Triumph of the Spirit

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Triumph of the Spirit

R

Released Dec 8, 1989

2h 1m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

63%

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8 Reviews

53%

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1,000+ Ratings

In Greece during World War II, Salamo Arouch (Willem Dafoe), a young Jewish boxer, meets regularly with girlfriend Allegra (Wendy Gazelle) until they and their families are sent to Auschwitz. When the Nazis learn of his boxing record, they force him to participate in weekly boxing matches, threatening his family if he refuses. Salamo fights well, despite knowing every person he defeats will be killed. As Allegra sustains him, Salamo fights for the extra rations that will keep his father alive.

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Blinded by the fact that the story is based on a man's life, that it "actually happened," the film seems to assume that the message is in the very accuracy itself. But at the end we feel confused and unsatisfied.

Rated: 1/4

Jan 1, 2000

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Jeffrey Lyons

Video Review

If this sounds depressing and difficult to endure, well, it is. But it is also a gripping, powerful movie, with performances as forceful as the screenplay.

Rated: 3/4

Aug 5, 2022

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Ryan Murphy

Miami Herald

Triumph is spooky, and it is winningly effective that way.

Rated: 3/4

Aug 17, 2021

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Chuck O'Leary

Fantastica Daily

Rated: 3/5

Oct 9, 2005

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 3/5

Aug 1, 2005

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Bob Grimm

Las Vegas Mercury

Rated: 3/5

May 19, 2005

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Dirk W

This is a sorely underrated film. It is very harrowing and the acting is top notch, none more so than Robert Loggia as the father, in the scene where he learns of the death of one of his sons when they are all in Auschwitz. Triumph was filmed in the camp and it is very naturalistic and I much prefer it to the later Schindler's List. Spielberg I felt sacrificed emotion for art in List, whereas Triumph hits us in the stomach with its portrayal of the period in history. The score by Cliff Eidelman is perfect and emotional in its own way.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/17/25

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Jelisije J

Its a Holocaust movie which means its depressing, sad with a bittersweet ending.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/12/25

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Steve D

Sometimes frustrating overall solid.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

09/07/23

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Audience Member

Wow, I'm shocked by the reviews, I must had miss something. I really enjoyed this movie. The only reason I'm giving this a 4 and not 5 because of what the reviews are saying which make me feel like must had miss something. I see not one single 4. The highest was a 3 and a half. And Roger gave it an 1 star. I don't know. I enjoyed this movie and understood the message unlike some people. You know. I'm giving a 5. The hell with you people. It's the best holocaust movie but it's also a piece of garbage. Maybe I got to see it again. I don't know. A good movie in my eyes.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/24/23

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Audience Member

A very confusing film. The story does capture your attention, but it's so poorly structured and paced that you stop caring about halfway through it. Then again, Dafoe, Olmos, and Loggia give strong enough performances that you start caring again. Director Robert Young seems more interested in heaping more and more drama on top of an already tragic and terrifying story, and sometimes the punches hit a lot less strong. But in the end, the film has some moving pieces, and might keep you interested.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/06/23

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Audience Member

Harrowing portrayal of life in a Nazi concentration camp during WW2, based on a true story. Interesting, engaging plot. Maybe doesn't explore the moral dilemmas of the main character thoroughly enough. Also, a bit more explanation of certain events would have been in order. Great performance from WIllem Dafoe. Decent supporting cast.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/20/23

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Robert M. Young

Director

Willem Dafoe

Salamo Arouch

Edward James Olmos

Gypsy

Robert Loggia

Father Arouch

Wendy Gazelle

Allegra

Kelly Wolf

Elena

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Synopsis

In Greece during World War II, Salamo Arouch (Willem Dafoe), a young Jewish boxer, meets regularly with girlfriend Allegra (Wendy Gazelle) until they and their families are sent to Auschwitz. When the Nazis learn of his boxing record, they force him to participate in weekly boxing matches, threatening his family if he refuses. Salamo fights well, despite knowing every person he defeats will be killed. As Allegra sustains him, Salamo fights for the extra rations that will keep his father alive.

Director: Robert M. Young
Producer: Shimon Arama, Arnold Kopelson
Screenwriter: Andrzej Krakowski, Laurence Heath
Production Co: Nova International Films
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 8, 1989, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 13, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $163.6K
Runtime: 2h 1m
Sound Mix: Surround

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