When We Were Kings
1996
On September 25, 1974, in the wake of one of the greatest political scandals in its history - the ignominious collapse of the Nixon presidency - America was poised to watch a knockout punch that would redefine it as a nation of champions. In the atmosphere of a three-ring circus, in Zaire, a little known country ruled by a .. Read more
| Starring | Muhammad Ali, Don King, George Plimpton |
|---|---|
| Director | Leon Gast |
| Genres | Documentary |
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When We Were Kings
On September 25, 1974, in the wake of one of the greatest political scandals in its history - the ignominious collapse of the Nixon presidency - America was poised to watch a knockout punch that would redefine it as a nation of champions. In the atmosphere of a three-ring circus, in Zaire, a little known country ruled by a military dictator, on the little-noticed continent of Africa, two American fighters held the world's attention. One would capture the world's imagination.
| Starring | Muhammad Ali, Don King, George Plimpton |
|---|---|
| Director | Leon Gast |
| Studio | UCA |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 24 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Documentary |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 14 May 2001 Production year: 1996 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (6)
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The experts had Muhammad Ali out for the count even before he stepped into the ring against George Foreman in Zaire in 1974. But the “Rumble in the Jungle” turned out to be anything but a “Disaster in Kinshasa”, as Ali fought his way to a remarkable victory. Leon Gast's Oscar-winning documentary not only focuses on Ali the athlete, but also examines his importance to the African-American community at large. With telling contributions from Norman Mailer, George Plimpton and Spike Lee, and footage from the soul concerts that accompanied the big bout, this exceptional film proves beyond any doubt that Ali was “The Greatest”.
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"...[Ali,] wonderfully captured in finely chosen swatches of film, was beautiful, charming, self-confident, articulate and burning with talent in his prime..."
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Most helpful member's review
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12 out of 12 people found this review helpful
Truly great stuff
The story of the 'rumble in the jungle' in which Muhammad Ali, who had been imprisoned for refusing to go to Vietnam, travelled to Zaire to fight World heavyweight champion George Foreman. Make no bones about it Muhammd Ali is the main attraction in this documentary as he trains and travels around the African country displaying a charisma and wit not seen since by a sportsman. The documentary intercuts original foootage with retorspective soundbites from journalists and commentators such as Spike Lee and Norman Mailer. Add to that a soundtrack that includes amongst other James Brown and BB King and you have one of the most entertaining and revealing documentaries ever made.
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- GusM from London
- Posted 23 Sep 2004 10:29
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Most recent members' review
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Amazing
Amazing.....impeccable film, I first saw it on cable, saw it again thrice. will do it again
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When We Were Kings
On September 25, 1974, in the wake of one of the greatest political scandals in its history - the ignominious collapse of the Nixon presidency - America was poised to watch a knockout punch that would redefine it as a nation of champions. In the atmosphere of a three-ring circus, in Zaire, a little ...
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