Feature length documentary film about the third and final confrontation between Joe Frazier and Muhammed Ali in 1975 now seen as one of boxing's most iconic fights. Contains archive footage and exclusive interviews with Frazier his son Marvin and Muhammed Ali; as well as boxing experts and team members from both fighter's camps.
Compelling, if flawed, documentary recounting the hardest professional boxing match ever fought: 'The Thrilla In Manila' (October 1st 1975) where 'The Greatest' Muhammed Ali defeated 'Smokin' Joe Frazier after 14 murderous rounds in the heat & humidity of Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, Manila, Philippines. 'The Thriller In Manila' (the makers don't seem to have a clue about Ali's poetic sobriquet: "Its gonna be a ThrillA in ManilA when I get that GorillA!") claims to tell Joe Frazier's story, and its an interesting angle, seeing as most films are focused on 'The Greatest' yet in attempting to tell Joe's side, the film actually ends up doing a disservice to the ex-champion; who comes across as an embittered, somewhat senile, perennially exploited (this documentary included) pugilist. With only a handful of credible pundits available for comment, things take a noticeable turn for the surreal when Imelda Marcos pops up, but the former first lady is a veritable font of knowledge compared to the inane insights of a woman described only as Joe Frazier's 'companion' (i.e. groupie). 'Thriller In Manila' glosses over the political landscape of the time: Ali's conscientious objection to the U.S. occupation of Vietnam, his consequent ban from boxing, the government seizing his title and effectively putting him under national arrest are all sketchily covered in about ten seconds (completely useless to all but those who know the whole story) whilst the Ali vs. Frazier rematch is erroneously referred to as a tepid affair, completely failing to acknowledge the ingenious manner in which Ali switched styles to deactivate Frazier's punching power. Effectively curtailing the hard hitting brawler's ability to lash out with his devastating' trademark left hooks and forcing him to into a measured, technical bout, to outfox and reduce Smokin' Joe's fire to an ashen, damp squib that'd burnt itself out by Round 5. And in attempting to build up the Ali / Frazier rivally as some kind of blood feud, also chooses to ignore the fact that these great warriors were pioneering the kind of pre-match hype / hysteria which is all but compulsory in modern sport. Then again, director John Dower isn't exactly known for his Mailer-esque observations on the sweet science, and I suppose one can't expect too much a documentarian whose resume includes such lurid fare as 'Britney's Redneck Roots'. 'Thriller In Manila' is still an interesting watch, though one imagines Ali's post win interview, which isn't given so much a passing mention, was just a little too close to reality, and at odds with the misplaced sensationalism the director was going for: "Joe Frazier, I'll tell the world right now, brings out the best in me", said Ali, "I'm gonna tell ya, that's one helluva man, and God bless him: Joe Frazier is the greatest fighter in the world, next to me". In 1976, 'Ring' magazine launched a successful petition after Manila, in which fans stated that Ali & Frazier should never be allowed to fight each other again, I daresay a similar petition should be launched for anyone who wants to make a documentary about them, without doing some serious research.
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Documentary exploring Joe Frazier's famous fight with Muhammad Ali in the Philippines in 1975 and the events surrounding it. The film features archive footage and interviews with both fighters.
THRILLER IN MANILA is a fascinating feature-length documentary featuring &39;Smokin&39; Joe Frazier&39; as he looks back at his iconic clash with Muhammad Ali in the Philippines in 1975 The fight was the third and final boxing match between the two and it would prove to be one of the greatest in sporting history Through archive and exclusive footage plus interviews with the 75-year old boxing legend Ali and boxing experts the documentary explores the fight and events surrounding it with a fresh perspective
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