Ali (2001), directed by Michael Mann, follows the life of heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali across a defining decade, covering his conversion to Islam, refusal of Vietnam War draft, and iconic 'Rumble in the Jungle' fight. Will Smith delivers a transformative performance, capturing both Ali's electrifying charisma inside the ring and his fierce political convictions outside of it. The film explores themes of identity, resistance, and greatness against the backdrop of a turbulent era in American history.
Michael Mann films Muhammad Ali's 1964-1974 decade. The film is the genre as biographical epic; the sport is the political history.