FACING ALI redefines the boxing legend thru the remembrances of his reverent opponents. Their stories are startling: hopeful, heart-breaking, heroic yet oh-so-human. (George Chuvalo‘s post-fight celebration and later familial tragedy rank amongst the most memorable movie moments of the year.) Filmmaker Pete McCormack coaxes these tales with the finesse of the Champ, luring the fighters into his corner, always mindful of their contributions to the sport and respectful of their sufferings. (The gradual revelation of Ken Norton‘s shocking “downfall” floats like a butterfly, stings like a bee.) Like Muhammad, McCormack is a showman with a gentleman’s heart. And, in this year of competitive documentaries, he stands shoulder to shoulder with The Greatest.
Put TYSON on the undercard and you can expect a night of title fighters and knockout documentaries.
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September 8th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
[...] the comments and interview [...]
September 14th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
[...] a review in Variety here, actually it’s on my blog, and some nice comments and an interview I did here, on the Warren Report. I hope you come see the film. Sir Henry Cooper, George Chuvalo, Ernie [...]