When We Were Kings

Rating:
Summary: Richly deserving of the Oscar it received
Review: I recall attending a closed circuit telecast of the Ali-Foreman fight in Miami in '74, and when "The Greatest" actually pulled it off - regaining his title after the enforced exile - most of the audience went nuts. Rarely have I been in an environment of such absolute joy. This first rate documentary of the "Rumble In The Jungle" makes me wish I had been in Zaire to experience that emotion "live". This is marvelous film making about one of the most complicated and extraordinary heroes of the twentieth century - and is clearly deserving of the Academy Award it received.

Rating:
Summary: Clearly deserving of the Oscar it received
Review: I recall attending a closed circuit telecast of the Ali - Foreman fight in Miami at that time, and when "the greatest" actually pulled it off - regaining HIS title after the enforced exile - most of the audience went nuts. Rarely have I been in an environment of such absolute joy. This first class documentary makes me wish I had been in Zaire to experience that emotion live. This is first class film making about one of the most complicated and extraordinary men of the twentieth century, and was clearly deserving of the Academy Award which it received.

Rating:
Summary: THIS MOVIE ROCKED!
Review: "When We Were Kings" is a terrific movie. It was very entertaining to watch, as it gave the viewer an insightful look at the showdown between Muhammed Ali and George Foreman, better known as The Rumble In the Jungle. If you're not into boxing you might not like it, but see for yourself.

Rating:
Summary: A touching, entertaining look at boxing and race relations.
Review: WHEN WE WERE KINGS is one of the finest documentaries I have seen. It is most definitely on par if not better than HOOP DREAMS because it shows us the charismatic and human sides of Ali while mixing great music. The editing is fantastic especially in music scenes in which we see native Africans in the bright sun dancing to the soul music of James Brown. WHEN WE WERE KINGS is a must see, no, must buy, for anyone who is interested in sports, music, race, and of course, one of the greatest heroes of our time, Muhammad Ali.

Rating:
Summary: Foreman-Ali and Plimpton-Mailer
Review: Recollections of the 1974 George Foreman-Muhammad Ali heavyweight championship fight from George Plimpton and Norman Mailer provide the most interesting moments in the film WHEN WE WERE KINGS. The two famous writers were close enough (front row!) to the event but with no stake in the outcome, and their objective comments stand out. If you like WHEN WE WERE KINGS, look for a video entitled CHAMPIONS (or something like that), a group interview with Ali, Foreman, Joe Frazier and other prominent 1960s-70s heavyweight boxers. That video offers even more old clips and its storytelling is from the athletes' own memories, George Foreman's thoughts most compelling.

Rating:
Summary: An insight into late 20th century culture and racial issues
Review: In WHEN WE WERE KINGS, Leon Gast portrays 1974's "Rumble in the Jungle" as a cultural milestone in American history. This is more than a film on boxing -- it sheds light on the entire sport of boxing and, more importantly, on issues of race in America and rest of the world in the late 20th century. Intellectuals such as Norman Mailer, George Plimpton, and Spike Lee add comentary, and ask questions such as: Who was the "good" black boxer? Who should we root for, the draft-dodging but personable and funny Ali, aged and probably past his prime, or the super-talented, but also aloof and arrogant, Foreman. The contrast between the ways in which each boxer relates to the black Africans in Zaire is interesting and touching, and the fans' pre- and mid-fight chants trying to rally the almost defeated Ali stay with you long after the film has faded to black. The film sets off at a lightnign quick pace and never slows down, and the last twenty minutes is among the most triumphant filmmaking, documentary or fictional, that I have ever seen. This film is a must see for sport fans, cultural historians, and anybody who loves good movies.

Rating:
Summary: Motivating
Review: Where have all our heros gone? This movie makes you realize that they don't make athletes, political figures or men like they use to. If nothing else you will walk away with a sense of awe for a man who was one of the best athletes the world has ever seen, one of the most controversial poltical figures of the 1960s and 1970s and one of the most intriguing men of the century.

Rating:
Summary: The best documentary I have ever seen
Review: This film shows the international impact that the thrilla in manila had between the great Muhammad Ali and George Forman. A must have for all sports fans!

Rating:
Summary: A motion picture even for the non boxing fans!
Review: This documentary makes you realise what a truly brilliant individual and remarkable athlete Ali was. Even more important, you can see what a humanitarian he is and why he is so deserving of the world's respect and thanks for his contributions on so many levels. You gotta see it.

Rating:
Summary: Simply incredible.
Review: It is this plain and simple. This film gives you history, outstanding music, oh yes and the tale of the undisputed champion of the world, Mohammad Ali and the famous rumble in the jungle. The editing of this film is remarkable. Don't move an inch... or you'll miss something spectacular while this film rolls.