Floaty-lite

Rating: Null/10 (12 March 2002)

As with most biopics where the subject is involved in the process, 'Ali' is watered down, uninvolving and opaque. This is a man who has become a true living legend, an icon, and an inspiration to millions of people - why then did I come away from it without any idea of who the man is? The film seemed to skim over any of the revelations in favour of the known facts, jumping from fight to fight leaving a tantalising trail of clues to the man, but refusing to follow them. There is no indication of Ali's power to inspire, and no clue as to just why he demands such adulation and hero-worship.

Mann's film is a frustrating exercise, perfectly well made, beautifully shot, and competently acted by the lead players. But the substance has been knocked out of it. It floats like a butterfly, but where's the sting?