NR | 2h 50m | Documentary, Sport | 1965
The COVID-19 hysteria and all of the constraints imposed by governments across the world subdued the interest and excitement of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. With the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics being held in Paris, the world is once more looking forward to a grand event. Many films have presented the achievements of Olympic athletes; a film of the 1964 Olympics also in Tokyo remains a highpoint in this documentary subgenre.
As portrayed in “Tokyo Olympiad,” directed by Kon Ichikawa, Japan experienced a pivotal moment in Olympic history when Tokyo was chosen to host the 1964 Summer Olympics. The Japanese government initially approached Akira Kurosawa to direct the film for this momentous occasion, considering his reputation as one of the most highly regarded directors at the time.
Kurosawa, however, wanted greater control over the production than the government was willing to give, so they opted for Ichikawa instead. The government expected the director to film the fastest times, emphasize the world records, and focus on the physical attributes that made the participating athletes the best in their sport.
Ichikawa had his own ideas: He captured the human interest aspects of the Games. His portrayal highlighted the passion and determination of the athletes and their admirers, adding depth and excitement to the narrative.
Through narration and additional context, the film provides a rich cultural and historical backdrop. This created a vibrant tapestry upon which to paint the athletes’ personal stories, further enriching the viewing experience and elevating the film beyond a mere sports documentary.
Ichikawa’s penchant for substance over statistics is apparent from the opening scenes, as we see Olympic athletes from around the world arrive in Tokyo. This sets the stage for both the grand scale of the Olympics with the jaw-dropping wide shot of Mount Fuji, and the close-up shots of people involved in the games, such as the athletes communal living conditions.
Ichikawa had the expert touch born of a seasoned director. His organizational skills helped him supervise a massive team of filmmakers with many cameras. He used a blend of close-ups and slow-motion shots, a practice unique at the time. Although technically sound and somewhat experimental, he never lost sight of the candid, human moments.
Ichikawa’s meticulous attention to detail brings to life the exhilarating highs and crushing lows of the Olympic experience. From the grim determination in a gymnast’s eyes, to the palpable tension before a sprinter’s race, each moment resonates with authenticity and intensity.
It’s more than just a showcase of athletic prowess and determination. The director produced a visual poem that celebrates the beauty and artistry of sport. Events unfold that allow viewers to immerse themselves in the physicality and grace of each competition.
Phoenix Rising
Ichikawa and his team masterfully created a cinematic experience that transports viewers back in time. As the narrator says when athletes from around the world arrive in Japan, “Never before have so many foreigners been gathered in Japan.”An intriguing historical footnote emerges: Twenty two years after Japan’s hosting of the first-ever Olympic Games in Asia, South Korea held the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. Despite being uneasy neighbors, both nations have found common ground in embracing Western ideals of freedom, including the right to own private property and the principles of free market economics.
This journey of these two nations hosting the Olympics underscores Japan and South Korea’s shared trajectory toward modernization and integration into the global community. The opportunity to showcase their respective societies on the world stage has provided a platform for mutual recognition and engagement.
“The Tokyo Olympiad” presents the Olympics as more than just a sporting event. It’s a meditation on the shared human experience. Through its evocative imagery and heartfelt storytelling, the film invites viewers to rediscover the magic and meaning of the Games, transcending sports and touching the hearts of all who watch.
