Triumph des Geistes (1989)

Triumph des Geistes: Directed by Robert M. Young. With Willem Dafoe, Edward James Olmos, Robert Loggia, Wendy Gazelle. In Greece during World War II, a young Jewish boxer, meets regularly with girlfriend Allegra until they and their families are sent to Auschwitz. When the Nazis learn of his boxing, they force him to participate in weekly boxing matches.

“The events depicted in the movie are well documented in historical accounts of the concentration camp experience, and according to these accounts they are not overstated in this film. Director Robert M. Youngu0026#39;s background in making documentaries makes this docu-drama all that much more devastating. This is the holocaust, without frills, humor, or preaching. It is what it is. I wonder about other comments criticizing the film because it is too depressing. Gee, sorry if the holocaust ruined your evening. If you donu0026#39;t think you can take the raw experience, donu0026#39;t watch the film. Of course it is depressing, more than that. However, having watched it, I can say I can better understand and appreciate the creation of the state of Israel after the war. Mr. Young did an excellent job of film making on an extremely sensitive topic. Incidentally, he was co-writer on one of my all time favorite films, a 1964 low budget black and white gem, u0026quot;Nothing But a Man.u0026quot; Also a sleeper which received extensive critical praise but not much exposure, I believe it to be hands down the best film depicting the black experience in America, particularly southern blacks in early 1960u0026#39;s at the apex of the civil rights movement. See my review on this site. Donu0026#39;t miss it.”