Watch Facing Ali

Facing Ali is a 2009 documentary film directed by Pete McCormack. The movie features the legendary heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali, as told through the perspectives of ten of his opponents. The film follows the journey of Muhammad Ali, who was known as the greatest boxer of his time, and how he influenced the lives of the fighters who faced him in the ring. The ten opponents featured in the movie are George Chuvalo, Henry Cooper, George Foreman, Joe Frazier, Larry Holmes, Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks, Ernie Terrell, and Ron Lyle. Each boxer shares their own personal perspective of what it was like to face off against Ali, their preparation for the fight, and the impact that the experience had on their lives.

One of the main themes of Facing Ali is the role that Ali played in the civil rights movement. The fights against Ali were more than just physical battles; they were also social and political events that reflected the divide between black and white America. Ali represented more than just himself, he represented an entire movement for racial equality. This is clearly demonstrated in the film, with footage from the famous "Rumble in the Jungle" fight, where Ali defeated Foreman, and the "Fight of the Century" with Joe Frazier. The movie highlights the cultural significance of these fights and the impact they had on the world.

Another significant element of the film is the physical and psychological toll that boxing takes on the body and mind. The movie clearly shows the fighters discussing their injuries sustained in the ring, and the long-term effects that boxing can have on the brain. Many of the boxers featured in the film faced significant health issues later in life, which they attributed to their boxing careers. These discussions provide a glimpse into the darker side of the sport, with a clear message of warning to younger boxers, and discouraging children from embracing boxing as anything beyond a sport.

The documentary also sheds light on the unique relationship Ali had with his opponents. While Ali was infamous for his trash talk before a fight, he was also known for his kindness and compassion towards his opponents outside of the ring. The video includes stories about opponents who formed friendships with the boxer after the fights, and how Ali often helped fighters in need of financial assistance.

Overall, Facing Ali is a documentary that provides a unique perspective on one of the greatest boxers of all time. The movie explores the human side of boxing, showcasing the bravery, strength, and resilience of the ten opponents who faced off against Ali in the ring. The film honors their contributions to the sport and highlights the cultural importance of boxing and the role that Ali played in it. It is a must-watch for boxing fans and those interested in sports documentaries in general.

Facing Ali is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.