Sep. 09, 2021|United States|95 Min.|PG-13
Genre: Adventure;Crime;Documentary;Drama;History;Talk;Western
Description: The documentary *Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali* (2021) explores the intricate and compelling relationship between Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali. Their friendship has recently gained attention in popular culture, with key portrayals in Regina King’s *One Night in Miami* and the EPIX series *The Godfather of Harlem*, featuring Forest Whitaker. However, this Netflix documentary, based on the book *Blood Brothers: The Fatal Friendship Between Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X* by Randy Roberts and Johnny Smith, delves deeper into the factual narrative, proving that reality often surpasses fiction.
Directed by Marcus A. Clarke and produced by Kenya Barris, *Blood Brothers* provides a rich historical backdrop for understanding the emergence of these two iconic figures. It emphasizes that neither Malcolm X nor Muhammad Ali were exceptions to their era but rather products of the systemic racism and Jim Crow laws that shaped their lives. Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little, and Muhammad Ali, initially known as Cassius Clay, grew up in environments marked by racial oppression, with Malcolm’s father, Earl Little, a follower of Marcus Garvey, losing his life to white supremacists.
The documentary highlights how both men used their unique talents to confront and challenge white supremacy, not just for their own benefit but for the collective struggle of the Black community. Their courage and decisions to leverage their influence against racial injustice remain a testament to their enduring legacy.
Cast director: Marcus A. Clarke
Cast actor: Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali
Original name: Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali