Ali

Plot

Here is the plot summary of "Ali" (2001): The film tells the story of the life of Muhammad Ali, played by Will Smith, from his early days as a young boxer to his rise to fame. In 1964, Cassius Clay, a brash and confident athlete, wins an Olympic gold medal in boxing. He returns home to Louisville, Kentucky, where he is hailed as a hero. However, Clay's newfound fame comes with a price. He becomes increasingly vocal about his opposition to the Vietnam War, famously renouncing his draft notice by declaring "I ain't got no quarrel with them Viet Cong." This stance earns him both praise and criticism from the public, the media, and the boxing community. As Cassius Clay becomes Muhammad Ali, he faces a series of challenges on and off the canvas. He must navigate the complexities of being a black athlete in America during the Civil Rights Movement, all while maintaining his own sense of identity and purpose. The film explores Ali's three-and-a-half-year exile from boxing after refusing to be drafted into the US Army, as well as his subsequent return to the ring for a series of high-profile fights. Throughout, Smith brings a unique energy and charisma to the role, capturing both the humor and the intensity that defined Ali's personality. The film also delves into Ali's personal life, including his marriage to Belinda (Jada Pinkett Smith) and his relationships with friends and advisors like Howard Bingham (Jon Voight). Through it all, "Ali" paints a complex portrait of a man who was both a symbol of resistance and a hero to many, while also grappling with the human cost of fame and the sacrifices that came with being Muhammad Ali.

Reviews