The Olympic Summer

Original title: Der olympische Sommer

1993
1h 25m

IMDb RATING

YOUR RATING

In 1936, in Germany, a young, innocent apprentice, full of Olympic fever, leaves his rural village to see the ceremonies in Berlin. Upon arriving in the capital, he meets a widow and a relat... Read allIn 1936, in Germany, a young, innocent apprentice, full of Olympic fever, leaves his rural village to see the ceremonies in Berlin. Upon arriving in the capital, he meets a widow and a relationship blossoms. They spend an idyllic summer at her lakeside home, but the forces of tot... Read allIn 1936, in Germany, a young, innocent apprentice, full of Olympic fever, leaves his rural village to see the ceremonies in Berlin. Upon arriving in the capital, he meets a widow and a relationship blossoms. They spend an idyllic summer at her lakeside home, but the forces of totalitarianism cannot be held at bay and soon invade their lives.

Director
- Gordian Maugg
Writers
- Gordian Maugg
- Günther Rücker
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.0/10

YOUR RATING

Director
- Gordian Maugg
Writers
- Gordian Maugg
- Günther Rücker
Stars

1User review

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 6 wins total

Photos

Storyline

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User reviews1

Review

Featured review

7/10

VISUALLY REWARDING, BUT VERY ESTRANGING

In every article on this film it is pointed out that a hand driven 1927 camera was used for shooting; by this director Maugg wanted to create real authenticity. I wonder wether the use of film material and developments techniques are not also of influence. Besides, the story starts in 1936, when different film techniques were used; so, which authenticity was Maugg aiming at?

During shooting different speeds (ips) were used as seen appropriate for the atmosphere of the story; the screened image is speeded up, slowed down or halted. Documentary film material of the time was used to complete the atmosphere and the mixing of this with the narrative material is superbly done, as is the editing in general. The result is beautiful, visually rewarding and poetic b&w cinematography, that is at the same time too estranging to get really involved with the story as told by the voice-over. The technical achievement is too prominent. However, certainly worth a concentrated look.