Ali

Columbia Pictures | Release Date: December 25, 2001

6.8	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 82 Ratings

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ERG1008Sep 17, 2010

Will Smith was very good but I wanted to see more about what happened out of the ring, more about the man himself. Yes we all know he beat Foreman, Liston, etc in those fights, so why go on so long with them?
Should have brought it up to dateWill Smith was very good but I wanted to see more about what happened out of the ring, more about the man himself. Yes we all know he beat Foreman, Liston, etc in those fights, so why go on so long with them?
Should have brought it up to date with his later fights, Parkinsons Disease, etc rather than stopping in 1975.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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GoinBananazAug 10, 2014

Although I have never been a fan of Muhammad Ali's attitude and arrogance I have always been a fan of Ali the athlete. I was very pleased with this movie and it seemed to me to be very accurate in all details. They did a very good job keepingAlthough I have never been a fan of Muhammad Ali's attitude and arrogance I have always been a fan of Ali the athlete. I was very pleased with this movie and it seemed to me to be very accurate in all details. They did a very good job keeping it true to life. This movie was not only factual but highly enjoyable as the story of one of my all time favorites; the greatest, Muhammad Ali. I have given it the highest rating of 10!… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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TyranianDec 15, 2019

Pretty good Muhammad Ali film with good performances and fairly well-directed.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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SpangleFeb 14, 2016

Powerful, emotionally stirring, and ever captivating, Michael Mann's biopic Ali is a brilliant film that is an example of Mann directing in peak form, comparable to his success with Heat and The Insider. The direction is fantastic and thisPowerful, emotionally stirring, and ever captivating, Michael Mann's biopic Ali is a brilliant film that is an example of Mann directing in peak form, comparable to his success with Heat and The Insider. The direction is fantastic and this film touches on many aspects of Muhammad Ali's compelling life and none of them feel out of place. They all feel as if they are coherent and moving towards the same goal. Additionally, the writing is fantastic and did a great job both capturing Ali and making compelling cinema. Will Smith is phenomenally charismatic in the lead role and truly embodies the boxing legend. The choreography of the fights and everything to do with them is fantastic with the music and editing being particular highlights. Both ensure that the fights are as climactic as possible and also compelling as possible. Overall, Ali is truly a brilliant work from Michael Mann that reaches far and high and winds up knocking out the competition.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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Compi24Feb 11, 2015

As unfocused and taxing as it gets, Michael Mann's "Ali" manages to keep the viewers in their seats with some snappy cinematography and a commanding - and perhaps career-best - lead performance.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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bfoore90Jun 16, 2020

Will Smith did a fantastic job in this role, really en-capturing the arrogance and aura of Muhammad Ali in a film that explores Ali at the height of his fame.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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ydnar4Jul 21, 2015

Muhammad Ali is one of the most legendary figures of all-time and he deserves to have a biopic that it amazing and he just doesn't get it here and I don't think he ever will. Will Smith is great as Ali and I think he was the best choice toMuhammad Ali is one of the most legendary figures of all-time and he deserves to have a biopic that it amazing and he just doesn't get it here and I don't think he ever will. Will Smith is great as Ali and I think he was the best choice to play the legendary boxer and I think he did a good job but it seems like this film is too basic and it didn't try to dive into Ali's personal life at all and that what fans would want to see. The film also doesn't really give you a chance to get to know the characters and their role in the film, the film takes off immediately which isn't the best idea for a biography film. This film is way too long it should be at least a half hour shorter and it only focuses on like 3 points of Ali's career so each event drags on and the film starts to get boring which I can rarely say about most sports biopics. 2 and a half hours is a long time considering only 10 years of Ali's life where covered. Ali is sadly forgettable and I can't say I recommend it unless you are already an expert on Ali's career before you watch the film.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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EpicLadySpongeApr 18, 2016

Ali never brings people into shame, neither does Will Smith because with Ali, no one can truly understand how it takes to be a true boxer and Muhammad Ali, played by Will Smith, proves us how to be one.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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MarkTakayamaJul 11, 2016

After I heard news about Muhammad Ali's death.I watched a lot of videos about him.This movie was one of them. This movie focused on his career from the first fight with Sonny Liston to the rumble in the jungle with George Foreman.

1.VeryAfter I heard news about Muhammad Ali's death.I watched a lot of videos about him.This movie was one of them. This movie focused on his career from the first fight with Sonny Liston to the rumble in the jungle with George Foreman.

1.Very informative
Ali is a famous person.If you don't know his life, please watch this video.He became a champ in 1964.But he lost his title due to his political conflicts with Federal Government.His famous fight with Foreman in Zaire.You must learn Ali's great life.

2.History.
You will see a couple of important figures in the 60's and 70's.
Malcolm X is his friends of Ali.Sadly,Malcolm X was killed.
The president Mobutu Zaire invited Ali to dinner.Mobutu was a dictator in Zaire. He was a political ally with Richard Nixon because of His ant communist stances. It seemed that Mobutu successfully promoted his country, using this great boxing event.

3.His fight scenes was very real. The movie describes Ali's important fights with Liston, Freizer, Foreman.The film is well described Ali's famous " Rope a Dope." with George Foreman.

4,Zaire
I enjoyed Zaire..But people are very nice and friendly.
The people in Zaire really inspire Ali According to Wikipedia, Ali Bomaye. According to Wikipedia, the shooting also took place in Mozambique.

Will Smith did a great job.According to Wkipedia, "Smith spent approximately one year learning all aspects of Ali's life. These included boxing training (up to seven hours a day), Islamic studies and dialect training. Smith has said that his portrayal of Ali is his proudest work to date."

I like this movie.Story, actors and boxing. Hope Ali's legacy lives with this movie.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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alejandro970Jul 21, 2023

A Will Smith in one of his most mature roles, in the shoes of the iconic and controversial champion. The script is done in such a way that it avoids the cliches of biographies or boxing dramas, which is appreciated. There are elements thatA Will Smith in one of his most mature roles, in the shoes of the iconic and controversial champion. The script is done in such a way that it avoids the cliches of biographies or boxing dramas, which is appreciated. There are elements that seem redundant but at least they are not a drag.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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amheretojudgeFeb 15, 2018

say my name..

Ali There are some genuine emotional moments and high pitched dramatic sequences that brings out the best of director and actor but somewhere between an overlong runtime of 157 minutes these scenes are overpowered by dull andsay my name..

Ali

There are some genuine emotional moments and high pitched dramatic sequences that brings out the best of director and actor but somewhere between an overlong runtime of 157 minutes these scenes are overpowered by dull and mundane biographical natured stills. Ali is adapted smartly and focuses on the after events of his fame and not on its upbringing unlike any other biographies. Michael Mann whose depiction has always seemed a bit eerie to me, works like a charm here but fails to deliver more than that. Will Smith oozes power in each and every frame (especially the 'say my name' fighting sequence) along with great supporting cast like Jamie Foxx and Jon Voight. Ali is a work of art, only if it is to depict and create the reality onto the screen because as far as drama is concerned it lacks gripping screenplay to hold the audience through the last round.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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DawdlingPoetNov 22, 2021

This is a sporting related drama film, which covers themes including deterimination, standing up for what you believe, prejudice, social injustice and the importance of faith. I felt it was a very watchable, rather engrossing film, which isThis is a sporting related drama film, which covers themes including deterimination, standing up for what you believe, prejudice, social injustice and the importance of faith. I felt it was a very watchable, rather engrossing film, which is relatively fast paced - it certainly starts at quite a strong pace. The dialogue is quite sharp and witty, much as the main character was in real life. I felt it was a well made film, quite a thought provoking one at that. It certainly doesn't shy away from the issues of racism and the then lack of civil rights in the US, with Ali's disgust at the past of his people (i.e. slave ownership) being clearly put across. Religion plays a pretty key part in the plot, unsurprisingly given its importance to the man himself.

I could almost feel the anger and resentment in myself, that was clearly felt by different people at different times in the film. The film features some African music, played while Ali is visiting certain countries as a guest of honour. Other songs played include numerous Sam Cooke tracks, performed by David Elliot, which include You Send Me, Bring It On Home To Me and Somebody Have Mercy. Other songs featured include Ain't No Way performed by Aretha Franklin and As The Years Go Passing By, performed by Mighty Joe Young. I suppose the songs help to put the time the film is set in, in to context regarding the cultural, race related issues present. I thought the soundtrack helped to add to the atmosphere, with it being a very engrossing and atmospheric film in general.

Cast wise, Will Smith plays Ali. I felt he was a very good choice for the main role, as he does well at portraying Ali's mannerisms, having his sharp tongue and clearly being very motivated, stubborn and self assured, while also frustrated. I felt he seemed very believable as a man of principles. Other cast members include Jamie Foxx as Drew Brown, John Voight as Howard Cosell, Mario Van Peebles as Malcolm X (whose assassination saddens Ali deeply), Mykelti Williamson as Don King and Jada Pinkett Smith as Sonji Roi.

There is what could be seen as slightly wonky camerawork present in some scenes, with the camera moving from side to side fairly slowly but still enough to possibly put some people off. This is mostly (though probably not quite exclusively) the case during key scenes when Ali is shown being engraged or otherwise angry and upset, during one of his many outbursts. Content wise, this film contains some strong language and racially offensive, or otherwise derogatory, language. It also contains scenes of boxing matches, thus inevitably some bloody injury and violence is present but otherwise there isn't anything much else likely to offend. The film carries a 15 rating to reflect this.

I felt that this was a rather haunting film, thanks to the good soundtrack and the great performances by the cast. I felt the film was relatively engrossing and its certainly a worthwhile watch overall.

Yes I'd recommend this film, as I felt it was well made, with a great performance by Will Smith as the man himself. Its a thought provoking film, with a good soundtrack and some witty dialogue and I enjoyed watching it on that basis.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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RobwinzApr 19, 2020

Will Smith is pretty phenomenal as Muhammad Ali in this movie. Also, throughout this movie it's pretty interesting when we get to see what happens to Muhammed Ali when he is not boxing. Finally, the fight scenes with Muhammed Ali (Will Smith)Will Smith is pretty phenomenal as Muhammad Ali in this movie. Also, throughout this movie it's pretty interesting when we get to see what happens to Muhammed Ali when he is not boxing. Finally, the fight scenes with Muhammed Ali (Will Smith) are brilliant, they've got some good camera shots from different angles when they're fighting. Overall, this movie was quite fun and the actors in this movie do a phenomenal job in their scenes.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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