When We Were Kings

"The untold story of the Rumble in the Jungle."

Feb 14 1997 PG 1h 28m
Documentary, Sport

It's 1974. Muhammad Ali is 32 and thought by many to be past his prime. George Foreman is ten years younger and the heavyweight champion of the world. Promoter Don King wants to make a name for himself and offers both fighters five million dollars apiece to fight one another, and when they accept, King has only to come up with the money. He finds a willing backer in Mobutu Sese Suko, the dictator of Zaire, and the "Rumble in the Jungle" is set, including a musical festival featuring some of America's top black performers, like James Brown and B.B. King.

Plot

It's 1974, Muhammad Ali is 32 and thought by many to be past his prime. George Foreman is ten years younger and the Heavyweight champion of the world. Promoter Don King wants to make a name for himself and offers both fighters five million dollars apiece to fight one another, and when they accept, King has only to come up with the money. He finds a backer in Mobutu Sese Seko, the dictator of Zaire and the "Rumble in the Jungle" is set. A musical festival, featuring the America's top black performers, like James Brown and B.B. King, is also planned.

Written by

N/A

Directed by

Leon Gast

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

DAS Films, David Sonenberg Production, PolyGram Filmed Entertainment

Languages

Français, English

Awards

Won 1 Oscar. 12 wins & 5 nominations total

Scores
# of Votes
20,111
Average Rating
7.9 out of 10
Metascore
83
Popularity
NA