Arnold

Arnold Schwarzenegger is simply one of the most incredible human beings on this planet and this documentary shows why in a very beautiful and elegant way.

That a guy, born in the middle of Austrian nowhere, can achieve just one of the careers of Arnold is a miracle in itself. That he championed THREE careers and made everything that he envisioned as a kid a reality is virtually impossible.

Watching this you will find yourself laughing and shaking your head in disbelief at the sheer absurdity of how is somehow able to make all his way too and completely unrealistic dreams come true. And then some.

And that he seems to have managed to stay a *normal guy* through all this, is even more amazing.

I really wouldn't be surprised if he soon says *by the way, I will grow me some wings and fly around the world* and then just do it. 😂 would fit right into his biography.

Thanks for this gem of a documentary.

Arnie's story has a little bit of everything - it is to noone's surprise that Netflix attempts a 3-episode mini-series based on his life. Here, the segregation makes perfect sense. This also helps cover various details and developments primarily from the perspective of Arnold himself, alongside the people who were around him in these distinct phases. Part 1 is interesting to those who'd like to know more about his uneasy upbringing in Austria, his body-building days, and the various struggles he faced while also showcasing superlative levels of ambition and determination. For those who have seen Pumping Iron, there probably won't be much to chew on, but hearing it all from the horse's mouth once again (w/ remarkable footage) is always captivating.

Part 2 focuses on what we already know a lot about, with folks like James Cameron, Danny DeVito, Jamie Lee Curtis, and his arch-rival (of the times) Sly Stallone offering insights into his much celebrated film career. This is the episode where Arnie gets a bit self-indulgent, and he, for sure, indirectly propagated the idea of masculinity among mainstream audiences by being the invincible saviour (or the killing machine) - bikes, tanks, leather jackets, cigars, and a beefy body all part of the "star" package. It's the same thing that WWE did with Hulk Hogan back then. They created a pop culture icon that Americans and people around the world could look up to. But when you look at Arnie's filmography, you wouldn't stumble across many memorable characters except for The Terminator, and that isn't the kind of role you get a Golden Globe or an Academy Award nomination for.

Part 3 was truly the most discerning, given how his political career boasted greater dramatic highs and lows compared to his film career. His personal life also goes for a toss at this time, with past demons catching up to him. Thankfully, his failures are not brushed aside as insignificant, and they're duly acknowledged. In fact, it is clearly reflected in the way how Arnie lives his life in his mansion mostly around a bunch of animals (and not his family), and only one of his children agree to feature in the series, and even she doesn't offer a sound bite. The separation from his wife Maria and the late acceptance of a child-out-of-wedlock are also discussed, and surprisingly, there's a short scene of Arnie and his neglected son (who resembles him the most) working out together too.

Considering the overall picture, this is Arnold telling his version of his story. It is beautifully told, and the visual choices employed by director Lesley Chilcott are enjoyable (especially loved that dimly lit room where Arnie sits and glances at photographs). He will continue to remain a man who made a difference - be it in the world of body-building, cinema, or politics.

'Arnold' (2023) is actually really good. At first glance it appears as another propagandic celebrity docuseries, but Arnold once again chooses to take on another challenge head-on even when he could have just focused only on the positive aspects of his career.

This docuseries will convince you that Arnold is exactly as he appears to be. And the Governator goes in-depth to explain his background and how he has always dealt with challenges.

This series is divided into 3 episodes covering his early-life and bodybuilding career, acting career, and his later life from his time as Governor of California up to 2023. This format resembles his autobiography, 'Total Recall' (2012). It covers pretty much all you thought you knew and everything you didn't even know about.

Arnold Schwarzenegger has always been a man with a vision and mission to achieve this vision. If you love Arnold you will be in awe this whole series. But even if you are only somewhat familiar with Arnie, this series will ignite a fire in you as learn how motivation and a vision can change one's life.

Give it a watch. Its really good.

I've always liked him, but never knew much about him till now. I knew he was a bodybuilder, wealthy from real estate, was Governor and had an affair, but that was all I knew really. These filmmakers and editors were quite brilliant in their delivery of information about an extremely driven and engaging person who has truly done things his way, but realizes that he could never do it alone.

He is humble, observant, smart, self-reflective, honest in his look at family, his foibles and strengths, and an incredible person from start to finish. And he loves an array of animals! He has changed the world in so many varying ways, film, politics, climate change, sports, popular history and more, that it is outstanding that we have had the opportunity to live in the same time period as this powerhouse.

Bravo to the filmmakers, and thank you Arnold for your contributions to the world.

My husband and I watched all three episodes last night. It's one of the best documentaries I've seen. Very candid and we liked that the person being documented is actually the one doing the talking. He comes across as a very driven person, smarter than a lot people think he is. (Probably the accent and those action movies). He has worked really hard all his life invested his earning wisely. He gives a lot of credit to all the people who have helped him along the way. He actually says " Don't call me a self made man". I've had lots and lots of help". He covers in the three episodes, his early career in bodybuilding along with his relationship with his parents and brother growing up in Austria, his movie career and his political career. He made me believe that he is actually a pretty nice guy who has some flaws and owns up to some mistakes he has made and that he tries to do the right thing. If you are a fan, you will be even a bigger one and if you aren't a fan, you may be surprised more than once and become one.