Review of Ali (2001) by Dawdlingpoet — 22 Nov 2021

This is a sporting related drama film, which covers themes including deterimination, standing up for what you believe, prejudice, social injustice and the importance of faith. I felt it was a very watchable, rather engrossing film, which is relatively fast paced - it certainly starts at quite a strong pace. The dialogue is quite sharp and witty, much as the main character was in real life. I felt it was a well made film, quite a thought provoking one at that. It certainly doesn't shy away from the issues of racism and the then lack of civil rights in the US, with Ali's disgust at the past of his people (i.e. slave ownership) being clearly put across. Religion plays a pretty key part in the plot, unsurprisingly given its importance to the man himself.

I could almost feel the anger and resentment in myself, that was clearly felt by different people at different times in the film. The film features some African music, played while Ali is visiting certain countries as a guest of honour. Other songs played include numerous Sam Cooke tracks, performed by David Elliot, which include You Send Me, Bring It On Home To Me and Somebody Have Mercy. Other songs featured include Ain't No Way performed by Aretha Franklin and As The Years Go Passing By, performed by Mighty Joe Young. I suppose the songs help to put the time the film is set in, in to context regarding the cultural, race related issues present. I thought the soundtrack helped to add to the atmosphere, with it being a very engrossing and atmospheric film in general.

Cast wise, Will Smith plays Ali. I felt he was a very good choice for the main role, as he does well at portraying Ali's mannerisms, having his sharp tongue and clearly being very motivated, stubborn and self assured, while also frustrated. I felt he seemed very believable as a man of principles. Other cast members include Jamie Foxx as Drew Brown, John Voight as Howard Cosell, Mario Van Peebles as Malcolm X (whose assassination saddens Ali deeply), Mykelti Williamson as Don King and Jada Pinkett Smith as Sonji Roi.

There is what could be seen as slightly wonky camerawork present in some scenes, with the camera moving from side to side fairly slowly but still enough to possibly put some people off. This is mostly (though probably not quite exclusively) the case during key scenes when Ali is shown being engraged or otherwise angry and upset, during one of his many outbursts. Content wise, this film contains some strong language and racially offensive, or otherwise derogatory, language. It also contains scenes of boxing matches, thus inevitably some bloody injury and violence is present but otherwise there isn't anything much else likely to offend. The film carries a 15 rating to reflect this.

I felt that this was a rather haunting film, thanks to the good soundtrack and the great performances by the cast. I felt the film was relatively engrossing and its certainly a worthwhile watch overall.

Yes I'd recommend this film, as I felt it was well made, with a great performance by Will Smith as the man himself. Its a thought provoking film, with a good soundtrack and some witty dialogue and I enjoyed watching it on that basis.