When We Were Kings (1997)

Decades ago, documentary filmmaker Leon Gast attempted to complete a feature about the 1974 "Rumble in the Jungle" championship bout between boxers Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire. Sundry complications, though, held up the project until its release in 1996. It was well worth the delay. From Gast's perspective of modern history, the six weeks Ali and Foreman were forced to spend waiting in Africa for their fight to take place now looks like an important moment in America's cultural understanding of African American roots. In a nutshell, Ali had been stripped of his heavyweight champion title because his opposition to the Vietnam War-era draft had landed him in prison. Reigning champ Foreman agreed to a Don King-promoted match in Kinshasa, but after all parties got there the fight was put off. Gast captures the charismatic Ali, in the ensuing days and weeks, going out among the people and getting to know them while the more reclusive Foreman keeps to his own company. Meanwhile, King brings over black American artists such as James Brown and the Spinners to mix it up with African musicians. The sense of excitement and connection is thrilling, as is the boxing footage of Foreman and Ali finally taking swings at one another in a titanic duel. Writers George Plimpton and Norman Mailer, each of whom was covering the fight as journalists, are on hand to recollect the details. Whether you're a fight fan or not, this is a unique experience and a fascinating insight into America's sense of identity. --Tom Keogh Amazon.com essential video

greatest documentary about greatest sports figure of our time

in this viewer's eyes, ali is the greatest sports figure of our time. as i watched this powerful documentary, other sports heroes of mine -- michael jordan, lance armstrong -- faded away in comparison to the athletic skill, courage, wisdom, presence and sheer humanity of ali. focused on ali's fight against foreman in zaire, this documentary is about that and much more. it captures ali at his peak. the humor. the intelligence. the courage. the honesty about race in america. the willingness to stand up for his beliefs at great cost. the phenomenal, unmatched boxing skill. this movie makes clear that ali transcended his sport to become an icon and leader across the globe.

this is one to watch for inspiration, for entertainment, to remember and enjoy, and to show your kids. July 13, 2008

When They Were Kings

This is a really moving movie about the famed Muhammed Ali and George Foreman Fight in Zaire in 1974. It allows people to reflect on the meaning of the fight now and provides a contemporary 1974 prospective also. It ends up being very moving and shows how funny Mohammed Ali could be. I've seen this movie several times and have never gotten tired of it. January 13, 2008

A Moment Frozen in Time

"When We Were Kings" is Leon Gast and Taylor Hackford's 1996 Academy Award-winning documentary film of "the Rumble in the Jungle", the heavyweight title fight between defending champion George Foreman and once and future champion Muhammad Ali.

Today's viewers are apt to know George Foreman as a genial TV commerical pitchman and Muhammad Ali as a revered but sadly physically deteriorated symbol of the sixties. In 1974, George Foreman was the undefeated heavywieght boxing champion of the world. His size, strength, and punching had literally leveled a series of opponents. Muhammad Ali was an aging former champion, stripped of his title for his refusal to be inducted into the U.S. military against the dictates of his religion, and on the comeback trail. Very few people gave the colorful and vocal ex-champ much of a chance in the ring against Foreman. Some thought he might be killed. Only Ali seemed confident in his own destiny.

Gast and Hackford follow the action in Kinshasa as the two boxers prepare for their match and as celebrities and ring personalities circle the proceedings. At the center of the movie is the outsized personality of Ali, talking up a good fight and reaching out to the people in Zaire. By the time the two boxers entered the ring, Ali had converted Kinshasa into a home crowd.

The fight itself featured one of the more daring ring strategies ever seen. Ali spent much of the middle rounds of the fight in the "rope-a-dope," leaning far back on the ring ropes, riding out Foreman's truly awesome punching power and waiting for his moment to strike.

This movie is an absolutely superb viewing experience for fans of the fight game as it used to be, and for fans of Muhammad Ali and George Foreman at their prime as boxers. November 20, 2007

Here the Man

No need to watch Will Smith imitate him, here you can see and hear Ali as he was, in his prime, as man who confronted greatness. November 3, 2007

Great Sports Documentary

Here is a great film that encompasses the era, the sport, the culture and the significance. If you like documentaries this one will not dissapoint, there is no requirement to like sports or boxing for that matter. This fight was about many things but truly conveys a message of stregnth and spirit. September 15, 2007

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