AKA Cassius Clay

AKA Cassius Clay is a gripping sports documentary from 1970 that examines the life and career of one of the most infamous figures in the world of boxing - Muhammad Ali. It stars Richard Kiley as the narrator, with critical insights by renowned boxing trainer, Cus D'Amato and prevailing footages of Muhammad Ali, also known as Cassius Clay.

The film begins with an engaging insight into the early life of Ali and his journey of becoming one of the most prominent boxers in the history of the sport. Born as Cassius Clay in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1942, we see not just the boxer's humble beginnings, but also how he unexpectedly fell in love with the sport and the relentless spirit that he showed which made him a leading figure in it. The film takes its time to revisit how Ali first started boxing at only 12 years old after his bicycle got stolen and how his innate talent and audacious personality led him to the global stage.

Richard Kiley, with his commanding narration, navigates us through the highs and lows of Ali’s life with attention to both his professional and personal life. His triumphs and turmoils, his unyielding spirit, and his refusal to be another conventional boxer not only shook the boxing industry but became a beacon of self-belief and principles that transcended into the real world. Kiley ensures that the viewer is not merely witnessing Ali's battles in the ring but also his battles against racism, his stance on the Vietnam War, and his conversion to Islam.

An absolute highlight of this movie is the contributions from Cus D'Amato, long considered one of boxing's most knowledgeable and shrewd trainers. Known for training elite fighters like Mike Tyson, D’Amato's understanding of the game and the analysis of Ali’s style gives valuable insight into what made Ali so distinctive and successful. His input as a commentator offers a deeper appreciation of both the sport and its athletes.

What truly also sets this film apart from other documentaries is its presentation. Those expecting a typical sequence of chronological events might be surprised, as AKA Cassius Clay is more of a photojournalistic documentary, utilizing montages, historical footage, interviews, and fight sequences to capture the essence of Ali's life.

Another crucial aspect is the journey of Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali – which is the central plot of the film. His conversion to Islam and the resultant name change were influential moments, not just in Ali's life but in America's socio-political culture too. This film handles that subject matter delicately, showing respect to the life-altering choices Ali made. More than just a boxing documentary, this film presents a critical piece of American history reflecting the intersection of sport, religion, and politics.

The film is masterfully edited, choosing just the right moments from Ali's extensive filmography to curate a compelling narrative. These include a number of Ali’s most significant fights with legendary rivals, like Sonny Liston and Joe Frazier, along with training scenes and notable interviews. Grandiose and at times poetic, Kiley's narration floats like a butterfly over these scenes, being quite reflective of Ali's own unique boxing style.

In all, AKA Cassius Clay serves as an exploration of Ali's key life events through his younger years up until the early 1970s. The viewer gets to see a clear picture of his evolution from a child with a stolen bicycle to a larger-than-life figure in not only the boxing ring but also as a person of intense conviction and principle, widely respected worldwide. It doesn’t shy away from showing his controversies and setbacks, making this film all the more raw and real.

To sum up, AKA Cassius Clay, is more than just a sports documentary. It is a deep-dive into the life of a unique individual who transcended his sport and influenced society. The blend of archival footage, interviews, Kiley's strong narration and Cus D'Amato's insightful commentary, make it a must-watch for not only boxing fans but also fans of historical, biographical documentaries. This is a film about resilience and conviction, a testament to the life and time of Muhammad Ali, a man who was certainly much more than just a boxer.