Very passionate boxing drama

Rating: 7/10 (10 August 2006)

I'm not a big fan of boxing but this Oscar nominated drama captivated me into the life of the infamous heavyweight champion Ali to show me the various aspects of the brutal sport and made me appreciate the sport in a way I have never looked at it before and all because of one of my favourite actors, Will Smith.
Playing Ali was always going to be difficult for Smith but he quoted he was happy to do whatever it took to make the film convincing, which it was. Smith gained a lot of weight for the role and also spent a year studying Muhammad Ali to make the character a perfect match to the real star. Showing this commitment needed to be recognised which it was as he gained his first Oscar nomination, which was definitely thoroughly deserved. The character of Ali is famous for always speaking his mind and standing up for what he believed in and for Smith to capture these unique qualities was remarkable as the film dives deep into the boxer's life. Smith is always convincing as he uses his comedic expertise but also emotional tactics to capture the spirit of the legendary black icon. For Smith to star as Ali was very important in the actor's career as he took the role of one of his all time heroes. It was a very different role for Smith who had been previously starring in comedies and action movies such as 'Men in Black' and 'Independence Day.' I had never questioned his abilities but there were points, and still are, where I felt he could have done a bit more in his career than similar roles, and watching this dram raised my respect for the star.
The story reflects Ali's life in and out of the ring involving all the controversial issues such as when he refused to be sent to war. The film creates passion and emotion at every corner when Ali is always standing up for what he believes in and the audience can always admire these unique characteristics, being humorous with his rhymes but also being very serious with political issues. His relationships are also reflected and these techniques were thoroughly convincing, showing Ali's different sides outside and inside of the ring. The famous fights from Ali's legendary career are all used wisely to valuable effect. Director Michael Mann uses his creative techniques to slow the pace down at the right stages of the fight. Having slow movements combined with passionate music allows audiences to gain the brutality of the sport. It's a very moving technique and very graphic but this was very important to convince the audience of the genre. The camera slows when a brutal punch is in waiting and the music starts off slow and gains tempo to show the speed of the sport, a thoroughly respectable film technique reflecting the brutality of boxing. Having Ali juxtaposed with other infamous black iconic figures such as Malcolm X and Don King was very important to the film's success. Viewers can gain an insight into the lives of different figures. Ali being King of the ring and Malcolm being an important figure in religious society. The religious iconography used also allows viewers to gain insight into what people valued at the time in the 1960's and 70s. The film is able to show how important religion was to everyone which was also highly significant.
There are times during the film when the story seems to lack. A coupe of scenes should have been left out where the characters are talking for too long but audiences have to respect that it was Ali's life and it is better to tell the truth of how it happened.
Passionate boxing drama worth watching for anyone who has a passion for the sport. As I've previously mentioned I'm not a fan of boxing but watching this I was proved there is more in depth life to the sport.
The story reflects the sport in a way which isn't portrayed in real life. Through the use off Ali I, and many others I'm sure, will gain satisfaction from this film and will appreciate the emotional and comical ideologies put brilliantly forward by director Michael Man and Will Smith.