The Trials of Muhammad Ali is an American 2013 documentary presented on DVD.
Befitting its extraordinary and complex subject, THE TRIALS OF MUHAMMAD ALI is not a conventional sports documentary. Examining Ali's life outside the ring, beginning with the announcement of his deeply held and controversial Islamic religious beliefs and the decision to change his “white man's name” of Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali.
Ali refused to serve in the Vietnam War – even after his status as a conscientious objector was denied – on the grounds of protesting racial injustice at home.
It is easy to understand why Ali was such a controversial, charismatic and influential figure, not only in the sporting arena, but in world history generally.
The Trials of Muhammad Ali documentary reviews
“A wholly illuminating look at Muhammad Ali in all his complexity, providing a surprisingly fresh and vivid portrait of a man who played rope-a-dope with history, religion and sport and emerged from the ring as an inspiring, and flawed icon.” The Playlist
“It’s an inspiring picture, particularly given the difficulty of imagining one of today’s sports superstars going so far out on a limb for unpopular beliefs.” Variety
“The archival footage in Bill Siegel’s documentary The Trials of Muhammad Ali is wondrous. How could it not be, featuring the gentleman in the title.” Boston Globe
“The film never lingers too long on any one thing, instead functioning as a survey in which several fascinating cultural moments are vividly evoked, but then left insufficiently probed.” Village Voice