Ali
Plot
In 1964, Muhammad Ali, then 22-year-old Cassius Clay, bursts onto the boxing scene after winning the gold medal at the Summer Olympics. His meteoric rise is fueled by his electrifying presence, razor-sharp wit, and a unshakeable confidence that sets him apart from his contemporaries. With a charismatic smile and an infectious swagger, Clay embodies the spirit of a new era in American sports, redefining the public image of African Americans in the process. As Clay's fame grows, so does his reputation for being bold, brash, and unapologetic. He boasts about his prowess in the ring, declaring himself the greatest boxer of all time, a claim that sparks both admiration and ridicule from his peers and the press. Meanwhile, his words are laced with humor, charm, and a touch of defiance that captivates the audience and sets him apart from his serious and introspective contemporaries. However, beneath his confident exterior, Clay struggles with his own identity and purpose. Growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, he was a troubled and impressionable young man who found solace in boxing. With boxing, he discovered a sense of belonging, a platform to express himself, and a chance to overcome the hardships of his childhood. Yet, as he gains fame, Clay grapples with the weight of responsibility, navigating the complexities of his newfound celebrity and the expectations that come with it. It is within this tumultuous landscape that Clay's faith and values come under intense scrutiny. Raised as a Baptist, Clay's spiritual life is deeply intertwined with his relationship with God. Yet, as he faces the daunting prospect of serving in the United States military during the Vietnam War, Clay begins to question his role in the conflict and the morality of participating in it. His transformation from an enthusiastic supporter of the war to a vocal critic is nothing short of seismic, setting him on a collision course with the powers that be. In the eyes of many Americans, Clay's new perspective on the war is treasonous. When he refuses to be drafted, stating "I ain't got no quarrel with them Viet Cong," Clay sets off a firestorm of controversy that threatens to destroy his reputation, isolate him from his friends and family, and even strip him of his professional boxing license. Undeterred, Clay becomes a lightning rod for protest, a symbol of resistance against the war and a voice for the marginalized. As his personal and professional lives face the ultimate test, Clay finds himself at the epicenter of a national debate that goes far beyond the realm of sports. His decision to reject the draft and his subsequent conviction for draft evasion set him on a long and arduous journey of sacrifice and resilience. Yet, it is precisely this journey that allows him to discover his true strength, fortify his convictions, and find his place in history. Throughout the film, Will Smith brings Clay's larger-than-life persona to vivid life, imbuing the character with a sense of vulnerability, humor, and determination that is at once authentic and captivating. Whether he's in the ring, in the streets, or in the courtroom, Smith captures the essence of Clay's spirit, conveying the complexity, passion, and conviction that made him a true icon. As the movie hurtles towards its conclusion, Clay's life is forever changed by the events that transpire. Yet, in the face of adversity, he remains steadfast in his commitment to his values, his people, and his faith. With courage, conviction, and a fierce determination to stand by his principles, Clay forges a path that will be etched in history as one of the most remarkable stories of our time.
Reviews
Isla
Unforgettable, and lingers long after the credits roll.
Sky
Kind of long and drawn out, isn't it? Classic Michael Mann.
Natalia
Here's an attempt, capturing the sentiment behind the original phrase while being more appropriate and descriptive for an English-language movie review: * "A powerful portrayal of Black identity and experience." * "Dives deep into the complexities of Black life in a turbulent era." * "Explores the nuances of Black identity through the lens of an icon."
Hazel
Disjointed, slow-paced, and jumpy, it tries to cover too much ground without a clear focus, skimming the surface like a dragonfly without delving deeper. If the director chose this approach, it would've been better to stick with the Ali documentaries I used to watch on TV. At least those featured the champ himself.
Cayden
Biopic? Inspirational film? Definitely not an action movie. Perhaps intentionally, the film's pace is very slow, and the timeline is stretched out. Music and slow-motion shots appear frequently. I won't judge whether it's good or bad, but it lacks the exhilarating feeling of watching an action film. I've always liked Will Smith, and without him, the movie would have lost much of its appeal in my eyes.
Arya
Ali is a mesmerizing biographical drama that vividly captures the early career of boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Will Smith delivers an electrifying performance as Cassius Clay, exuding charisma and confidence as the young boxer's meteoric rise to fame. With sharp direction and witty dialogue, the film brings to life the tumultuous 1960s, exploring themes of identity, social justice, and the power of one's convictions. The result is a film that's both a tribute to an iconic figure and a powerful commentary on the era.
Zion
In 1964, Cassius Clay's explosive arrival in the boxing world was as bold as it was groundbreaking. His unapologetic attitude redefined what it meant to be an African American athlete, challenging both rings and society with his courage and charisma. Not just a legend in the ring, he became a symbol of perseverance and self-discovery, inspiring generations to stand tall despite the odds.
Recommendations
