Triumph des Willens (Triumph Of The Will) (1934)

94% of critics liked it
(17 reviews)
76% of users liked it
(5,473 ratings)

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 moment his plane descends from Valhalla-like clouds is visually characterized as a God on Earth. The… More 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 moment 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

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 55 min.
Directed By: Leni Riefenstahl
Genres: Documentary, Art House & International, Classics, Special Interest

In Theaters: Mar 28, 1935 Wide
On DVD: Aug 18, 2000

Critic Reviews

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.
Phil Hall, Film Threat
One of the most boring films ever made.
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
Essential.
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.
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, Denton Record Chronicle (TX)
The grandather of documentaries still shines after all these years.
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.
Bob Bloom, Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
A classic and power example of film propaganda, despite its hateful political message.
Jeffrey Westhoff, Northwest Herald (Crystal Lake, IL)
"Very, very scary and phenomenally influential.
David Poland, Hot Button
Even if she is a nazi...

Read all 10 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Chris W

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 power… More
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 power held by Adolf Hitler and his followers.
Pierluigi P

Both impressive and embarrasing propaganda piece. A colossal parade of madness.
Michael G

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.
Jeremy S

Winner of my Greatest Documentary. A Materpeice of Propaganda.
Matthew Y

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… More
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 narrative, 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.
Krystle C

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,… More
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, the editing and camera angles show an adoring populace, with some chilling views of the indoctrination of the young soldiers.