Added to Crave on Friday, Feb 23, 2024 “Ali” is a biographical sports drama, showcasing a decade in the life of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, played by Will Smith. The movie spans from 1964 to 1974, capturing key moments like his capture of the heavyweight title, conversion to Islam, criticism of the Vietnam War, and banishment from boxing, culminating in his return to fight Joe Frazier. It’s a blend of personal and professional facets of Ali’s life, exploring his challenges and triumphs.
Length: 2h 36m
Genre: Biographical Sports Drama
This Title is: Inspirational and Thought-Provoking
Ali is New on Crave in Canada!
Trailer
Cast
- Will Smith as Cassius Clay Jr. / Cassius X / Muhammad Ali
- Jamie Foxx as Drew Bundini Brown
- Jon Voight as Howard Cosell
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: R
Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) – Rated R for some language and brief violence
Trivia
- The movie was initiated in 1992 when producer Paul Ardaji optioned the movie rights to Ali’s life story.
- Gregory Allen Howard wrote the initial script draft, focusing on Ali’s life from age 12 to 40.
- Will Smith’s performance as Muhammad Ali received widespread acclaim for its accuracy and depth.
Our Review
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Michael Mann’s “Ali” has elicited a broad spectrum of responses, painting a complex portrait of the eponymous sports icon. Critics like Elvis Mitchell have hailed the film for its emotionally stirring narrative and compelling rendition of Muhammad Ali’s life, underscored by Will Smith’s charismatic performance in the lead role. The movie’s adherence to historical accuracy, coupled with its deep emotional resonance, has been praised. On the other hand, some reviewers, such as those from The Globe and Mail and Slant Magazine, have critiqued the film for not fully disentangling the man from the myth, suggesting a narrative that at times feels punch-drunk and overly fixated on the boxing ring. The film’s narrative structure and pacing have drawn mixed reactions, with some finding the storytelling to be fragmented. Despite this, the film’s ability to weave together vivid cameos and maintain an infectious soul beat has been acknowledged. The overall consensus acknowledges “Ali” as a significant cinematic endeavor that offers an intricate look at Ali’s life, balancing his public and private personas, even if it occasionally stumbles in its execution.
Critic Scores
Ali has received a generally favorable review by the critics.
