The Trials of Muhammad Ali
Kino Lorber | Release Date: August 23, 2013 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
74
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 14 Critic Reviews
Positive:
11
Mixed:
2
Negative:
1
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
The PlaylistKevin JagernauthAug 22, 2013
A wholly illuminating look at Muhammad Ali in all his complexity, providing a surprisingly fresh and vivid portrait of a man who played rope-a-dope with history, religion and sport and emerged from the ring as an inspiring, and flawed icon. Read full review
90
VarietyDennis HarveySep 26, 2013
It’s an inspiring picture, particularly given the difficulty of imagining one of today’s sports superstars going so far out on a limb for unpopular beliefs. Read full review
88
RogerEbert.comPeter SobczynskiSep 9, 2014
The Trials of Muhammad Ali a unique and inspiring viewing experience. Read full review
88
Chicago Sun-TimesBruce IngramNov 8, 2013
[A] conventional yet fascinating documentary. Read full review
80
Los Angeles TimesKenneth TuranSep 26, 2013
The Trials of Muhammad Ali is a complex and involving documentary. Read full review
80
New York Daily NewsJoe NeumaierAug 22, 2013
This full, footage-rich documentary shows respect for the social, legal, political, religious and pugilistic battles of the former Cassius Clay. Read full review
75
San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalleOct 24, 2013
There is history as it's remembered, and then there's history as it happened. This documentary gives us the latter, and it's a true education. Read full review
75
Boston GlobeMark FeeneyOct 17, 2013
The archival footage in Bill Siegel’s documentary The Trials of Muhammad Ali is wondrous. How could it not be, featuring the gentleman in the title. Read full review
70
Village VoiceAndrew SchenkerSep 26, 2013
The film never lingers too long on any one thing, instead functioning as a survey in which several fascinating cultural moments are vividly evoked, but then left insufficiently probed. Read full review
70
The DissolveNoel MurrayAug 22, 2013
The Trials Of Muhammad Ali’s real value is in showing—not just talking about—the time and place in which Ali lived. Read full review
63
Washington PostSean O’ConnellSep 27, 2013
For those seeking further insight into this sliver of Ali’s remarkable career, “Trials” is as comprehensive as it gets. Read full review
60
The New York TimesNicolas RapoldAug 22, 2013
The film falls short of explaining Mr. Ali, who, like many outspoken individuals, can stubbornly repel scrutiny, nor will it pacify the many who opposed his conscientious objections. But it also underlines one enduring quality: namely, that he probably couldn’t care less what people think. Read full review
60
Time OutMichael AtkinsonAug 20, 2013
Produced by veteran Chicago doc outfit Kartemquin (and correspondingly bullshit-free), Siegel’s archive-and-talking-heads narrative revels in forgotten details—like Ali, during his suspension from boxing, appearing in an Off Broadway musical about slavery, the taped footage from which is eye-popping. Read full review
38
Slant MagazineKalvin HenelyAug 22, 2013
Bill Siegel has made more of a Ken Burns-esque history book--that is, a medium more dry and factual--than a film. Read full review
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