I Am Ali

He was always “the greatest” in his own mind. So, too, for the millions worldwide captivated by his wit, pride, charisma, and media savvy. In a boxing career that exploded after his 1960 win at the Olympics, Muhammad Ali often behaved like a bully and a braggart both in and out of the boxing ring. He lit firestorms of adulation and outrage with his athletic prowess and knack for inflaming passions on hot-button social issues du jour. This absorbing (if also sometimes disjointed) portrait is firmly in the “greatest” camp, filled with unctuous interviews of Ali's family and friends, and remarkably intimate glimpses into his private life. None of the many Ali documentaries have reached this far into his ascent from scrawny kid to three-time World Heavyweight Champion. Director Clare Lewins was given access to home movies and audio recordings that Ali made of conversations with his wife, children, and loyal associates. Along with the talking head segments and copious archival footage—much of it rarely seen—I Am Ali provides a fascinating overview of Ali's varied engagements with politics, publicity, race, religion, the law, and the people closest to him. Although fawning, this is still one of the better entries in the pantheon of Ali bio-docs. Recommended. (T. Fry)