When We Were Kings: Documentary Review
‘When We Were Kings’ is an academy award-winning documentary about the heavyweight boxing championship fight in 1974 between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. Famously called the “Rumble in the Jungle,” the highly-publicised fight took place in Zaire, which is now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Rumble in the Jungle was the title match between world Heavyweight champion George Foreman and his challenger the former champion Muhammad Ali. The fight took place in Zaire; where it was promoted by Don King, This event was one of Don King’s first big promotions as he got both Ali and Forman to sign separate contracts that would give them $5 million if they win and as well as get some big names to perform in Zaire such as James Brown and B.B. King. The fight between Forman and Ali was sometimes described as Age vs. Youth.
There are many themes in this film, but two of the major ones are African Culture and Perseverance. African Culture is a way of life for Africans which include their music, knowledge, stories and essential their identity passed on from generation to generation. Throughout the documentary, African Culture is shown to be vital to Ali, as he reconnects with his African family, and reuniting with the people of Zaire. Ali generally cares for the African people and this makes him a well-loved person. He gave out advice to children all around the world, and was a role model for so many. He is welcomed into the African community as he is fighting for their rights, and this became obvious when he refused to join the Vietnam War, as he doesn’t have a war with them, and they haven’t done anything to him. Whereas Foreman wasn’t accepted; to Africans, he represented America.
Another major theme depicted in the film is perseverance. Perseverance is commitment, hard work, patience and endurance. It is being able to bear difficulties calmly and without complaints. It is also the act of trying. Ali had perseverance. His determination to win was inspiring
Rumble in the Jungle was the title match between world Heavyweight champion George Foreman and his challenger the former champion Muhammad Ali. The fight took place in Zaire; where it was promoted by Don King, This event was one of Don King’s first big promotions as he got both Ali and Forman to sign separate contracts that would give them $5 million if they win and as well as get some big names to perform in Zaire such as James Brown and B.B. King. The fight between Forman and Ali was sometimes described as Age vs. Youth.
There are many themes in this film, but two of the major ones are African Culture and Perseverance. African Culture is a way of life for Africans which include their music, knowledge, stories and essential their identity passed on from generation to generation. Throughout the documentary, African Culture is shown to be vital to Ali, as he reconnects with his African family, and reuniting with the people of Zaire. Ali generally cares for the African people and this makes him a well-loved person. He gave out advice to children all around the world, and was a role model for so many. He is welcomed into the African community as he is fighting for their rights, and this became obvious when he refused to join the Vietnam War, as he doesn’t have a war with them, and they haven’t done anything to him. Whereas Foreman wasn’t accepted; to Africans, he represented America.
Another major theme depicted in the film is perseverance. Perseverance is commitment, hard work, patience and endurance. It is being able to bear difficulties calmly and without complaints. It is also the act of trying. Ali had perseverance. His determination to win was inspiring