Tokyo Olympiad

In 1964, Tokyo finally hosted the Summer Games after having to cancel those of 1940. To mark the occasion, Kon Ichikawa, one of the most gifted directors of his time (The Burmese Harp, Fires on the Plain, An Actor’s Revenge…), was commissioned to direct the official film of the event, and he was not content to treat the Games solely from a sporting angle. While he focuses on the athletes and their performances, filming some of the greatest medalists of the modern era (Bob Hayes, Dawn Fraser, Abebe Bikila, Joe Frazier...), he also captures the spectators' experience quite poetically.

Served by superb editing and sound recording, this documentary is still considered one of the best films on sport today.

Film loaned by the International Olympic Committee.

International Olympic Committee / Suisse /  Victoria Leon Solano / victoria.leon-solano@olympic.org