The Fight [The William Greaves Director’s Cut]

The prospect of a showdown between two undefeated world champions sent the hype surrounding the “Fight of the Century” to unprecedented heights. Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier faced each other in 1971, with Ali hoping to reclaim the world title that had been taken from him years earlier for refusing military service. William Greaves made an unforgettable historical document of the events.

The first hour of The Fight is devoted entirely to the excitement and frenzy leading up to the match. Greaves films passionate arguments between fans on the street, takes his camera into the middle of financial negotiations between the organizers, and closely follows both Ali and Frazier as they promote the fight.

The fight itself, with only the breaks between rounds shortened, occupies the entire second half of the film. There is no commentary, which makes it feel as if you’re there in Madison Square Garden. Ali’s iconic rope-a-dope tactics, Frazier’s devastating left hook: everything is captured in detail, accompanied only by the sound of punches landing and the roar of an ecstatic crowd. Sporting and world history are made over 15 grueling rounds.

Restored by the Criterion Collection, The New York Public Library, and The Film Foundation. Funding provided by the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation.