The audience’s anticipation packed as much punch as a hook from Ali himself at the premiere of “Muhammad Ali’s Greatest Fight”at the Savannah Film Festival on Oct. 30.
The film, directed by Stephen Frears, is an HBO Original production about the persecution of Muhammad Ali after he refused take part in the Vietnam War. Viewers see that the real fight went on inside of the Supreme Court instead of the boxing ring.
Though the movie confronted issues of racism, it primarily focused on the judicial system in America.
Depicting the challenges judges faced regarding Ali’s fate, the film illustrates the struggles of the court’s decision to either to imprison Ali for refusing to fight in the war, or to free him of charges due to his religious beliefs.
Although the film was shot beautifully and tastefully, it’s the actual footage of Ali — his fights, his case, and his environment — that make the film entirely worthwhile. Some of the most dramatic, film-like moments of the movie are paired with documentary footage, allowing for the audience to remain grounded in reality. With films such as this, it is often simple to become lost in the cinematic aspects of the event. The film is saved by the grainy, black and white reels.
Though the plot was interesting in and of itself, actors Christopher Plummer and Frank Langella allowed the audience an insightful look into the lives of the judges trying the case.
This insightful and strong story, combined with the casts’ impeccable performances, easily knocked the audience out without a single punch.
