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Pumping Iron

Play trailer Poster for Pumping Iron PG 1977 1h 25m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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92% Tomatometer 38 Reviews 84% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
This partly real and partly scripted film documents what many consider to be the golden age of bodybuilding that occurred in the 1970s. It depicts two major competitions: Mr. Universe, which is for amateur participants, and Mr. Olympia, which is for pros. In the former, Mike Katz and Ken Waller are profiled, while in the latter, the chief contenders are Lou Ferrigno, Franco Columbu and Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is hoping to take home a sixth win.
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Pumping Iron

Pumping Iron

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Critics Consensus

In addition to offering an enlightening early look into the world of future star/politician Arnold Schwarzenegger, Pumping Iron provides a witty and insightful overview of competitive bodybuilding.

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Critics Reviews

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Richard Brody The New Yorker 05/30/2018
Schwarzenegger isn't merely its subject-he's its star, and his beaming, witty, charismatic presence in the film is among the most ingratiating performances of the time. Go to Full Review Chris Willman Entertainment Weekly 05/30/2018
When documentary buffs insist filmic truth is better than fiction, they'll cite this absorbing look at bodybuilding. Go to Full Review Gary Arnold Washington Post 04/30/2018
[Schwarzenegger] carries that phenomenal physique so nonchalantly that one can't help feeling charmed and reassured. Go to Full Review James Berardinelli ReelViews 11/21/2024
3/4
In retrospect, the movie is of special interest because of its presentation of Schwarzenegger during this nascent portion of his career. As a result, the film is in many ways more compelling today than during its initial theatrical run in 1977. Go to Full Review Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand 08/19/2023
The stage show is all about oiled hardbodies and sculpted musculature, but the movie is a portrait of competition as war and Schwarzenegger as the warrior supreme... Go to Full Review Ed Roginski Gay Community News (Boston) 09/22/2022
I recommend the film highly if only because it is rare... a chance to see someone who has perfected an art form. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Stephen C @bob25009 Jul 8 Real footage in 1 hour and 25 minutes. All ages admitted. See more Tasos L @TasosLe 09/24/2024 If you're into weights generally and you exercise yourself, this is a flick you definitely have to watch. See more Ed C @RT86566970 07/16/2024 love it!! Arnold at his best , being himself !! See more Ariel V @Cinematic20 05/02/2024 My favorite documentary film. See more Wayne K @RT88290232 07/06/2023 Not only the documentary that introduced the larger world to future action star and Californian governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, but also offered its viewers a widow into the popular but still niche world of amateur and professional bodybuilding. It very much feels like hours of footage was shot, and it was edited down afterwards to focus on eventual winner Schwarzenegger, because that's what actually happened, and it gave him a platform to display not only his charisma, but the often underhanded and dirty tactics that competitors use to gain a mental edge over their opponents. The film portrays both the rush that bodybuilding give a person, as well as the exhilaration the audience feels when they get to witness the final result. But it doesn't shy away from how physically and mentally draining it can be, or the toll it can have on your personal life. It's a great documentary because it's informative as well as entertaining, and considering it sparked a renewed interest in gyms and physical fitness in the years following its release, demonstrates just how much of an impact it had, and in many ways, continues to have. Like the thrill of victory, it's something that will likely last forever. See more Carlos I @carlosFibarra 12/11/2022 A fascinating look into the world of professional bodybuilding. I'm not sure how much was actually dramatized or played up for the cameras, but they got some juicy drama out of this with the Arnold and Ferrigno competition. It was clear early on how much charisma Arnie had, so it's no surprise how far he went with his stardom. See more Read all reviews
Pumping Iron

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Cast & Crew

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George Butler

Director

Robert Fiore

Director

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Self

Lou Ferrigno

Self

Roger Callard

Self

Franco Columbu

Self

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Pumping Iron

Pumping Iron (1977) Pumping Iron (1977) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis This partly real and partly scripted film documents what many consider to be the golden age of bodybuilding that occurred in the 1970s. It depicts two major competitions: Mr. Universe, which is for amateur participants, and Mr. Olympia, which is for pros. In the former, Mike Katz and Ken Waller are profiled, while in the latter, the chief contenders are Lou Ferrigno, Franco Columbu and Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is hoping to take home a sixth win.
Director
George Butler, Robert Fiore
Producer
Jerome Gary
Screenwriter
George Butler, Charles Gaines
Production Co
White Mountain Films
Rating
PG
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jan 18, 1977, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 5, 2015
Runtime
1h 25m
Sound Mix
Mono
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