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Movie poster: When We Were Kings (1996)
🎬 Movie

When We Were Kings

1996 · 89 min Documentary TV Movie History Music
7.6 / 10 · TMDB

It's 1974. Muhammad Ali is 32 and thought by many to be past his prime. George Foreman is ten years younger and the heavyweight champion of the world. Promoter Don King wants to make a name for himself and offers both fighters five million dollars apiece to fight one another, and when they accept, King has only to come up with the money. He finds a willing backer in Mobutu Sese Suko, the dictator of Zaire, and the "Rumble in the Jungle" is set, including a musical festival featuring some of America's top black performers, like James Brown and B.B. King.

Trailer: When We Were Kings
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📋 Film Details

Year 1996
Country United States of America
Genre Documentary, TV Movie, History, Music
Director Leon Gast
Runtime 89 min.
Rating TMDB: 7.6/10 (249 votes)

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🎬 MovieFinder's Take

This is quietly operating cinema. No big events, no crisis turns — just people and how they live through what happens to them.

Strengths: atmosphere, actors, accuracy of detail. Weaknesses: the pace isn't for everyone, the ending may feel unresolved.

For people who watch films for feeling, not entertainment.

Director: Leon Gast

— MovieFinder Editorial

🕯️

Best Watched

Viewing atmosphere: An evening when your mind is at peace. With someone you can sit in silence with after. Wine or tea.

🎭 Cast

Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali

Self

George Foreman

George Foreman

Self

Don King

Don King

Self

James Brown

James Brown

Self

B.B. King

B.B. King

Self

Spike Lee

Spike Lee

Self

👤

Mobutu Sese Seko

Self

Norman Mailer

Norman Mailer

Self

George Plimpton

George Plimpton

Self

Malick Bowens

Malick Bowens

Self

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