Ali
Ali

Movie spotlight

Ali

2012
Movie
88 min
Spanish

In a role reversal that is challenging for any young adult, Ali has become a caretaker to her mother’s delicate mental health. Scarred by the past, she chain smokes, refuses to learn to drive, and is terrified of falling in love. Ali spends her days working in a supermarket and the rest of her time off on misadventures with her friend. But when she meets Julio, her tough veneer starts to crack and she may have to amend her strict rules of non-engagement.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes67%
Metacritic71/100
Google Users85%
Director: Michael MannGenres: Biography, Drama, Sport

Plot Summary

This biographical drama chronicles the turbulent life of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, from his rise to stardom and Olympic gold to his controversial political stances and personal struggles. The film vividly portrays Ali's charisma, his deep-seated beliefs, and the immense pressure he faced both inside and outside the ring. It delves into his conversion to Islam, his opposition to the Vietnam War, and his epic battles with opponents like Sonny Liston and Joe Frazier.

Critical Reception

Ali was met with generally positive reviews from critics, with particular praise directed at Will Smith's powerful performance as the iconic boxer. While some critics found the film to be a bit long and unfocused at times, most acknowledged its ambitious scope and its respectful portrayal of a complex historical figure. The film was a moderate box office success.

What Reviewers Say

  • Will Smith delivers a career-defining performance as the legendary Muhammad Ali.

  • The film captures the essence of Ali's spirit and the pivotal moments of his life.

  • Despite its length, the movie offers a compelling and often dramatic look at a complex icon.

Google audience: Audiences largely appreciated Will Smith's portrayal and the film's attempt to capture the multifaceted life of Muhammad Ali. Many found it an inspiring and well-acted biopic, though some wished for a tighter narrative. The film's depiction of Ali's personal journey and his impact on society resonated well.

Awards & Accolades

Will Smith was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama for his role as Muhammad Ali. The film also received a nomination for Best Cinematography at the Academy Awards.

Fun Fact

Will Smith famously insisted on undergoing rigorous training to match Ali's physicality and even had some of Ali's former sparring partners train him, while also spending time with the former boxer himself to study his mannerisms and speech.

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