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Movie poster: Muhammad Ali, the Greatest (1974)
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Muhammad Ali, the Greatest

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1974 · 123 min Documentary
5.9 / 10 · TMDB

Universally accepted as a true icon of the 20th century, Muhammad Ali’s phenomenal achievements spanned sport, politics and religion. One man – photographer William Klein had comprehensive access to the events that shaped Ali’s legend. In 1964, the young gregarious Cassius Clay successfully defeated the seemingly invincible Heavyweight Champion of the World Sonny Liston – the manner of Clay’s victory and his amazing persona made him an instant superstar. Through this incredible period, and Clay’s subsequent rematches with Liston, William Klein enjoyed unrivalled access top Clay’s camp – witnessing at first hand Cassius Clay becoming Muhammad Ali and angering the American people with his allegiance to Islam. Forward to Zaire 1974, and the return of Muhammad Ali to the world stage to face another invincible champion George Foreman. As Ali reclaimed the crown for a second time, Klein was ever present, capturing the full story at close quarter.

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📋 Film Details

Year 1974
Country France
Genre Documentary
Director William Klein
Runtime 123 min.
Rating TMDB: 5.9/10 (17 votes)

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🎬 MovieFinder's Take

Klein constructs the chronicle not as a standard sports portrait, but as a vibrant, pulsing report from the epicenter of a cultural quake. He relies on raw, immediate footage where Ali's verbal gymnastics reveal an iron will and a burgeoning political consciousness.

What lingers after the final bell is the essence of a charisma that redefined fame itself. The film leaves you not with the image of a champion, but with the sensation of witnessing the birth of a legend whose voice carried farther than any punch. — MovieFinder Editorial

Director: William Klein

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Watch in high quality to feel the gritty energy of the archival footage. Perfect for a night of thoughtful cinema.

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