Spirit of the Games

May 1, 1996

2h 0m

★ 5.0

Overview

Documentary examines the history and evolution of the Olympic Games, taking a close look at the Olympic charter, oath and ideals. Also featured are rare home movies and interviews with Olympic athletes and the oldest known color footage of the Olympic Games from Berlin in 1936.

Genres

Documentary

Production Companies

Black Canyon Productions

HBO

HBO Sports

Spirit of the Games Trailers

No Trailers found.

Cast

Himself

Bob Mathias

Himself

Bob Richards

Himself

Al Oerter

Herself

Mae Faggs

Himself

Bob Kurland

Himself

Sammy Lee

Herself

Patricia Mccormick

Narrator

Liev Schreiber

A day in the city of Berlin, which experienced an industrial boom in the 1920s, and still provides an insight into the living and working conditions at that time. Germany had just recovered a little from the worst consequences of the First World War, the great economic crisis was still a few years away and Hitler was not yet an issue at the time.

7.4

The White Stadium

Mar 19, 1928

A profile of the 1928 Olympic Games in St. Moritz, Switzerland.

8.0

Waterman

Apr 1, 2022

Five-time Olympic medalist and Native Hawaiian Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku shattered records and brought surfing to the world while overcoming a lifetime of personal challenges. Waterman explores his journey and legacy as a legendary swimmer, trailblazer, and the undisputed father of modern-day surfing, following the sport’s first-time inclusion in this year’s Summer Olympics – a fitting tribute to his work promoting the sport around the globe.

0.0

Black Power Salute

Jul 9, 2008

A film about one of the most iconic images of the 20th century, the moment when the radical spirit of the 1960s upstaged the greatest sporting event in the world. Two men made a courageous gesture that reverberated around the world, and changed their lives forever. This film is about Tommie Smith and John Carlos' protest at the 1968 Olympics.

0.0

Partisan

Feb 21, 2018

Volksbühne am Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz 1992-2017. The end of the GDR gave rise to new artistic freedoms in reunited Berlin. Shortly after the fall of the Wall, rebel director Frank Castorf was appointed artistic director of the Volksbühne. His way of working altered the public’s perception of this theater. The chronological history of the Castorf era between 1992 and 2017 is told here in excerpts from the productions and in a series of conversations conducted on the long sofa in the theater's foyer.

10.0

The Golden Generation

Oct 31, 2018

How a once-in-a-generation Argentina team, led by Manu Ginobili, brought down the “Dream Team” and won gold at the 2004 Olympic Games.

7.3

Top Gear: Winter Olympics Special

Jun 5, 2006

The Top Gear team hit Norway for a Winter Olympics special in which they attempt Olympic events, but with cars. In a world first, the team fire a rocket-powered Mini off a ski jump, Jeremy and James tackle the biathlon with the latest 4x4s, Richard stages a game of car ice hockey, and the new Jaguar XK races a speed skater.

6.8

Hitler's Games, Berlin 1936

Aug 23, 2016

Summer 1936 - The Berlin Olympics, organized by the Nazi regime on the eve of World War II, acted as a grand showcase for a Germany that was athletic, peaceful and rejuvenated. The violence and hate that until then had reigned in the streets of Berlin suddenly vanished. Adolf Hitler became the triumphant host of European countries he would soon try to invade or face in a deadly global conflict.

10.0

Trip to Asia: The Quest for Harmony

Feb 28, 2008

Journey with the musicians of the Berlin Philharmonic and their conductor Sir Simon Rattle on a breakneck concert tour of six metropolises across Asia: Beijing, Seoul, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taipei and Tokyo. Their artistic triumph onstage belies a dynamic and dramatic life backstage. The orchestra is a closed society that observes its own laws and traditions, and in the words of one of its musicians is, “an island, a democratic microcosm – almost without precedent in the music world - whose social structure and cohesion is not only founded on a common love for music but also informed by competition, compulsion and the pressure to perform to a high pitch of excellence... .” Never before has the Berlin Philharmonic allowed such intimate and exclusive access into its private world.

6.5

Untold: Caitlyn Jenner

Aug 24, 2021

Caitlyn Jenner's unlikely path to Olympic glory was inspirational. But her more challenging road to embracing her true self proved even more meaningful.

5.8

Prinzessinnenbad

May 31, 2007

A film about three teenagers - Klara, Mina and Tanutscha - from the Berlin district of Kreuzberg. The trio have known each other since Kindergarten and have plenty in common. The three 15-year-olds are the best of friends; they are spending the summer at Prinzenbad, a large open-air swimming pool at the heart of the district where they live. They're feeling pretty grown up, and are convinced they've now left their childhood behind.

10.0

Spiritual Letters

Sep 27, 2021

The film is a story about the deep connection of the life and art of the artist. It takes you on a journey through Berlin like you have never seen before. Take a deep dive behind the scenes of the famous red and blue graffiti letterings that cover the heart of the city and tune into the connection between art, letters and spirituality.

No Image Available

9.0

Cœurs d'athlètes

Mar 9, 2003

No overview available.

No Image Available

0.0

Ich will da sein - Jenny Gröllmann

Jun 19, 2008

The film accompanies Jenny Gröllmann, a German actress, during the last two years of her life.

5.2

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Opening Ceremony: United by Emotion

Jul 23, 2021

Coverage of the glorious Olympic Opening Ceremony of the Games in Tokyo. The 2020 Summer Olympics opening ceremony took place on 23 July 2021 at Olympic Stadium, Tokyo. As mandated by the Olympic Charter, the proceedings combined the formal and ceremonial opening of this international sporting event, including welcoming speeches, hoisting of the flags and the parade of athletes, with an artistic spectacle to showcase the host nation's culture and history.

5.0

The VI Olympic Winter Games, Oslo 1952

Oct 30, 1952

A documentary covering the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo, Norway.

6.0

White Vertigo

Dec 31, 1956

A documentary covering the 1956 Olympic Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

6.3

Alain Mimoun

Dec 31, 1959

A documentary about French marathon runner Alain Mimoun at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne.

4.6

People, Hopes, Medals

Mar 14, 1960

A documentary covering the 1960 Winter Olympic Games in Squaw Valley, California.

5.6

Snows of Grenoble

Dec 27, 1968

Film about the 10th Olympic Games in Grenoble in 1968. Using a subjective camera, Ertaud and Languepin take the pulse of the Games, cutting out the eyes and slowing down the movement when necessary. The dominant figure at the Grenoble Winter Games is Frenchman Jean-Claude Killy, whose three gold medals matched Toni Sailer's 1956 feat. The filmmakers bet on his winning streak, and include commentary from him as he prepares for each race. Another athlete, Marielle Goitschel, is treated insightfully on screen and wins the women's slalom. Ice dancing fans will appreciate the coverage of winner Oleg Protopopov and his partner Ludmila Belousova. President Charles De Gaulle was present for the spectacular Opening Ceremony.