• Director(s):

    KLEIN (WILLIAM)

  • Producer(s):

    FILMS PARIS NEW YORK, PRODUCTIONS PARIS NEW YORK, DELPIRE ADVICO

  • Territories:

    Worldwide.

  • Production year:

    1969

  • Language(s):

    German, English, French

  • Rights:

    TV, DVD, NON-THEATRICAL, INTERNET, CINEMA

This first and only real portrait of the man that Malcolm X called the most important black personality of our time. An iconic movie for which Klein was accepted into Ali's entourage and was able to film during the most critical weeks of his career. Unique images that are now legendary.

In 1964, Cassius Clay becomes heavy-weight champion of the world and declares his name is Muhammad Ali. A date in sports history and a turning point in black awareness. It was a searing look into boxing, into the Southern power structure, inside the Black Muslims. Muhammad Ali explodes on the scene constantly catching America off guard, the first black champion to declare himself free. Eventually, it cost him his title, 3 years enforced retirement, and many millions of dollars. Muhammad Ali, an aging 32 year-old, who no longer Floats-like-a-Butterfly-and-Stings-like-a-Bee, no longer a revolutionary figure but nostalgia, wants his title back, or, at least, one last big pay check and he shall fight the terrifying Foreman. And at all odds, this is the end of the most extraordinary sports career of all time. October 31, 5:30am, Kinshasa, Zaïre. Ali stands triumphant over Foreman, bewildered and K.O How did Ali, underdog, ex-martyr, become once again an all-time hero, champion and legend?