Most inspiring film of the year

Rating: Null/10 (31 March 2002)

This is probably the most motivational film of the year. The life of Cassius Clay/ Muhammad Ali. Portrayed quite realistically and raw. The story about the life of a big-mouth, know-it-all boxer.
The Academy Awards nomination for Will Smith was more than justified. His attitude, his goofy remarks to his opponents, even his looks made the image of Ali come to life. The character development in the movie was very commendable. Although his love life may have not been presented as successfully as it could be.
The camera work was superb. The movement during the fight scenes and the lighting really made the fights look spectacular and moments of Ali's self-reflection profound. A contrast, crucial at showing Ali's diverse life as a boxer and fighter for civil rights. He was a civil rights leader, only that he was not aware of that until he came to Zaire.
Fights were amazing. Rough, nicely choreographed (notice the foot movement of Ali) and realistic. They were somewhat fair (the opponents resigned) and very tense. The camera's view from one of the fighters chest adds immensely to our realizing of the pressure, Ali was facing.
Directing and acting are also top-notch. But one thing surpasses it all. The soundtrack. The score for Ali and the music are the two things that really shine. Rarely have I seen a movie so well intertwined with it's music. Sam Cooke at the beginning, Dungeon East performing Set Me Free, the African theme in Zaire, R.Kelly's theme during the last fight, it all moulds into the atmosphere of Ali.
Jon Voight is also quite amusing as Cosell, the journalist (who I could hardly recognize) who made Ali the icon, people know and admire. And so did Don King, but he was more interested in Ali moneywise, as is clearly shown before the fight with Foreman.
Altogether, the movie presents Ali as he was - a fighter, a "bad" husband, for whom wives worry too much and an icon, which will not be forgotten.
Michael Mann, you have done a great job.