The First Olympics: Athens 1896

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.

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.

This is a terrific miniseries, a wonderful story splendidly told. The origins of everything from the starting position for sprinters to the impulsive selection of the Star Spangled Banner as the national anthem, this story of the first Olympics in 1500 years is filled with drama, wit, and unforgettable characters.

I just wanted to point out a few things about the mini-series. It does indeed focus on the American team, but it represents the other countries rather well. It gives an especially good appearance to the Greeks, who are shown as being loyal, caring, and respectful people. Ironically, I think that this mini-series actually cast the worst light on America, who is shown as not even being willing to back up their team (the president at the time, and the ivy-league schools refuse to even back up the American Olympic Team), and at the same time, the Americans are shown with many of their own problems; they can't even manage to get along with each other through most of the mini-series.

On a completely different note, for those who are looking for it, the series was just released a few days ago in DVD format.

This is one of my favorite sports films.

It has lots of historically accurate information much like a documentary but is presented in an entertaining narrative format with good story and plot.

Purists may be annoyed that the casting of the actors doesn't always respect the look of typical athletes in each discipline but it's otherwise pretty realistic.

The anecdotes around the discus event are hilarious and unforgettable.

Now if it could only come out on DVD I would buy it instantly.

-Ben