Thriller in Manila

Click to read:

Thriller in Manila
Review added by
David Beckett

Ali vs Frazier: A Vicious Rivalry and The Greatest Fight of All Time
Certificate: 15
Running Time: 95
Retail Price: £19.99
Release Date: 17/11/2008
Content Type: TV Series

Synopsis:
This compelling documentary charts the vicious feud, entwined with the racial politics of 1970s America, which formed between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier; culminating in their most-famous fight in 1975 in the Philippines - the third and final confrontation between two friends-turned-bitter rivals.

After being stripped of his heavyweight title and license to box for refusing to fight in the Vietnam War, Ali was held in contempt by the boxing establishment and many of his fans. However Frazier, who took the heavyweight crown, stood by him respecting his courageous religious beliefs and even petitioned Washington to reinstate his license.

In 1971, after three and a half years in the wilderness, Ali got his license back but dramatically turned on his one time friend and ally Joe Frazier. The two men were caught in the battle for the soul of black America. Becoming the mouthpiece for the religious group Nation of Islam, Ali portrayed Frazier as a traitor to the black community, an insult which cut to the core of his being.

By the time of the third fight in Manila, the relationship was at boiling point and their extraordinary personal battle led to a fight that was a near-death experience for both of them.

With exclusive interviews from Joe Frazier, Frazier's son, boxing experts and team members from both fighter's camps, along with incredible archive footage and music of the time Thriller In Manila is the definitive account of this iconic event.

Special Features:
Extra Footage.