BBC News Online: Entertainment: Reviews

Ali: Your views

Will Smith is nominated for the best actor Oscar

The film centres on Ali's boxing career between 1964 and 1974 with Smith in the lead role and Voight playing TV interviewer Howard Cosell.

"It is said that Ali believed that Smith was the only man capable of playing the part and on this evidence, the former champion is no mug," wrote BBC Sport Online's Sanjeev Shetty.

"The former star of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air delivers his finest ever performance on the big screen, coming as close as anyone could to capturing the charisma that made Ali 'The Greatest'."

But what do you think?

Does the film give a realistic portrayal of Mohammed Ali? Does Smith deserve to win the best actor Oscar?

Disappointing. The one image that stays in your mind after it's over is the embalming job they gave Jon Voight.
Robert del Valle, USA

I am a great fan of Mohammad Ali and have most of the collections of his fights, including When We Were Kings. Will Smith tried, but how can one try to be a man who is unpredictable and is larger than life. It would be more interesting and complete to capture the man's inner feelings and to understand why he did the things that he did.
Robert A Khin, Burma/Malaysia

Outstanding!! However, immediately after seeing the film and recovering from the euphoria, I can understand why most people will berate it. Despite the fight scenes being visceral and sustained (and very, very satisfying), the film's real focus is applied away from the ring, concentrating on his inner-turmoil, unyielding desire to stay true to himself and his relationships with the people who most influenced him.

But ultimately, the film triumphs in consolidating these factors and relating them to his boxing and nature of his persona - this makes 'The Greatest' more accesible, as we are able to witness the evolution of the man and his motivations. Riveting stuff - Smith more than justifies his talent and thoroughly deserves that Oscar!
Raj, UK