When We Were Kings (1996)

(In theaters, March 2002) Fascinating documentary on the Ali-Foreman “Rumble in the Jungle” boxing match of 1973. Archival footage mixed with contemporary testimonies give us a true idea of the scope of the event, the personalities involved and the sacrifices of all the players. Makes a perfect double feature with Michael Mann’s Ali (2001), if only for comparison purposes. The portrait of Ali is fascinating; charismatic and bigger than life, Ali is well-served by the documentary. Often overlong (the musical segments can get tedious) but more interesting than not.