When We Were Kings

When We Were Kings

1996 · 89 min · EN · PG · 7.7 (199 votes)
Dir. Leon Gast · Starring Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Don King, James Brown, B.B. King, Spike Lee

The untold story of the Rumble in the Jungle.

Documentary

It's 1974. Muhammad Ali is 32 and thought by many to be past his prime. George Foreman is ten years younger and the heavyweight champion of the world. Promoter Don King wants to make a name for himself and offers both fighters five million dollars apiece to fight one another, and when they accept, King has only to come up with the money. He finds a willing backer in Mobutu Sese Suko, the dictator of Zaire, and the "Rumble in the Jungle" is set, including a musical festival featuring some of America's top black performers, like James Brown and B.B. King.

VIBE

A powerful, electrifying look at a legendary fight and the cultural moment surrounding it. Feel the energy of the crowd, the determination of the fighters, and the undeniable charisma of Ali. It's a story of grit, glory, and a defining moment in sports history.

inspiringtriumphantenergeticnostalgicsteadyclassic documentarysports narrativehistorical footageunderdog storycultural impactlegacyresilience
▶ Stream on Criterion Channel
underdogsportsboxerdisrespectzairesummitsympathyendurancesports documentaryboxing
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