It is always refreshing to come across an old movie that would have created a buzz in its times but you haven't seen it yet. It almost feels like going back in time, meeting with people whom you have forgotten, or never knew in the first place but should have. But I always knew of this guy. I bet almost everyone does. Even though I have not seen a single fight of his. He used to be known as Cassius Clay before he had it changed to the now unforgettable name of Muhammad Ali.
Ali has had numerous fights in the ring that have gone down in history books as classics. And one of the famous ones is his bout against George Foreman; a chance for Ali to reclaim the Championship title after he got back his fighting licence, which had been cancelled due to his refusal to be drafted for the Vietnam War. Ali's fight with Foreman was to be in Zaire in Africa and had been dubbed The Rumble in the Jungle. The buildup to this fight and the fight in itself has been captured in the award-winning documentary When We Were Kings.
When We Were Kings was shot in 1974, the year of the fight, but was released only in 1996 due to long lasting suits on the rights to the film. But after its release, it has been called one of the best boxing documentaries of all time. It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, and once you watch the movie, you too would agree. When We Were Kings is to be watched not only by boxing enthusiasts (who would have already watched it by now) but by anyone who wants to catch a glimpse of one of the greatest sportsmen and athlete of the previous century. The real star of When We Were Kings is Ali himself, not only for his pre-fight conferences laden with witty remarks and colourful insults to Foreman but also for the boyish enthusiasm he harboured to be the greatest boxer of his time. He has been an inspiration to many already, and documentaries like these allow people of a new generation to wind down the clock and get floored by the charisma of Ali, and to be inspired by the strength and endurance of his body, and more importantly that of his will.
Ali was cocky, he was smart but he was cocky, and for a long time he was considered to be nothing more than an annoyance by the public. But he delivered in the ring, time and time again, which made people stand up and notice. He was given no chance in the bout with Foreman, he was the one who should have retired after the fight, but where the strength of his body might fail, he makes it up with the strength of his will which is quite unmatched. When We Were Kings brings this to light in a wonderful manner, a documentary which should not be missed. It is currently available on Youtube for free viewing (no copyright violations?). It has a runtime of close to 1 hr 30 mins, so free up some space in your busy timetable and let Ali entertain you!
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