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When We Were Kings (1996)

When We Were Kings (1996)
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In 1974, boxers Muhammad Ali and George Foreman came to the still-emerging and politically unstable African nation of Zaire for what Ali called the "Rumble in the Jungle," a highly publicized world heavyweight championship fight. Documentarian Leon Gast flew to Zaire to film both the fight and a music festival (featuring B.B. King, The Pointer Sisters, and Miriam Makeba) organized by promoter Don King. Gast's footage was shelved for 22 years due to legal and financial problems, but when it was finally released in 1996, When We Were Kings provided a vivid portrait of the controversial Ali. At 33, he was considered past his prime for the Zaire fight, and his refusal to serve in the U.S. military on moral grounds was still an issue in the minds of many. But here, Ali displays strength, skill, intelligence, and tremendous charm, making it clear how he became one of the most renowned figures in the world of sports. And, while George Foreman is best known today as a genial commercial pitchman, he's seen here as a strong, forbidding opponent, not especially articulate and seemingly unstoppable. The film also features interviews with several notable fight fans, including Norman Mailer, George Plimpton, and Spike Lee. A fascinating document of a great moment in sporting and cultural history, When We Were Kings received an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and won a Special Jury Recognition Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Director(s):
Leon Gast
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of When We Were Kings

In 1974, boxers Muhammad Ali and George Foreman came to the still-emerging and politically unstable African nation of Zaire for what Ali called the "Rumble in the Jungle," a highly publicized world heavyweight championship fight. Documentarian Leon Gast flew to Zaire to film both the fight and a music festival (featuring B.B. King, The Pointer Sisters, and Miriam Makeba) organized by promoter Don King. Gast's footage was shelved for 22 years due to legal and financial problems, but when it was finally released in 1996, When We Were Kings provided a vivid portrait of the controversial Ali. At 33, he was considered past his prime for the Zaire fight, and his refusal to serve in the U.S. military on moral grounds was still an issue in the minds of many. But here, Ali displays strength, skill, intelligence, and tremendous charm, making it clear how he became one of the most renowned figures in the world of sports. And, while George Foreman is best known today as a genial commercial pitchman, he's seen here as a strong, forbidding opponent, not especially articulate and seemingly unstoppable. The film also features interviews with several notable fight fans, including Norman Mailer, George Plimpton, and Spike Lee. A fascinating document of a great moment in sporting and cultural history, When We Were Kings received an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and won a Special Jury Recognition Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
94 mins
Director(s):
Leon Gast
Producer(s):
David Sonenberg, Leon Gast
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG
Categories:
Documentary, Sports & Fitness
When We Were Kings Awards:
  • 1996 - Broadcast Film Critics Association - Best Documentary
  • 1996 - Independent Spirit Awards - Truer Than Fiction Award
  • 1996 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Documentary
  • 1996 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Documentary
  • 1996 - Sundance Film Festival - Special Jury Recognition
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    Read all (9)
     
    Hans B.

    This is far superior to the later movie "Ali" with Will Smith. The real person, Ali, delivers his lines so much better than any actor. My wife and I both were quickly pulled into the story.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Peter F.

    Another quote: I'm not the greatest; I'm the double greatest. Not only do I knock 'em out, I pick the round Only Ali can come up with the wits like that with the loudest mouth at the time --- but backs it up with his intelligence and style in the ring. The rumble in the jungle with BIG GEORGE was the biggest highlight of this documentary and you saw Ali was frighten at one point against the seemly invincible, hard punching George, but he kept his cool and came up with the now famed strategy to beat his opponent. It makes me sad to see that the current heavy weight boxing circle is void of such champ. He was and still the greatest!

    Yes   |   No

     
    David P.

    This movie paints an outstanding picture of the "Rumble in the Jungle." No one can ever deliver his lines with that type of precision. Highly recommended to any boxing fan.

    Yes   |   No

     
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