74
Metascore
14 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100The PlaylistKevin JagernauthThe PlaylistKevin JagernauthA 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.
- 90VarietyDennis HarveyVarietyDennis HarveyIt’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.
- 80New York Daily NewsJoe NeumaierNew York Daily NewsJoe NeumaierThis full, footage-rich documentary shows respect for the social, legal, political, religious and pugilistic battles of the former Cassius Clay.
- 80Los Angeles TimesKenneth TuranLos Angeles TimesKenneth TuranThe Trials of Muhammad Ali is a complex and involving documentary.
- 70The DissolveNoel MurrayThe DissolveNoel MurrayThe Trials Of Muhammad Ali’s real value is in showing—not just talking about—the time and place in which Ali lived.
- 70Village VoiceAndrew SchenkerVillage VoiceAndrew SchenkerThe 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.
- 63Washington PostSean O’ConnellWashington PostSean O’ConnellFor those seeking further insight into this sliver of Ali’s remarkable career, “Trials” is as comprehensive as it gets.
- 60Time OutMichael AtkinsonTime OutMichael AtkinsonProduced by veteran Chicago doc outfit Kartemquin (and correspondingly bullshit-free), Siegel’s archive-and-talking-heads narrative revels in forgotten details—like Ali, during his suspension from boxing, appearing in an Off Broadway musical about slavery, the taped footage from which is eye-popping.
- 60The New York TimesNicolas RapoldThe New York TimesNicolas RapoldThe film falls short of explaining Mr. Ali, who, like many outspoken individuals, can stubbornly repel scrutiny, nor will it pacify the many who opposed his conscientious objections. But it also underlines one enduring quality: namely, that he probably couldn’t care less what people think.
- 38Slant MagazineSlant MagazineBill Siegel has made more of a Ken Burns-esque history book--that is, a medium more dry and factual--than a film.