Review of Triumph of the Will (1935) by Joe L — 18 Nov 2008

I think it's impossible for anyone of my generation and upbringing to truly feel the impact that this would have had in its day, but I can understand why it is seen as being such an important film.

Leni Riefenstahl's cinematography may not seem particularly special to modern day audiences, but it was groundbreaking for the time. It's just a pity that the laudable filmmaking was used to document and promote such evil ideology.

The blatant propaganda obviously doesn't have the same impact now, and watching it I just felt slightly troubled and ultimately quite bored, but it's crucial to remember that this film played its part in enticing many people (and not just Germans) to support the Nazi cause.

Therefore, despite its technical brilliance, this should be categorised along with Mein Kampf as being a disturbing reminder of how through the clever use of "public enlightenment" the Nazis were able to rise to power.