MOVIE: ALI

Rated R for some language and brief violence.

Runtime: 2 hr. 38 min.

Genre: Drama

Release Date: Dec 25, 2001
Plot: In 1964, a brash new pro boxer, proud public self confidence and his unapologetic belief that he is the greatest boxer of all time explodes onto the scene.

Fresh from an Olympic gold medal victory, with his highly agile and forceful style, he is a formidable boxer who soon claims the heavyweight championship. He drops his slave name Cassius Clay in favour of Muhammad Ali and which stirs controversy considering his allegiance to the Nation of Islam, his friendship with the controversial Malcolm X.

When military draft rules are changed, making him eligible for military induction during the Vietnam war, Ali refuses to submit on grounds that he believed it was an unjust war for a racist country that treated his people so poorly. This puts his personal and professional lives at test, making him unable to fight legally in his own country while his case is contested at court. What follows is a battle for a man who would sacrifice so much for what he believes in and a comeback that would cement his legend as one of the great sports figures of all time.

Verdict: Certainly no film could do justice to the fascinating life and personality of Muhammad Ali. But this movie, with Smith’s performance gives it a solid chance. This is a classic tale following the life story of heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali, following the champ's early days as Cassius Clay and his rise in sports and politics, including his controversial refusal to fight in the Vietnam War and his infamous comeback battles against Joe Frazier and George Foreman.

Starring: Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, Jon Voight, Mario Van Peebles

Director: Michael Mann

Screenwriter: Michael Mann , Eric Roth , Stephen J. Rivele , Christopher Wilkinson

Producer: James Lassiter , Jon Peters , A Kitman Ho , Michael Mann , Paul Ardaji
Studio: Columbia Pictures

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