When We Were Kings
Believe the hype. This much-praised documentary about one of the most famous boxing matches in history deserves every one of its accolades. Blending sports drama and biography with a touch of political analysis, When We Were Kings relates the who, when, where, and most importantly the why of the 1974 George Foreman/Muhammad Ali world championship fight in Zaire.
Splicing together old news footage, photos, and contemporary interview clips, director Leon Gast captures the excitement and chaos that led up to the famed "Rumble in the Jungle" and the incredible characters and events surrounding the thrilling bout.
The documentary explores a gamut of issues that defined the 1970s and impacted the African-American community: the Vietnam War and the draft, the nascent "Black is Beautiful" movement and idealization of Mother Africa, and the brutal reality of post-colonial dictatorships. But it is the charismatic and bombastic Muhammad Ali at the center of it all who steals the show with the sheer force of his inimitable personality. When We Were Kings reminds us why...
Say what you will about Ali, he the man knew how to work an audience and his opponents. Pity that boxing isn't as famous in the states or Europe, as American football, or football.
It is however, quite popular in Africa, with some of the younger talents, fighting great obstacles to continue in the sport they hold so dear.
If you are interested in the sport, visit the following link to find the latest news, documentaries and interviews on boxing:
Ali stand was against killing innocent people Asian people, not fighting for sport of the game. That is a big difference also doing these times racial discrimination was the norm of the day. Blacks were not respected, and look at as subhuman. Why should a black man lay his life down for a country that had not laid down their hate...Ali you are the greatest.
Fighting in the war was against his religion but punching men half to death was acceptable????? Ooooooops, i have i stated the obvious!!
This film is blocked in Canada. I was going to watch it again, but could not. This is an absolutely amazing film. Highly recommended.... two thumbs up.
You have to use a proxy that gives you a Chinese ip
If blocked... use a proxy (hopefully it should work
A must watch for any sports fan
It's blocked in Columbus, Ohio, also. I've seen it before, so I'm not sweating it, but it sucks for those that haven't seen it, because it is an awesome documentary.
This great documentary is blocked in the UK!?!?!
When We Were Kings was mentioned to me by a friend as a must...Now that I have watched it... I am definitely going to add it in my library :)
Last but not least, kudos to you guys.