Thrilla in Manila

Narrated by Liev Schreiber, Thrilla in Manila is a penetrating but sad documentary about a chapter in sports history that crossed the line into personal vendetta. While much of director John Dower's film covers the third bout between heavyweight boxers Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier—a fight set in the Philippines in 1975—the backdrop between their unfortunate feud dominates the first half. Initially respectful of one another, Frazier had supported Ali's decision to go to prison rather than be drafted into the Vietnam War. (One eyewitness says Frazier had even given Ali money when the one-time champ couldn't get a fight going.) Knowing a championship match between them was inevitable, the two publicly goaded one another with a then-friendly understanding that the resulting publicity would be beneficial. All that changed when their tone became more hostile and Ali, under the sway of Nation of Islam, took shots at Frazier for being an employee of a corporation dominated by white board members (the company formed to support Frazier and manage his money). The rancor between the two boxers eventually grew and grew, exploding in their first two matches, but especially in the brutal Manila battle (we see Frazier, living in his small gym in north Philadelphia, still clearly emotional while watching footage of the fight). A compelling, disturbing drama, Thrilla in Manila is fascinating sports history, featuring archival footage and exclusive interviews with boxing insiders, such as Ferdie Pacheco, Butch Lewis, and Dave Wolf. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)