When We Were Kings Reviews
Houston Chronicle
Top Critic
If anyone deserves an award, it is Ali; his charisma makes the film.
No comedian was ever funnier, no fighter ever faster than Muhammad Ali, who is caught at the top of his game in Leon Gast's valentine, When We Were Kings.
Time Out
Top CriticA penetrating emotional analysis of the boxing which is nothing short of inspired.
When Muhammad Ali achieved victory in Kinshasa on Oct. 30, 1974, he did far more than win a prize fight.
Full Review
| Original Score: 3.5/5
By portraying the young Ali as hero -- and moving beyond the media image of the poetry-spouting peacock -- Gast reminds us that Ali didn't follow the path of earlier black superstars or earn his stripes by conforming to white society's expectations.
Full Review
| Original Score: 4/4
By the time the fighters enter that ring, the excitement factor is almost uncontrollable.
With the odds seemingly stacked against him, and surrounded by press, performers, crooks, and charlatans of every stripe, Ali triumphed, and he did so by staying true to his vision and trusting in his own talents.
Full Review
| Original Score: 3/4
Anyone who sees it and still thinks that the sport is two guys beating each other up just ain't paying attention.
There is a palpable tension, as the two men step into the ring, that is not lessened because we know the outcome.
Full Review
| Original Score: 3/4
You don't have to be a sports fan to enjoy this.... All you need is an appreciation of recent history and a desire to learn more about an event that had far more importance in the world's eyes than any other heavyweight bout in the history of boxing.
Full Review
| Original Score: 3/4
Immeasurably enriched by extensive location footage shot by director Leon Gast 22 years ago.
| Original Score: 4/4
