‘When We Were Kings’ is a much acclaimed documentary directed by Leon Gast, accounting one of the most well known Boxing match between George Foreman and Muhammad Ali in the World Championship fight in Zaire in 1974.
In the background, the documentary throws a light on the Vietnam War and the draft, the nascent “Black is Beautiful” movement and idealization of Mother Africa, and the brutal reality of post-colonial dictatorships, issues which were characteristics of the 1970s.
The film tactfully incorporates news footage, photos, and contemporary interview clips to reveal the excitement and chaos that led up to the famed “Rumble in the Jungle” and the incredible characters and events surrounding the thrilling spell.
Blending sports, drama and biography with a touch of political analysis, When We Were Kings relates the who, when, where, and why of the celebrated match with Muhammad Ali towering at the centre of it all like a true hero!
