'Smokin' Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali fought three times, but it was their third and final epic encounter in the searing heat of the Philippines on October 1, 1975, that cemented their rivalry and ended so dramatically that it continues to provoke controversy. Combined with electrifying archival footage and exclusive interviews, Thrilla in Manila is Joe Frazier's story an absorbing, sad account of bitterness, religion, politics and racism, conveying both the depths of their rivalry as well as the explosive racial politics in America at the time. The pair had once been friends, with Frazier supporting Ali when he was stripped of his boxing license for refusing to fight in Vietnam. But once Ali was back in the ring, their friendship soon turned into a vicious feud: Ali accused Frazier of being a traitor to his people and went from an anti-war and civil rights leader to an opportunist and narcissist willing to do anything to promote himself in the spotlight.
Product details
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer
:
No
MPAA rating
:
NR (Not Rated)
Product Dimensions
:
7.5 x 0.7 x 5.4 inches; 2.4 Ounces
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Finally, if the world really wants to know, Muhammad Ali is exposed. It was nice to learn that Joe Frazier gave Ali money to get by on when he was barred from boxing for refusing to be drafted during the Viet Nam war era. As a dedicated fan of boxing, I had never heard that before. Then, upon reinstatement Ali turned on Joe. Frazier is shown as a wonderful person with quite limited communication skills. Nontheless, we again feel for him during all the years that Ali continued to intimidate and belittle Joe. It was uncalled for. If, as Ali claims, it was all about hyping a fight, their three bouts needed no hyperbole. Joe has walked off into the sunset with his integrity. Ali, as Joe says, today is paying the price we all must pay if we tear another down to build ourself up. It is a perfectly done DVD and a keeper in the sports library. Dr. Ferdy Pacheco's role in all of it provides fair balance. There is a golden thread of truth throughout the sports documentary making a viewer want to see it again and again.
I saw the fight (but missed the behind the scene, which means I saw nothing). I thought it was ONE of the memories of my youth. I talked and even argued about the Fight. I read the book by Muhammad Ali "Sting Like A Bee" several times. But when I saw 30 for 30 reporting this even...I was stunned when I saw the "Love Fest" between the 2 men. I can't measure the greatness in the way the behind the scene reporting you gave me Much Respect for those 2 men. I've watch the tape Over and Over, and still feel like its the first day in school. Ali and Frazier are still Men amongst Boys. There are NOW like them today. Both were knocked but both got up.
Bought this as a gift thinking the main focus would be on the fight with some interviews regarding the fight, etc. To my surprise this actually turned out to be a sad documentary focusing on Joe Frazier. If you're an Ali fan, this documentary will probably change your view of him while watching, because of his emotional affect on Frazier. The bottom line is that no matter how well you like Ali, you can't help but feel sorry for Frazier. Overall, this is a good, emotional documentary. Had the right amount of fight footage and thank goodness some light/funny moments.
An outstanding documentary. This production does not glamorize Muhammad Ali yet, his greatness is undeniable as always. It tells an important, differently heroic story of Joe Frazier, who was a warrior and a true champion. Sadly, some of this was difficult to watch because of how candid the interviews are and how deep the rivalry, or hatred is. Whether you appreciate the Muhammad Ali legacy, the Ali/Frazier rivalry, or a fresh Joe Frazier perspective on the rivalry and the Thrilla In Manilla in particular, or just a great true story in general, add this to your collection. It is excellent.
Even after all these years, someone wants to save face for Muhammad Ali. The footage of his legs buckling in Round 11 of the first fight, and the knockdown in Round 15, seen in the HBO Special, is suppressed in this documentary and replaced by still footage. Also lost is Frazier's commentary on the punches.
Someone complained, someone pulled strings, and the HBO Special is not shown in its integral form. This is very sad.
This is an outstanding account of one of trhe best boxing bouts in history. It includes the events leading up to the bout in which Ali showed no respect for Frazier. This led to a lasting hatred of Frazier towards Ali. After the fight Ali tried to apologize. but he did so to Frazier's son not to Frazier directly. Frazier never acceted the apology and remained bitter. In my view Frazier won the fight by a wisker and Ali wantedto quit after round 14. Unfortunately Frazier's corner conceded the fight over Frazier's objections.
