When We Were Kings

When We Were Kings


Starring:Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Don King, James Brown, B.B. King, Mobutu Sese Seko, Spike Lee, Norman Mailer, George Plimpton, Thomas Hauser, Malick Bowens, Lloyd Price (II), Wilton Felder, Wayne Henderson, Stix Hooper, Joe Sample, Miriam Makeba, Joe Frazier, Drew Bundini Brown, Howard Cosell
Director: Leon Gast
Studio: Universal Studios
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com essential video
Decades ago, documentary filmmaker Leon Gast attempted to complete a feature about the 1974 "Rumble in the Jungle" championship bout between boxers Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire. Sundry complications, though, held up the project until its release in 1996. It was well worth the delay. From Gast's perspective of modern history, the six weeks Ali and Foreman were forced to spend waiting in Africa for their fight to take place now looks like an important moment in America's cultural understanding of African American roots. In a nutshell, Ali had been stripped of his heavyweight champion title because his opposition to the Vietnam War-era draft had landed him in prison. Reigning champ Foreman agreed to a Don King-promoted match in Kinshasa, but after all parties got there the fight was put off. Gast captures the charismatic Ali, in the ensuing days and weeks, going out among the people and getting to know them while the more reclusive Foreman keeps to his own company. Meanwhile, King brings over black American artists such as James Brown and the Spinners to mix it up with African musicians. The sense of excitement and connection is thrilling, as is the boxing footage of Foreman and Ali finally taking swings at one another in a titanic duel. Writers George Plimpton and Norman Mailer, each of whom was covering the fight as journalists, are on hand to recollect the details. Whether you're a fight fan or not, this is a unique experience and a fascinating insight into America's sense of identity. --Tom Keogh
When We Were Kings
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Great Kinetic Movie Making
  • Great Documentary about Ali's Fight with Foreman
  • Great Documentary
  • One of My Absolute Favorite Films
  • El amor propio y la grandeza
 When We Were Kings
Starring: Muhammad Ali , George Foreman , Don King , James Brown , and B.B. King
Director: Leon Gast
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

BiographyBiography | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video
GeneralGeneral | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video
GeneralGeneral | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
BoxingBoxing | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
DocumentaryDocumentary | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
Ali, MuhammadAli, Muhammad | ( A ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Brown, JamesBrown, James | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Cosell, HowardCosell, Howard | ( C ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Frazier, JoeFrazier, Joe | ( F ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
King, DonKing, Don | ( K ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Lee, SpikeLee, Spike | ( L ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Mailer, NormanMailer, Norman | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Makeba, MiriamMakeba, Miriam | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Plimpton, GeorgePlimpton, George | ( P ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Used DVDsUsed DVDs | Stores | DVD | Video | Action & Adventure | African American Cinema | Animation | Anime & Manga | Art House & International | Classics | Comedy | Cult Movies | Documentary | Drama | Educational | Fitness & Yoga | Gay & Lesbian | Horror | Kids & Family | Military & War | Music Video & Concerts | Musicals & Performing Arts | Mystery & Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Special Interests | Sports | Television | Westerns
All Universal Studios TitlesAll Universal Studios Titles | Universal Studios Home Entertainment | Studio Specials | Stores | DVD | Video
DocumentaryDocumentary | Universal Studios Home Entertainment | Studio Specials | Stores | DVD | Video
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DVDs Under $9.99DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
( W )( W ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:
  1. Muhammad Ali - Through the Eyes of the World
  2. Muhammad Ali - The Greatest Collection
  3. Muhammad Ali - The Whole Story
  4. Champions Forever: World Heavyweight Champs!
  5. 45 Fantastic Fights of the Century

ASIN: B00007ELEK
Release Date: 2002-11-05

Amazon.com essential video

Decades ago, documentary filmmaker Leon Gast attempted to complete a feature about the 1974 "Rumble in the Jungle" championship bout between boxers Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire. Sundry complications, though, held up the project until its release in 1996. It was well worth the delay. From Gast's perspective of modern history, the six weeks Ali and Foreman were forced to spend waiting in Africa for their fight to take place now looks like an important moment in America's cultural understanding of African American roots. In a nutshell, Ali had been stripped of his heavyweight champion title because his opposition to the Vietnam War-era draft had landed him in prison. Reigning champ Foreman agreed to a Don King-promoted match in Kinshasa, but after all parties got there the fight was put off. Gast captures the charismatic Ali, in the ensuing days and weeks, going out among the people and getting to know them while the more reclusive Foreman keeps to his own company. Meanwhile, King brings over black American artists such as James Brown and the Spinners to mix it up with African musicians. The sense of excitement and connection is thrilling, as is the boxing footage of Foreman and Ali finally taking swings at one another in a titanic duel. Writers George Plimpton and Norman Mailer, each of whom was covering the fight as journalists, are on hand to recollect the details. Whether you're a fight fan or not, this is a unique experience and a fascinating insight into America's sense of identity. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great Kinetic Movie Making.......2007-04-24

Certainly one of the greatest sports movies of all time, and one of my favorites. I can't think of an athlete in public life who has brought me more pleasure than Muhammad Ali. This movie serves as a record of the man and his times, brilliant, funny, charismatic, and athletic.

5 out of 5 stars Great Documentary about Ali's Fight with Foreman.......2007-04-08

I am a huge fan of Muhammad Ali. He had such confidence in himself (at least outwardly) that he taught me how to have confidence in myself. I have been inspired by his strong spirit.

You get a good snapshot of this in When We Were Kings. Ali is heavily favored to be knocked out by George Foreman, who enters this fight against Ali 40-0 with 37 knockouts.

But watch Ali draw strength from the African people in Zaire. Watch him as he focuses on both his training and in the PR for the fight. Watch him mix it up with James Brown in a concert in the days leading up to the fight. Soak in all the eyewitness commentary of Budd Schulberg and George Plimpton and others who were in Zaire.

This is a well made period piece, capturing Ali in the days prior to one of his best nights ever. Excellent!

5 out of 5 stars Great Documentary.......2007-03-27

Great Documentary. It gave us a new perspective about Muhamadd Ali 's personality and all the details behind this fight. Definitely, a collector's item.

5 out of 5 stars One of My Absolute Favorite Films.......2007-03-21

I was going to say that it was my favorite documentary, but it transcends the form and puts its shadow across any type of movie you could think of. "When We Were Kings" is as inspiring as it is educational; the fight between Foreman and Ali will show you a philosophy so profound and so sharp it'll feel as if a glove is making contact with your cheek.
Absolutely stunning, recommended for all - never before has being "up against the ropes" had such awesome effects on my thinking.

5 out of 5 stars El amor propio y la grandeza.......2007-03-08


Este es un clásico. No es acerca de boxeo, aunque puede disfrutarse algunos intercambios. Es acerca del valor, del quererse a sí mismo. De buscar con audacia el propio camino. A diferencia de las especificaciones técnicas del DVD, tiene SUBTITULOS EN ESPAÑOL. Pienso usarlo en mis clases de administración para ejecutivos de empresas. Un ejemplo, extremo y NECESARIO. EMOCIONANTE ¡¡¡¡¡¡
When We Were Kings
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Great Kinetic Movie Making
  • Great Documentary about Ali's Fight with Foreman
  • Great Documentary
  • One of My Absolute Favorite Films
  • El amor propio y la grandeza
 When We Were Kings
Starring: Muhammad Ali , George Foreman , Don King , James Brown , and B.B. King
Director: Leon Gast
Manufacturer: Polygram USA Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

BiographyBiography | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video
GeneralGeneral | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video
African American HeritageAfrican American Heritage | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video
GeneralGeneral | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
BiographyBiography | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
BoxingBoxing | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
DocumentaryDocumentary | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
HistoryHistory | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
GeneralGeneral | African American Cinema | Genres | DVD | Video
Ali, MuhammadAli, Muhammad | ( A ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Brown, JamesBrown, James | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Cosell, HowardCosell, Howard | ( C ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Frazier, JoeFrazier, Joe | ( F ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
King, DonKing, Don | ( K ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Lee, SpikeLee, Spike | ( L ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Mailer, NormanMailer, Norman | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Makeba, MiriamMakeba, Miriam | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Plimpton, GeorgePlimpton, George | ( P ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Used DVDsUsed DVDs | Stores | DVD | Video | Action & Adventure | African American Cinema | Animation | Anime & Manga | Art House & International | Classics | Comedy | Cult Movies | Documentary | Drama | Educational | Fitness & Yoga | Gay & Lesbian | Horror | Kids & Family | Military & War | Music Video & Concerts | Musicals & Performing Arts | Mystery & Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Special Interests | Sports | Television | Westerns
DVDs Under $9.99DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
( W )( W ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:
  1. Muhammad Ali - Through the Eyes of the World
  2. Muhammad Ali - The Greatest Collection
  3. Muhammad Ali - The Whole Story
  4. Champions Forever: World Heavyweight Champs!
  5. 45 Fantastic Fights of the Century

ASIN: 630451493X
Release Date: 2002-01-22

Amazon.com essential video

Decades ago, documentary filmmaker Leon Gast attempted to complete a feature about the 1974 "Rumble in the Jungle" championship bout between boxers Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire. Sundry complications, though, held up the project until its release in 1996. It was well worth the delay. From Gast's perspective of modern history, the six weeks Ali and Foreman were forced to spend waiting in Africa for their fight to take place now looks like an important moment in America's cultural understanding of African American roots. In a nutshell, Ali had been stripped of his heavyweight champion title because his opposition to the Vietnam War-era draft had landed him in prison. Reigning champ Foreman agreed to a Don King-promoted match in Kinshasa, but after all parties got there the fight was put off. Gast captures the charismatic Ali, in the ensuing days and weeks, going out among the people and getting to know them while the more reclusive Foreman keeps to his own company. Meanwhile, King brings over black American artists such as James Brown and the Spinners to mix it up with African musicians. The sense of excitement and connection is thrilling, as is the boxing footage of Foreman and Ali finally taking swings at one another in a titanic duel. Writers George Plimpton and Norman Mailer, each of whom was covering the fight as journalists, are on hand to recollect the details. Whether you're a fight fan or not, this is a unique experience and a fascinating insight into America's sense of identity. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great Kinetic Movie Making.......2007-04-24

Certainly one of the greatest sports movies of all time, and one of my favorites. I can't think of an athlete in public life who has brought me more pleasure than Muhammad Ali. This movie serves as a record of the man and his times, brilliant, funny, charismatic, and athletic.

5 out of 5 stars Great Documentary about Ali's Fight with Foreman.......2007-04-08

I am a huge fan of Muhammad Ali. He had such confidence in himself (at least outwardly) that he taught me how to have confidence in myself. I have been inspired by his strong spirit.

You get a good snapshot of this in When We Were Kings. Ali is heavily favored to be knocked out by George Foreman, who enters this fight against Ali 40-0 with 37 knockouts.

But watch Ali draw strength from the African people in Zaire. Watch him as he focuses on both his training and in the PR for the fight. Watch him mix it up with James Brown in a concert in the days leading up to the fight. Soak in all the eyewitness commentary of Budd Schulberg and George Plimpton and others who were in Zaire.

This is a well made period piece, capturing Ali in the days prior to one of his best nights ever. Excellent!

5 out of 5 stars Great Documentary.......2007-03-27

Great Documentary. It gave us a new perspective about Muhamadd Ali 's personality and all the details behind this fight. Definitely, a collector's item.

5 out of 5 stars One of My Absolute Favorite Films.......2007-03-21

I was going to say that it was my favorite documentary, but it transcends the form and puts its shadow across any type of movie you could think of. "When We Were Kings" is as inspiring as it is educational; the fight between Foreman and Ali will show you a philosophy so profound and so sharp it'll feel as if a glove is making contact with your cheek.
Absolutely stunning, recommended for all - never before has being "up against the ropes" had such awesome effects on my thinking.

5 out of 5 stars El amor propio y la grandeza.......2007-03-08


Este es un clásico. No es acerca de boxeo, aunque puede disfrutarse algunos intercambios. Es acerca del valor, del quererse a sí mismo. De buscar con audacia el propio camino. A diferencia de las especificaciones técnicas del DVD, tiene SUBTITULOS EN ESPAÑOL. Pienso usarlo en mis clases de administración para ejecutivos de empresas. Un ejemplo, extremo y NECESARIO. EMOCIONANTE ¡¡¡¡¡¡
Charlie Rose with Henry Grunwald; Taylor Hackford & Leon Gast (February 12, 1997)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Charlie Rose with Henry Grunwald; Taylor Hackford & Leon Gast (February 12, 1997)

    Manufacturer: Charlie Rose
    ProductGroup: DVD
    Binding: DVD

    ( C )( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
    Used DVDsUsed DVDs | Stores | DVD | Video | Action & Adventure | African American Cinema | Animation | Anime & Manga | Art House & International | Classics | Comedy | Cult Movies | Documentary | Drama | Educational | Fitness & Yoga | Gay & Lesbian | Horror | Kids & Family | Military & War | Music Video & Concerts | Musicals & Performing Arts | Mystery & Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Special Interests | Sports | Television | Westerns
    All TitlesAll Titles | Charlie Rose Store | Television | Genres | DVD | Video
    ASIN: B000IU35SQ
    Release Date: 2006-09-18

    Description

    Former editor of Time magazine Henry Grunwald talks about his obsession with the news. He also discusses his book, One Man's America: A Journalist's Search for the Heart of His Country. Plus, filmmakers Leon Gast & Taylor Hackford tell Charlie about their film, When We Were Kings that looks at the fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Zaire.
    When We Were Kings [Region 2]
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Great Kinetic Movie Making
    • Great Documentary about Ali's Fight with Foreman
    • Great Documentary
    • One of My Absolute Favorite Films
    • El amor propio y la grandeza
    		 When We Were Kings [Region 2]
    Starring: Muhammad Ali , George Foreman , Don King , James Brown , and B.B. King
    Director: Leon Gast
    ProductGroup: DVD
    Binding: DVD

    GeneralGeneral | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video
    Ali, MuhammadAli, Muhammad | ( A ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Brown, JamesBrown, James | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Cosell, HowardCosell, Howard | ( C ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Frazier, JoeFrazier, Joe | ( F ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    King, DonKing, Don | ( K ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Lee, SpikeLee, Spike | ( L ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Mailer, NormanMailer, Norman | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Makeba, MiriamMakeba, Miriam | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Plimpton, GeorgePlimpton, George | ( P ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Used DVDsUsed DVDs | Stores | DVD | Video | Action & Adventure | African American Cinema | Animation | Anime & Manga | Art House & International | Classics | Comedy | Cult Movies | Documentary | Drama | Educational | Fitness & Yoga | Gay & Lesbian | Horror | Kids & Family | Military & War | Music Video & Concerts | Musicals & Performing Arts | Mystery & Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Special Interests | Sports | Television | Westerns
    ( W )( W ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
    Similar Items:
    1. Muhammad Ali - Through the Eyes of the World
    2. Muhammad Ali - The Greatest Collection
    3. Muhammad Ali - The Whole Story
    4. Champions Forever: World Heavyweight Champs!
    5. 45 Fantastic Fights of the Century

    ASIN: B00005JJAC

    Amazon.com essential video

    Decades ago, documentary filmmaker Leon Gast attempted to complete a feature about the 1974 "Rumble in the Jungle" championship bout between boxers Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire. Sundry complications, though, held up the project until its release in 1996. It was well worth the delay. From Gast's perspective of modern history, the six weeks Ali and Foreman were forced to spend waiting in Africa for their fight to take place now looks like an important moment in America's cultural understanding of African American roots. In a nutshell, Ali had been stripped of his heavyweight champion title because his opposition to the Vietnam War-era draft had landed him in prison. Reigning champ Foreman agreed to a Don King-promoted match in Kinshasa, but after all parties got there the fight was put off. Gast captures the charismatic Ali, in the ensuing days and weeks, going out among the people and getting to know them while the more reclusive Foreman keeps to his own company. Meanwhile, King brings over black American artists such as James Brown and the Spinners to mix it up with African musicians. The sense of excitement and connection is thrilling, as is the boxing footage of Foreman and Ali finally taking swings at one another in a titanic duel. Writers George Plimpton and Norman Mailer, each of whom was covering the fight as journalists, are on hand to recollect the details. Whether you're a fight fan or not, this is a unique experience and a fascinating insight into America's sense of identity. --Tom Keogh

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Great Kinetic Movie Making.......2007-04-24

    Certainly one of the greatest sports movies of all time, and one of my favorites. I can't think of an athlete in public life who has brought me more pleasure than Muhammad Ali. This movie serves as a record of the man and his times, brilliant, funny, charismatic, and athletic.

    5 out of 5 stars Great Documentary about Ali's Fight with Foreman.......2007-04-08

    I am a huge fan of Muhammad Ali. He had such confidence in himself (at least outwardly) that he taught me how to have confidence in myself. I have been inspired by his strong spirit.

    You get a good snapshot of this in When We Were Kings. Ali is heavily favored to be knocked out by George Foreman, who enters this fight against Ali 40-0 with 37 knockouts.

    But watch Ali draw strength from the African people in Zaire. Watch him as he focuses on both his training and in the PR for the fight. Watch him mix it up with James Brown in a concert in the days leading up to the fight. Soak in all the eyewitness commentary of Budd Schulberg and George Plimpton and others who were in Zaire.

    This is a well made period piece, capturing Ali in the days prior to one of his best nights ever. Excellent!

    5 out of 5 stars Great Documentary.......2007-03-27

    Great Documentary. It gave us a new perspective about Muhamadd Ali 's personality and all the details behind this fight. Definitely, a collector's item.

    5 out of 5 stars One of My Absolute Favorite Films.......2007-03-21

    I was going to say that it was my favorite documentary, but it transcends the form and puts its shadow across any type of movie you could think of. "When We Were Kings" is as inspiring as it is educational; the fight between Foreman and Ali will show you a philosophy so profound and so sharp it'll feel as if a glove is making contact with your cheek.
    Absolutely stunning, recommended for all - never before has being "up against the ropes" had such awesome effects on my thinking.

    5 out of 5 stars El amor propio y la grandeza.......2007-03-08


    Este es un clásico. No es acerca de boxeo, aunque puede disfrutarse algunos intercambios. Es acerca del valor, del quererse a sí mismo. De buscar con audacia el propio camino. A diferencia de las especificaciones técnicas del DVD, tiene SUBTITULOS EN ESPAÑOL. Pienso usarlo en mis clases de administración para ejecutivos de empresas. Un ejemplo, extremo y NECESARIO. EMOCIONANTE ¡¡¡¡¡¡

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