The First Olympics: Athens 1896

This is one of my favorite films on the Olympics. Although is doesn't completely tell the true historical story, as in Bud Greenspan's films, it does tell the story very well. The writer, director, and producer do take some liberties with the facts, but the film does show the trials and tribulation of some of the first "stars" of the revival of the Olympic Games. You will see many faces that go on, in their careers, to bigger and better acting roles, along with some old favorites. A great film that should inspire anybody about working hard towards a goal, and how the outcome can benefit you, even if the outcome is not what you desired. This film is on the level of Rocky and other great, heartwarming sport films.

I saw this movie when it was on TV and have looked for it ever since.

What amazes me is they do not show it more. THE GOOD news is NETFLIX now has it on DVD (2 disc).

1984 does not date this film but should be popular today, maybe around current Olympic season.

This movies has everything, some funny things but not a comedy. Facts, pretty good, great Directing, great acting, great Scenery.

The actors are very real as today, with modern physical training, they are 'beefed' up but these kids look like what the kids in college looked like in 1896 but were no professional but just good athletes.

The part about them thinking they were to be nude like the original Olympians is worth watching. And that Greek story about the USA National Anthem was great.

If you have never seen, you are missing a great treat.

Come on Sony, get with it. Bring it back to the public.

I just got done watching the DVD of the 1984 NBC Mini Series, The First Olympics and I want to say that I thought it was very thoroughly researched. The details concerning the life of Spiridon Louis may or may not have been true. That's because the details in his life have never been made quite clear. Edwin Flack had, in fact, already finished college by the Games the had commenced and was employed by the accounting form of Price, Waterhouse, and Company. The facts surrounding Robert Garret's participation in the Discus Throw were also 100% accurate, though I don't ever remember reading about a similar incident involving the Shot Put ever having taken place. I supposed some amount of "Literary License" had to be granted in making this fine and historically accurate (for the most part) film.

This is one of the most delightful miniseries I've ever seen! We've watched it as a family as part of a unit study on the Olympics. I thought we would learn the history of the first Olympics, but we learned that and so much more. We also discovered an engaging, entertaining, funny, perfect family film.

There are a few curse words here and there - such as calling someone an "a**," but this was certainly not overbearing. The humor inserted into the film was great.

I would highly recommend this to anyone!

Sonya

www.thehomeschooladvocate.com

A very fine, excellent movie. It was, on the most part, historically correct. The writers took some liberties with the story line. For example: 1) the American team didn't get to Athens during the opening ceremonies, they arrived well in time, and in fact were in Athens almost a full week before the Games started. 2) The American athletes were not as "weak" as most of the athletes from the other countries thought. Most knew of the Americans and their performance prior to the Games. 3) the American swimmer did place, taking second in his event. In spite of a few minor "changes," the movie still is one of the best movies on the start of the Olympic movement. Most people don't know the true story, and that is fine. The movie was a motivational tale, and should be viewed by any athlete who needs that "motivational" push before the big competiton. Few sports movie do that, but there are others out there (Rocky, For The Love Of The Game, Running Brave to name a few). An excellent movie. Don't miss it.