Fists of Freedom: The Story of the '68 Summer Games

1999

Action / Documentary / History / Sport

2
IMDb Rating 7.6/10 10 111 111

olympic games 1960s

Plot summary

Fists of Freedom examines one of the 20th century’s most memorable moments — the dramatic “Black Power” demonstration of American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos on the victory stand at the 1968 Summer games in Mexico City. Using rare footage, archival photos and interviews with key figures from the era, revisit a pivotal event in American history.

Director

George Roy Photo
George Roy

Top cast

Tommie Smith Photo
Tommie Smith as Self
Liev Schreiber Photo
Liev Schreiber as Self - Narrator
Rafer Johnson Photo
Rafer Johnson as Self
George Foreman Photo
George Foreman as Self
720p.WEB 1080p.WEB
550.3 MB
1280*714
English 2.0
NR
Subtitles us   es  
29.97 fps
12 hr 59 min
Seeds ...
1020.26 MB
1920*1072
English 2.0
NR
Subtitles us   es  
29.97 fps
12 hr 59 min
Seeds ...

Movie Reviews

Reviewed by Sargebri

A Great Documentary

Being a huge fan of the Olympics, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to watch a documentary on one of the most Olympics in history. This film not only captures the mood that surrounded the 1968 games, but it also does a good job of showing the events that lead up to probably one of the most enduring symbols of the civil rights movement. I also loved the fact that the producers interviewed Peter Norman, the Australian who finished second in the 200 meters. Norman explained how he supported Carlos and Smith and how he even wore the three of them wore civil rights badges on the medal stand. The film also talks about the massacre of several hundred Mexican students on the eve of the games. This is one great film that I think should be shown not only on H.B.O. but in classrooms all over America.
Reviewed by paul-allaer 7 / 10

1999 documentary reassessed in 2018 (50th anniversary)

"Fists of Freedom: The Story of the '68 Summer Games" (originally released in 1999; 60 min.) is a documentary bout the events that led to Tommie Smith and John Carlos raising their gloved fists at a medal ceremony during the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City. As the documentary opens, we are reminded of the major political and social upheaval taking place in the US. We then are introduced to Tommie Smith, Lee Evans and John Carlos, who all end up at San Jose State in the mid-60s, in an overtly racist environment. As the '68 Summer Olympics loom, they, and other black athletes, ponder their options... At this point we are 10 min. Into the documentary.Couple of comments: this is directed by George Roy. Who has made dozens of these TV sports documentaries, but this one stand out for its importance. Please note that to suggest this is "the story of the '68 Summer Games" is flat-out wrong and in fact the Olympic Games are dealt with in about 10 min (if that much). Indeed the film looks primarily at what led to the events, and the fallout from the events. Smith, Evans and many others are interviewed and give their perspectives, with the benefit of 30+ years of hindsight. Whether you agree with what these athletes did or not, the fact remains that the image of two black athletes, raising their gloved fists as the national anthem plays, is one of the more powerful images ever to emerge from that era. As Smith notes: "this was not a sign of hate for this country; it was a cry for help, a cry for freedom."This film was originally released on HBO in 1999 and then a new introduction and post-script were added in 2018, for the 50th anniversary of these events. It can now be seen on HBO ON Demand (where I caught it the other day), Amazon Instant Video, and other streaming services. It absolutely blows the mind how, now 50+ years later, so much more needs to be done to address the systemic and institutionalized racism that continues to exist in this country. If you have any interest in civil rights and social justice issues, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
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