda film ever made, Triumph of the Will is also, in retrospect, one of the most horrifying. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Flixster Users

76% liked it

5,473 ratings

Critics

94% liked it

17 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 55 min.

Directed by: Leni Riefenstahl

Release Date: March 28, 1935

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DVD Release Date: August 18, 2000

Stats: 522 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (522)


  • March 15, 2008
    It drags at times, becoming a little bit boring, but other than that, Triumph of the Will is the greatest propaganda film ever made. The cinematography gives it an epic feel, the music compliments the film nicely, and, as a historical document, it is a compelling look into the po... read morewer held by Adolf Hitler and his followers.
  • January 3, 2008
    Both impressive and embarrasing propaganda piece. A colossal parade of madness.
  • January 27, 2007
    If you're watching this from a narrative standpoint you'll be bored to tears, but if you watch from a technical one it's fantastic.
  • June 22, 2006
    Winner of my Greatest Documentary. A Materpeice of Propaganda.
  • March 7, 2012
    What is there to say about Triumph of the Will. It is easily the greatest propaganda film of all time in every sense of the phrase. Some of the best cinematography work you will ever see in any piece Triumph was shot with 30 cameras and over 100 film crew personnel. It has no ... read morenarrative, no plot and very little dialog. Most often categorized it as a documentary. Triumph really stands as it's own original type of cinematic experience that transcends genre's and mediums. Actual footage of Hitler and actual footage of a real Nazi rally was pretty much the original reason I watched Triumph of the Will but I was drawn in by it's magnificent craftsmanship and powerful effectiveness even by today's standards. You watch Triumph the same reason you read Mein Kampf, artistic curiosity and perhaps even to get a more detailed and personal look at a man who has become the worlds most glorified villain of recent times. You do not watch it because you agree with what it represents. Of course there are those who will resent and loath the film because of the horror enacted by the Nazi's in WWII and will not watch it on principle. While I don't think politics should prevent someone from experiencing a piece of artwork, and judging it as such, I do understand the passion some people have about the subject and appreciate it. For those who are willing to watch Triumph as an artistic and technical marvel they will likely adore the powerful and emphatic piece of cinema art it is. Hail Hitler! No I'm kidding, seriously I am. Don't send me e-mails please.
  • October 25, 2006
    Powerful portrait of Adolf Hitler's early days... the imagery is hypnotic, and there are some amazing wide shots of the various rallies and meetings, although the parts at the end with the marches and stuff can be rather dull. A really good look at how Hitler became so popular, t... read morehe editing and camera angles show an adoring populace, with some chilling views of the indoctrination of the young soldiers.
  • October 2, 2011
    i had to watch this for a class and it is truly amazing, the film work is so amazing speciallly for a film so old, but it is very boring and not somehting to sit down and watch for entertainment
  • April 14, 2011
    Fascinating in its scope and its value as a piece of historical record and a stunning example of Nazi propaganda. As much as it is easy to be wowed with the magnitude of this film, Riefenstahl put a lot of emphasis on the individual within the Nazi regime, which plays fairly well... read more on screen. Plus, it's just pretty interesting to watch Hitler prattle on.

    That said, it is painfully boring.
  • December 29, 2010
    National Socialist Germany from the NSDAP point of view. The Third Reich seems to be a very pleasant socialistic state in this film made by Leni Riefenstahl at the Fuhrer's bequest. I think the film shows clearly that Adolf Hitler was a fan of Nietzsche, particularly his theoriz... read moreing on the power of volition. It also shows distinctly that Nazi Germany was a socialist state. A great promotional filming of the 1934 Party rally.
  • December 17, 2010
    Someone say extreme propaganda?
    Well, here it is.
    Pretty fucked up in general if I do say so myself, but a wonderful footage to watch.

Critic Reviews


Cole Smithey
September 19, 2011
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com

The most famous and infamous propaganda film of all time is revealing for its stern depiction of the way Hitler's Germany sought to present itself to its own countrymen and to the outside world. Full Review

Phil Hall
August 21, 2009
Phil Hall, Film Threat

One of the most boring films ever made. Full Review

Cole Smithey
February 16, 2008
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com

Essential.

Thomas Delapa
September 16, 2004
Thomas Delapa, Boulder Weekly

One of the most frightening films ever made...a repellant reminder of the power that Hitler had over the German people. Full Review

Pablo Villaca
March 20, 2004
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena

Este exemplo clássico do Cinema usado como arma de propaganda política é extremamente eficiente e bem realizado - o que o torna ainda mais assustador.

Boo Allen
February 6, 2004
Boo Allen, Denton Record Chronicle (TX)

The grandather of documentaries still shines after all these years.

Ryan Cracknell
July 2, 2003
Ryan Cracknell, Movie Views

As sickening as it might be to watch, it's this alternate point of view that is important in helping us learn from the past. Full Review

Bob Bloom
November 14, 2002
Bob Bloom, Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)

A classic and power example of film propaganda, despite its hateful political message.

Jeffrey Westhoff
August 21, 2002
Jeffrey Westhoff, Northwest Herald (Crystal Lake, IL)

"Very, very scary and phenomenally influential.

David Poland
July 26, 2002
David Poland, Hot Button

Even if she is a nazi...

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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