Ali
Cassius Clay, an ambitious new boxer who just won the Olympic gold medal, bursts onto the pro scene in 1964. He is bold and unapologetic, and he creates a new image of African Americans in boxing with his self-confidence and his conviction that he is one of the best fighters ever. He sets out to prove it with his extremely agile and forceful style, making him an impressive boxer who quickly claims the title of heavyweight champion. He is also notable for his personal life, which includes his loyalty to the Nation of Islam and friendship with Malcolm X. His abandonment of his slave identity in favour of Muhammad Ali has been controversial. Ali is at the peak of his career, but Ali’s professional and personal lives are put to the ultimate test when the draft rules change, making Ali eligible for induction into the military during Vietnam War. Ali refused to agree on principle to participate in an unjust war against a nation who has treated his people so badly, despite the possibility of a sweetheart agreement that would have allowed him to serve a simple tour of duty. He is now unable legally to box in his country, while the case against him is being argued in court. This is the story of a man who was willing to give his life for what he believed in, and it ends with a fight that will cement his legacy as one of sports’ greatest figures. –Kenneth Chisholm ([email protected])
Genre: Drama
Director: Michael Mann
Actors: Jamie Foxx, Jeffrey Wright, Jon Voight, Mario Van Peebles, Mykelti Williamson, Ron Silver, Will Smith
Country: United States
