Games of the XXI Olympiad (1977)

Under the icy veil of a 1976-77 winter season, Montreal's Olympic Stadium stands silent and majestic, a monument to the grand spectacle that once unfolded within its walls. "Games of the XXI Olympiad" transports us back to those electrifying 15 days of glory, eschewing the common media narratives for the untold human stories etched in the heart of the Olympics. The narrative gracefully weaves through the powerful journey of Soviet gymnast Nelly Kim, who valiantly strove for gold only to stand in the shadow of Romanian sensation Nadia Comaneci. As the film unfolds, it reveals the pulsating spirit and poignant stories often overlooked in the glamorous limelight of this global event. The film's crescendo is a moving marathon sequence, underscored by André Gagnon's stirring theme. Amidst the relentless onslaught of rain, the runners' determination and resilience echo the triumphs and tribulations of the human spirit. "Games of the XXI Olympiad" is less a chronicle of the 1976 Olympics, but more a celebration of the profound human stories that give the games their true meaning.

Games of the XXI Olympiad is a documentary movie featuring Leni Riefenstahl and directed by Jean Beaudin.

Games of the XXI Olympiad is currently streaming on Criterion Channel, Max and Max Amazon Channel.