The Wonderful Horrible Life of Leni Riefenstahl
Seen it?1993 | 188 min | Documentary
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (96% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop and almost no lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Best for the curious. Expect to bring it up in conversation afterwards.
- The mood
- Eye-opening.
- The pace
- A big, patient story, at 3 hr 8 min.
- What might put you off
- It's long: 3 hr 8 min.
- It's in German, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Skip it if you want made-up drama tonight.
This documentary recounts the life and work of one of most famous, and yet reviled, German film directors in history, Leni Riefenstahl. The film recounts the rise of her career from a dancer, to a movie actor to the most important film director in Nazi Germany who directed such famous propaganda films as Triumph of the Will and Olympiad. The film also explores her later activities after Nazi Germany's defeat in 1945 and her disgrace for being so associated with it which includes her amazingly active life over the age of 90.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
96% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerWeak
$450K worldwide
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
About 1K people sought it out in the past year, and interest is climbing
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Ray Müller
- Leni RiefenstahlHerself
- Walter FrentzHimself
- Horst KettnerHimself
- Ray MüllerHimself
- Luis TrenkerHimself
- Guzzi LantschnerHimself