Kings
When We Were Kings

On a finer note, I adored this movie. This is the documentary that took 20 years to get finished, but it was worth the wait. The topic is the "Rumble in the Jungle" fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Africa in 1974. Focusing primarily on Ali, it weaves the tale with humor, respect, and surprisingly, suspense.

I love documentaries anyway -- no matter what they're about -- but this is a great film. To be honest, I didn't know much about Muhammad Ali past the "floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee" quote. I didn't know how political he was. Or how funny, sincere, and stoic. I know I'm gushing, but I had no idea how great this man is. It's like I just discovered him.

Along with powerful fight scenes (not too gory, even for me), you getta see kick-ass performances by B.B. King and James Brown, plus quips from George Plimpton, Norman Mailer, and Spike Lee. Real insightful stuff on the fight, the time, and Ali. It's hilarious to see George Foreman in his seventies get-ups, and amazing to realize that's George Foreman, the guy with five kids all named George. I didn't realize it until about 30 minutes into the film, and my mom never got it. I told her afterwards. She couldn't believe it.

If you can find it, rent it. It's so worth it.

Back to Reviews.

Write to me.

1