Watch The Greatest

The Greatest is a biographical drama sports film that was released in 1977. The movie follows the life and career of the beloved boxing legend, Muhammad Ali, who is played by himself. The film also stars Ernest Borgnine as Angelo Dundee, Ali's manager, and John Marley as Dr. Ferdie Pacheco, his physician. The movie begins by showing Ali's rise to fame, starting with his victory over Sonny Liston in 1964. It then goes on to chronicle Ali's subsequent matches and his status as a vocal and controversial public figure due to his opposition to the Vietnam War and his decision to change his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali. Throughout the movie, the audience is treated to an intimate look at Ali's personal life, including his relationships with his wives and children.

The Greatest does an excellent job of portraying Ali's charismatic personality and his unwavering dedication to his sport. The film's depiction of Ali as a talented and confident young man, who was willing to take on anybody in the ring, is both bold and inspiring. The movie highlights Ali's incredible talents and the setbacks he faced throughout his career, including his loss to Joe Frazier in 1971.

The film also portrays Ali's relationship with his trainer, Dundee, who was instrumental in shaping Ali's career. Their relationship is depicted with humor and warmth, and it is clear that they had a deep mutual respect for each other. Borgnine's portrayal of Dundee is one of the movie's strengths, and he brings a warmth and humanity to the role that is both effective and endearing.

Another notable performance in The Greatest comes from John Marley as Dr. Pacheco. Pacheco was Ali's longtime physician and was instrumental in helping him maintain his health throughout his career. Marley does an excellent job of portraying Pacheco's affection for Ali and his dedication to his patient's well-being.

Overall, The Greatest is an inspiring film that celebrates the life and career of one of the greatest athletes of all time. The movie is enhanced by Ali's authentic portrayal of himself and features strong supporting performances from Borgnine and Marley. The film is a must-see for any sports fan, and it is a fitting tribute to a man who changed the sport of boxing forever.

In terms of production, The Greatest is a well-made film, boasting skilled direction by Tom Gries and a strong screenplay by Ring Lardner Jr. The movie's cinematography and editing are also excellent, and they help to create a vibrant and immersive world for the audience to enjoy.

In conclusion, The Greatest is a classic sports film that captures the spirit and determination of Muhammad Ali. The movie is both inspiring and entertaining, and it is easy to see why it has become a beloved classic over the years. From the excellent performances to the great production values, The Greatest is a must-see movie for anyone who loves sports, biographical dramas, or great films in general.

The Greatest is a 1977 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.