This is a very early look into the career of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Before becoming a big name action star and the Governor of California, Arnold was a very popular bodybuilder, who won worldwide championships some six years in a row. This documentary follows him and several other contenders who are gearing up for the Mr. Universe contest in South Africa. Arnold is a very interesting subject, very open and forthcoming about much of his life, his expectations, and his confidence. He even discusses the merits of working out, and makes a parallel to sexual satisfaction in an unforgettable interview. Another subject of the film is a pre-Hulk Lou Ferrigno, who constantly trains just to beat the Austrian wonder. It shows a lot about Arnold's personality and the way his confidence and charisma builds, and remains telling of his future.

Pumping Iron is the classic documentary about the sport of body building and follows Arnold Schwarzenegger as he competes for the title of Mr. Olympia. Aside from Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno is competing against him, and is one of the biggest body builders in the 1975 competition. Pumping Iron is a compelling film, one that documents an interesting sport. Nowadays, Mr. Olympia is different, but back in the 1970's, you can clearly see the sport for what it was, a pure expression of trying to craft a muscular physique. Now, bodybuilders seem to push boundaries that are absolutely insane, almost abnormal. With Pumping Iron, which follows the 1975 Mr. Olympia competition, you see bodybuilders with a more natural looking muscle build. I really enjoyed the film, and thought it was a fine documentary that chronicled this interesting sport. For fans of the sport, this is a must see, and it definitely gives you an insight behind the scenes as to how body builders prepare for the event. The star of the film is of course Arnold Schwarzenegger and he really steals the show here. I really enjoyed the film, and thought it was a fine documentary on this interesting sport. If you hold an interest in the sport, or are interested in the subject, Pumping Iron is an engaging film that follows song of Bodybuilding most important contenders of the 1975 season. This is a well thought out film, one that definitely shows us an aspect of the sport that we rarely see. Fans will enjoy this one, and it also might be a worthwhile viewing for non body building fans as well simply for the fact that Arnold Schwarzenegger is in it.