Rating: 
Summary: Quit shoving
Review: This film raises many, many provocative questions about Riefenstahl and her work. More importantly, the director also confronts her with these, and, given the nature of the accusations against her, she is less than revealing. One wonders which of the many charges leveled at her bother the most? Is she more bothered by the complaints that she was a Nazi collaborator, or by the critique that her work contains a Fascistic aesthetic. Ultimately, this documentary comes off as an antidote to Riefenstahl. It poses no clear answers, and often seems involved in trivia. Watching Riefenstahl reminisce with her 'Olympiad' cameramen was interesting, but dry. Seeing her physically shove the director of this documentary emphasizes the frustration she feels at not being to present her point of view.At times, Muller's documentary could have taken some tips from its subject: it was overlong, and seemed lacking in drama, and seemed to get absorbed in the minutia. The presence of Muller and his crew often seemed distracting; usually, when a documentarian appears in their own film, I expect to see more about their own personal interest. Shots of Riefenstahl alone in the massive settings of her documentaries were powerful, but it seems difficult to reconcile with her busy lifestyle with current partner. Last week, Reuters reported that Riefenstahl, at 98, survived a plane crash in Africa, where she was returning to visit the Nuba. 'Triumph of the Will' seems to refer much better to Riefenstahl herself than to her subjects.
Rating: 
Summary: A highly recommended documentary.
Review: This is a very good documentary dealing with Leni Riefenstahl. Before I had watched this film, I didn't know much about her really (only that she was the person behind Triumph of the Will). There's no doubt that this lady is highly intelligent and has lived life to the fullest. This documentary is quite long in length, but it's worth it. This is an interesting film dealing with a woman that has gone through a lot in her long life.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent History Lesson
Review: This is a wonderful story of the many careers of this incredible woman. Still living and working in Berlin, Leni continues to amaze even her most serious detractors. Lengthly and very detailed the film takes us through her life, starting with her early film career in Germany under Hitler. By it's very nature, it's her side of the story and many will not agree (or want to agree) with her story. However, the film is an excellent introduction to the life and work of a master filmmaker. She may not give the answers that her detractors are seeking, but she is believable and candid. The main point here is her talent, her dedication and the incredible contribution she's made to the film industry. This is a must-have film for anyone interested in the history of film.
Rating:
Summary: The Woman...The Artist...The Nazi?
Review: This is, perhaps, the most fascinating documentary I have ever seen. Leni Riefenstahl is a complex, controversial, and enigmatic individual. The film very effectively raises (and ultimately does not answer) the question as to what extent artistic genius does or does not transcend political and national boundaries. Director Ray Muller, in many ways, is not up to the task of interviewing this incredibly powerful and self-absorbed woman. But, one must ask, who could be? Muller carefully documents the story of her life, from her early days as a dancer and silver screen star, through the time of her involvement with the National Socialist Party, to her current life as an underwater photographer. And the truth about anything is never quite clear. Innovative and profound techniques abound from start to finish, contrasted with the persistent intellectual task of trying to determine just who this woman really was. The film is long, and ultimately exhausting. As it should be. You will see things you have never seen before, and which you'll never forget (such as Hitler's amazing speech, and Riefenstahl's unparalleled underwater color photographs, to name just two!). But, you're ultimately left with a question. Was she, or wasn't she? And, if she was or she wasn't, what is her responsibility? Muller won't answer that for you. My only advice is: don't ask her! She'll just show you contempt and say, "I did nothing wrong!"
Rating:
Summary: A LONG LOOK AT THE GREATEST FEMALE FILM MAKER OF ALL TIME!
Review: Well... this is a great film. It gives you a good look at Leni and her work: from her dancing years (long before WW2) to her diving films after 70. The film has a few unconfortable moments such as a telegram where she congratulates Hitler for his "visit" to France in 1940. Of course there are many questions unanswered. Maybe the worst thing that can be pointed at her is that she was blind. but... wasn't everybody? But yet, I cannot judge her nor blame her. She did do some of the greatest films ever made. Maybe she was a nazi sympathizer... but then again... wasn't everybody then? Seeing her talking about her films it seems clear to me that all she ever took interest for were the films. She never for a moment says anything that contradicts her passion for her work. People accuse her aesthetic of being facist. I'm no so sure. All that I am saying is this: History is too complex for a bipolar view. This documentary shows us her portrait through a century of the worst and the best moments. She seems to be haunted by having done her films... and being at the wrong time on the wrong place... maybe she is true.
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