Key Cast: Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Don King, James Brown, B.B. King, Mobutu Sese Seko, Spike Lee, Norman Mailer, George Plimpton, Thomas Hauser, Malick Bowens
Rating: PG
Genre(s): Documentary, History, Sport
Description
"When We Were Kings" is considered by many critics to be one of the best sports documentaries ever made.
The stars are Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in one of the most historic fights ever!
"When We Were Kings" is a documentary about the heavyweight boxing championship fight in 1974 between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. Famously called the “Rumble in the Jungle,” the highly-publicized fight took place in Zaire, which is now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
With never-before-seen footage and behind-the-scenes interviews, "When We Were Kings" provides a rare glimpse into this famous and historic boxing match. The documentary captures Muhammad Ali’s charisma and charm as he shares his famous poems and sayings with the press and the people of Zaire. Also there are interviews with other key boxing figures like Don King, Norman Mailer and George Plimpton.
Preceding the “Rumble in the Jungle” was a three day concert with James Brown, B.B. King, and other soul music greats that also adds insight into the “event” status of this historic fight.
It took over 20 years to bring "When We Were Kings" to the screen. You don’t want to miss it!
Trivia
∙ It took 22 years for this documentary to be completed because the footage shot by producer/director Leon Gast was tied up in legal battles with the Liberian government.
∙ At the time that this fight took place, Muhammad Ali was 32 years old and was considered past his prime. George Foreman was 25 years old, the current World Heavyweight Boxing Champion and was considered to be unbeatable. In fact, there was some concern that George Foreman might accidentally kill Muhammad Ali in the ring because he was that strong.
∙ The “Rumble in the Jungle” was the first boxing match that Don King ever promoted.
∙ One reason the fight was controversial was because it was being funded by Mobuto Sese Seko, the dictator of Zaire.
Awards
∙ Won a 1997 Academy Award for Best Documentary, Features.
∙ Nominated for a 1998 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding News, Talk or Information Special.
