When we were kings is a 1996 retelling of the 1974 heavyweight championship bout in Zaire, "The Rumble in the Jungle," between champion George Foreman and underdog challenger Muhammad Ali.
When we were kings tells the story of this dramatic encounter in an enthralling manner, laying out the historical and political context of the story whilst painting vivid portraits of the key players involved using archival footage and first hand accounts. The profiling of Zaire President Mobutu Seko by Norman Mailer was a particular highlight for me. The film does a great job illustrating how much of a hero Muhammad Ali was and is to Africans as well as African Americans. The footage and interviews combine so well to give you a sense of being there.
Anecdotes and impressions of powerful men so well articulated, it provides tension even that builds up towards the monumental clash. I did not know the result of this fight, so going in generally thinking Foreman could win kept me hooked. Preparing to see an icon humbled, only to see and hear the workings of a magician within the ring was truly edge of your seat stuff.
When we were kings is a great account of Ali vs Foreman as well as a great account of Ali's legacy.
When we were kings tells the story of this dramatic encounter in an enthralling manner, laying out the historical and political context of the story whilst painting vivid portraits of the key players involved using archival footage and first hand accounts. The profiling of Zaire President Mobutu Seko by Norman Mailer was a particular highlight for me. The film does a great job illustrating how much of a hero Muhammad Ali was and is to Africans as well as African Americans. The footage and interviews combine so well to give you a sense of being there.
Anecdotes and impressions of powerful men so well articulated, it provides tension even that builds up towards the monumental clash. I did not know the result of this fight, so going in generally thinking Foreman could win kept me hooked. Preparing to see an icon humbled, only to see and hear the workings of a magician within the ring was truly edge of your seat stuff.
When we were kings is a great account of Ali vs Foreman as well as a great account of Ali's legacy.