Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali

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2:22

Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali

PG-13

2021

1h 36m

Documentary

History

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Popcornmeter

94%

Tomatometer

18 Reviews

83%

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

For three pivotal years, Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X forged a brotherhood that would not only change both men but change the world. Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali tells the extraordinary story behind the friendship -- and the ultimate falling out -- of two of the most iconic figures of the 20th century. Few people understand the bond these men shared. In this new feature-length documentary from producer Kenya Barris, director Marcus A. Clarke offers a fresh perspective by using insider voices and never-before-seen footage to chart this most complex of friendships, tracing the near simultaneous and symbiotic rise of the charismatic and outspoken Olympic champion who charmed the nation, and the ex-con-turned intellectual revolutionary who railed against oppression. Through interviews with those closest to them -- Malcolm X's daughter Ilyasah Shabazz, Ali's brother Rahman and daughters Maryum and Hana -- and cultural luminaries such as Cornel West and Al Sharpton, the film illuminates their meeting, bonding, and eventual falling out over discord within the leadership of the Nation of Islam.

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Carlos Aguilar

IndieWire

"Blood Brothers" is worthwhile for the introspective investigation of lives so often, in the public eye, devoid of the tangled humanity that all interpersonal relationships carry.

Rated: B-

Sep 18, 2021

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Lisa Kennedy

Variety

The result is thought-provoking, resonant, often touching.

Sep 10, 2021

Full Review

Sheila O'Malley

RogerEbert.com

[An] informative and engaging documentary.

Rated: 3/4

Sep 10, 2021

Full Review

Brin-Jonathan Butler

Bloomberg News

Clarke’s Blood Brothers: Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali, on the other hand, devotes its attention to perhaps the most complicated chapter and relationship of Ali’s life...

Aug 26, 2022

Full Review

Eileen Jones

The Jacobin

When black-and-white photos of the pair grace the screen, it practically vibrates with energy.

Oct 1, 2021

Full Review

Jane Freebury

The Canberra Times (Australia)

Fascinating to consider what might have been, yet this powerful doco throws more light on the political evolution of Muhammad Ali in his search for a mentor and role model

Rated: 4/5

Sep 26, 2021

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Audience Member

I give this documentary 5 stars because it revealed a part of Malcolm X's life that had not been so candidly exposed to the public. I have studied and followed Malcolm X by means of literature, interviews and his public speeches. Unfortunately, the extent to which he was betrayed by the Nation of Islam was only narrowly discussed until now. Moreover, prior to this documentary, I had no knowledge of his experience with Muhammad Ali. The magnitude of betrayal and persecution Malcolm X endured serves as a testament to the calling on his life. Despite the attempts at character assassination and the harsh persecution by the people closest to him, Malcolm X prevailed as a prominent leader in the Civil Rights movement. While I did not agree with all of his philosophical views, I am grateful for his contributions to the Civil Rights movement.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/27/24

Full Review

Audience Member

I enjoyed watching this biography of Muhamad Ali and Malcom X and how they connected as friends & Blood brothers in the 60's during a time of uprising for the Black community.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/13/23

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dave d

Just when the story gets spicy, it gets kneecapped. No doubt this is a fascinating bio doc on a certain time in these two gentlemen's lives which changed both paths forever. Then when the viewer wants to know why one person was saying horrible untrue things about the other boom nothing. This is scratching the surface on something very special, but it comes up short. Totally worth watching if you're a history buff, are in search of the truth, or just want to see a fast paced good film. Final Score: 7.3/10

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Marcus A. Clarke

Director

Malcolm X

Self

Muhammad Ali

Self

John F. Kennedy

Self

Ilyasah Shabazz

Self

Rahaman Ali

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Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

For three pivotal years, Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X forged a brotherhood that would not only change both men but change the world. Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali tells the extraordinary story behind the friendship -- and the ultimate falling out -- of two of the most iconic figures of the 20th century. Few people understand the bond these men shared. In this new feature-length documentary from producer Kenya Barris, director Marcus A. Clarke offers a fresh perspective by using insider voices and never-before-seen footage to chart this most complex of friendships, tracing the near simultaneous and symbiotic rise of the charismatic and outspoken Olympic champion who charmed the nation, and the ex-con-turned intellectual revolutionary who railed against oppression. Through interviews with those closest to them -- Malcolm X's daughter Ilyasah Shabazz, Ali's brother Rahman and daughters Maryum and Hana -- and cultural luminaries such as Cornel West and Al Sharpton, the film illuminates their meeting, bonding, and eventual falling out over discord within the leadership of the Nation of Islam.

Director: Marcus A. Clarke
Producer: Kenya Barris, Jason Perez
Production Co: Lightbox, Khalabo Ink Society
Rating: PG-13 (Disturbing Images|Thematic Elements|Some Strong Language)
Genre: Documentary, History
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 9, 2021
Runtime: 1h 36m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

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