16 Days of Glory
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16 Days of Glory
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that 16 Days of Glory is a movie about the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Sometimes presented as a 4-hour film, other times broken up into a series, this epic journey into the heart of the Olympics.
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What's the Story?
16 Days of Glory is a documentary about the 1984 Olympic Games, which took place in Los Angeles, California. From the opening ceremonies, where 2500 doves are released, to nearly every event, including gymnastics, swimming, and even sumo wrestling, it's a detailed highlight reel of the event. There are some interviews with athletes, but it's heaviest on footage of each sport and the general majesty of the Olympics and their long history.
Is It Any Good?
The narration is dry as a bone, and the length may be off-putting to those with short attention spans, but this expansive documentary is hailed as a classic for a reason. Directed by the titan of sports documentaries, Bud Greenspan, it spares nothing in its attempt to capture the full experience of these 1984 Games, notable for American athletes like Mary Lou Retton and Greg Louganis, but also spending time with sumo wrestlers, runners, and volleyball players. Yeah, it's a little boring by today's standards, but it's a must for Olympic lovers who love all the little details.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the Olympic Games. Why do people work so hard to be a part of them?
It takes courage and perseverance to train as an athlete. Why do you think these are important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters: March 7, 1986
- On DVD or streaming: December 13, 2017
- Director: Bud Greenspan
- Studio: Cappy Productions
- Genre: Documentary
- Run time: 284 minutes
- MPAA rating: G
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
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