I think Spike Lee sums things up during the film when he states ‘These kids today are missing a whole lot if they don’t know about the legacy of Muhammad Ali. No matter what era you live in, you see very few true heroes’. Here Ali charms a whole African Nation with his honesty and charisma. There is no boxer today that even comes close to him inside or outside of the ring. You don't have to ... read more
Description: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 perspectDecades 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.... (more)(less)
"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 perspec 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 Fo"
geojones100 added this to a list 2 years, 6 months ago
“I think Spike Lee sums things up during the film when he states ‘These kids today are missing a whole lot if they don’t know about the legacy of Muhammad Ali. No matter what era you live in, you see very few true heroes’. Here Ali charms a whole African Nation with his honesty and charisma. There is no boxer today that even comes close to him inside or outside of the ring. You don't have to love boxing to enjoy this film, it's so much more than that, it's also passionate about politics, personality, history, religion. If you do love boxing... then there's no greater fight. Take a journey back in time with two true legends of the sport you won't be disappointed.
"Nominated by abhijeet
This excellent documentary follows the events around the legendary 'Rumble in the Jungle' boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. It's a stunning look at the personality of Ali. My favourite moment is the look on Ali's face at the end of the first round. Even if you're not a fan of boxing (I'm not), this documentary has a lot to be admired."
KCenturion added this to a list 5 years, 1 month ago
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Documentaries 1990-1999
Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature 
Time Out's 1000 Films to Change Your Life 
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