Muhammad Ali: Through the Eyes of the World is a biographical documentary that delves into the life and legacy of one of the greatest boxers to have ever stepped into the ring. Known for his boastful nature and iconic catchphrases, Ali was more than just a boxer, he was a cultural icon.
Through interviews with celebrity fans, family members, and former coaches, the film provides a glimpse into the man behind the legend, including his early life as Cassius Clay Jr. in a working-class family in Louisville, Kentucky, his conversion to Islam, and his rise to fame as a boxer.
The film also explores the controversies that surrounded Ali, including his public refusal to be drafted to the military and the subsequent legal battles that ensued. Despite these controversies, Ali’s impact as an African American public figure was invaluable to the advancement of the civil rights movement.
As the film illustrates, Ali’s influence extends far beyond the ring. From inspiring generations of African Americans in the fight for civil rights to influencing the equal treatment of black athletes, Muhammad Ali’s contributions to society are numerous and celebrated. Even as his physical abilities declined due to Parkinson’s disease, he remained a celebrated figure, being named Sportsman of the Century by Sports Illustrated and invited to light the Olympic Torch.