Watch Pariah: The Lives and Deaths of Sonny Liston

Pariah: The Lives and Deaths of Sonny Liston is a gripping documentary film that delves into the complex life of former heavyweight boxing champion Charles "Sonny" Liston. Directed by Simon George, the film was released in 2019 and features interviews with boxing experts, sports journalists, authors, and Liston's friends and family.

The film takes a fascinating exploration of Liston's rise to fame and his subsequent downfall. Liston was born into poverty in Arkansas in the 1930s and had a challenging childhood marked by abandonment and criminal activity. He turned to boxing as a means of escaping his troubled past and quickly became a formidable fighter in the ring, with knockouts of his opponents sending shockwaves through the boxing world.

As the documentary portrays, Liston's initial success was not without controversy. He was known for his intimidating presence and fierce fighting style, which earned him a bad reputation among some fans and critics. Moreover, Liston's association with organized crime made him a polarizing figure.

The film presents Liston's two fights against Muhammad Ali - then known as Cassius Clay - which marked a turning point in his career. Liston was a heavy favorite in their first fight in 1964, but Ali, using his quick feet and fancy footwork, shocked the world by defeating Liston in a stunning upset. The second fight, which took place in 1965, was riddled with controversy and allegations of match-fixing, as Liston went down unexpectedly in the first round, giving Ali another win by technical knockout.

After his second loss to Ali, Liston's life began to spiral out of control. As the documentary reveals, he struggled with drug addiction, depression, and financial troubles. He was arrested multiple times for possessing drugs and weapons and was once found dead in his home in Las Vegas, under circumstances that remain unclear to this day.

Through archival footage and interviews with those who knew him best, Pariah: The Lives and Deaths of Sonny Liston offers a deep and nuanced look into the life of an enigmatic and complex figure. Liston's story is not just that of a boxing champion, but one of a man who battled against poverty, racism, and personal demons to achieve greatness, but also faced the consequences of his actions.

One of the film's greatest strengths is how it highlights the many facets of Liston's life. The documentary doesn't shy away from his troubled past and association with crime, but it also acknowledges his achievements in the ring and his efforts to overcome his addiction. Moreover, the film sheds light on the larger socio-political context of that time, such as the civil rights movement and the role of boxing in the lives of Black Americans.

Pariah: The Lives and Deaths of Sonny Liston is a must-watch for boxing fans and anyone interested in sports history or American culture. The documentary offers an honest and realistic portrayal of a man who, despite his flaws and controversial past, left an indelible mark on the boxing world and on American society as a whole. With its impressive cinematography and compelling storytelling, this film is a powerful tribute to Liston and an insightful exploration of his legacy and impact.

Pariah: The Lives and Deaths of Sonny Liston is a 2019 documentary. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.