Ali (2001)

Kino International

Daughters of the Dust

Film.com's FREE movie of the week is "Daughters of the Dust." A film that portrays the unique culture of the Gullah people by focusing on the extended Peazant family as its members struggle with the decision to leave their island and move north. On the eve of their departure, memories of their Gullah history and its African roots come rising to the surface. Winner of Cinematography at the 1991 Sundance Film Festival.

CinemaSource

Studio: Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group Studio: Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group

Rating: R

Release Date: Dec 25, 2001

Running Time: 158 mins. (V)

Country Of Origin: United States

starring: Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, Jon Voight, Mario Van Peebles, Ron Silver, Jeffrey Wright, Mykelti Williamson, Jada Pinkett Smith, Nona Gaye, Michael Michele

director: Michael Mann

The life story of heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali, following the champ's early days as Cassius Clay and his rise in sports and politics, including his controversial refusal to fight in the Vietnam War and his infamous comeback battles against Joe Frazier and George Foreman.

The story of champion boxer Muhammad Ali's struggle to regain the heavyweight crown, set against a backdrop of political and racial strife in '60s America.

Story

Ali, the story of boxing champion Muhammad Ali (nee Cassius Clay), wants its audience to care about Ali's drive to be the champ, his yearning for racial equality, his strong Muslim faith and even his failings--as husband, friend, human being. Unfortunately, the film's early scenes don't really give the audience much insight into Ali the…

December 20, 2001

"For your consideration" is the phrase used in ads touting year-end films for Oscar nominations. Its application is most often wishful thinking (The Majestic? Please!). But if awards still have anything to do with rewarding balls-out daring, then Michael Mann's Ali deserves a fistful. Start with Will Smith, who molded his lean body into 220 pounds of heavyweight muscle and nailed the champ's verbal strut. It's a remarkable transformation that could have stalled at mimicry if Smith hadn't also…