Watch Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali

Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali is a documentary film released in 2021, directed by Marcus A. Clarke. The film features a wealth of never-before-seen archival footage and photographs in order to retrace the friendship and alliance between Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali from 1962 until 1965, when their friendship came to an end following Malcolm's assassination.

The film is anchored in the recollections of Ilyasah Shabazz, Malcolm X's daughter; Rahman Ali, Muhammad Ali's brother; and Cornel West, the philosopher and activist. Their commentary plays a crucial role in setting the historical context and conveying the emotional resonance of the intertwined lives of Malcolm and Muhammad.

The documentary opens with a voiceover by Malcolm X, in which he expresses his admiration for Ali's courage and describes him as his "brother." The narration then moves to Ali's induction into the Nation of Islam, where he first encountered Malcolm X. Through archival footage and reflections by Ilyasah Shabazz, the film traces Malcolm's pivotal role in shaping Ali's political consciousness and forging a bond between the two men.

The middle section of the film showcases the public personas of Ali and Malcolm X, highlighting the political and cultural context of the 1960s. The Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, and the growing divide between Malcolm X and Elijah Muhammad all played a role in shaping the attitudes and actions of the two protagonists. The film underscores the ongoing tension between them, as Ali navigated his newfound fame and allegiance to the Nation of Islam while Malcolm X became increasingly disillusioned with Elijah Muhammad's leadership.

The final act of the film recounts the tragic end of Malcolm's life and the aftermath for Ali. Through interviews with Rahman Ali and Cornel West, the film brings to life the depth of Ali's grief and the impact of Malcolm's death on the black community. The film concludes with Ali's decision to distance himself from the Nation of Islam and embrace Sunni Islam, as well as his eventual return to boxing.

Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali is a powerful and evocative film that offers new insights into the lives of two towering figures of the 20th century. It sheds light on the complexity of their friendship and the political and cultural forces that shaped their trajectories. Through its skillful combination of archival footage, contemporary interviews, and historical context, the film brings to life a critical period in American history and captures the enduring legacy of two men who boldly challenged the status quo.

Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali is a 2021 documentary. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 69.