Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee (Ali (DVD))

Member Name: mads_01

Product:	Ali (DVD)
Date:	15/06/08 (32 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Will Smith very convincing as Ali

Disadvantages: Die-hard Ali fans will undoubtedly find some mistakes

'Ali' is a biopic of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali (previously known by his birthname Cassius Clay) starring Will Smith and directed by Michael Mann. Mann's Ali focuses on the middle part of the Greatest's life: his dealings with Malcolm X, the Nation of Islam and his refusal to be drafted into the Vietnam war. Of course there is a lot of boxing to be seen as well.

In fact it was the boxing sequences that impressed me most about this film. Mann clearly put great effort into making the fight scenes perfect; the sequences are recreated punch for punch from the original matches and the footwork too, which Muhammad Ali was so renowned for, have been copied step-by-step.

The portrayal of his personal life is no less noteworthy with his allegiance to the Nation of Islam, his friendship with the controversial Malcolm X and his abandonment of his 'slave name' Cassius Clay in favour of Muhammad Ali stirring up controversy. And at the top of his game, Ali faced the ultimate test with the change in the military draft rules, making him eligible for military induction during the Vietnam War.

Despite the fact that he could easily have agreed to a nice deal that would have meant an easy tour of duty for himself, Ali refused to submit on principle to cooperate in an unjust war for a racist nation that treated his people so poorly.

This story was definitely matched by the quality of the acting in this film. Jada Pinkett Smith, in her short role as Ali's first wife manages to shine, Jamie Foxx injects well-executed humour and Jon Voight, as ever, is brilliant. But Will Smith deservedly received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of the star. For the first half-hour of the film, you can't stop thinking you're watching Will Smith really pull off being Ali; after that, you forget you're watching Will Smith at all.

And it is mainly for that reason that this biopic was such a success where others fail- it seems to be an accurate portrayal of the subject's life, and is hugely interesting and entertaining.

Summary: A must-see