Reviewed by Robert Hull
Stars Joe Frazier, Tommy Frazier, Marvin Frazier, Imelda Marcos,
Dave Wolf, Stan Hochman, Sunni Khalid, Ferdie Pacheco, Butch Lewis, Thomas Hauser
UK certification 15 | UK RRP £19.99 | DVD Region 2 | Runtime 84 minutes | Directed by John Dower
In the absence of great new heavyweight fighters, or even genuinely great boxing rivalries, we’re left to look back on the golden age of fighting to remind us of the spectacle, showbiz and grit that delivered so many memorable moments.
The three epic bouts between Muhammad Ali and "Smokin" Joe Frazier, which culminated in a final match-up on 1 October 1975, in the Philippines capital of Manila, are seen by many fight fans as the pinnacle of the sport. Here were two men who loathed the sight and sound of each other, and who just happened to be the best prize-fighters in the world. The story of their battle as men has ended up becoming as fascinating as their match-ups in the ring.
Producer/Director John Dower has crafted a fascinating and illuminating documentary by talking to many of the people (in both camps, as well as in the media) who trailed in the wake of the Ali-Frazier bandwagon. What makes his film even more compelling is the tale it tells of Frazier — a forgotten champion.
Here was a man who knocked down the previously indestructible Ali and who provided the inspiration for Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa. But what we discover is a man still bitter at his treatment by Ali and an ex-fighter who feels he’s never earned due respect – there’s no statue to Frazier in his home city of Philadelphia but there is one to the fictional Rocky Balboa. The fact that Frazier’s brother Tommy, and son, Marvin, recognise this simmering resentment, but can’t get him to forgive and forget, makes the tale even more moving.
Like all great documentaries Dower’s film delivers new information, candid observations and fresh perspectives on a truly amazing story. Prepare to have your views and opinions shaken.
EXTRAS *** Joe Frazier and the movie Rocky: extra interview footage discussing why the city of Philadelphia has no statue of Joe Frazier, but does have one of Stallone’s Rocky Balboa.