"Ali" 2001 - Opening Scene (Will Smith)

The beginning of the 2001 movie "Ali" starring Will smith as Muhammad ali.
www.imdb.com/title/tt0248667/
Happy Birthday Ali!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For those of you who want the music:
The origional song is "bring it on home to me" and was sang by sam cook. The version used in this clip however is "bring it on home to me" but re-sang by David Elliot. You should be able to find the song without much problem.
IF YOUR THINKING OF COPYING THIS VIDEO, DONT.

[@alicemiriah]

I’ve been coming back to this video since I was 18. I’m 32 now and still can’t get enough of this opening scene. ❤❤❤

[@sarwarbaig2077]

Been coming back to this scene since I was 17. I’m almost 40 now.

[@michaelbentt3018]

Brilliance personified.....

[@marcusaureliusantoninusaug2161]

Best opening scene in cinematic history imo. It's perfect. Powerful, deep and entertaining.

[@phoenixpharaoh9517]

You tested positive for correct.

[@zul5665]

Agreed, it's a multi dimensional snapshot of the time.

[@alexayers9463]

ALL of cinematic history apparently... 🤣 I love hyperbole.

[@dominiquejones3805]

The fact Sam & Ali were so close makes it even more dope

[@JesusNpals]

Must of not seen inglorious basterds, django unchained or any decent movie lol

[@Hibbs4Prez]

This opening of Ali remains pure cinema perfection.

[@returnoftheredeye]

The Sam Cooke 'Live at Harlem Square' performance that this is taken from is absolutely phenomenal.

[@erniececil6668]

If I had a time machine, this is hands down top 3 of places id go back too. Quite possibly the greatest live performance I've ever come across

[@JUANO510]

Just to be a fly on the wall right? I think sam cook is better than Chris Brown and cb is a legend

[@robertramirez3085]

This is real? I thought it was filmed just for the movie?

[@returnoftheredeye]

@@robertramirez3085 It is just a movie scene, but the intro is so similar, that I'm pretty sure it's based on a Sam Cooke album called 'Live at Harlem Square.'

[@towedarray7217]

My guess is that this is studied in film schools. Absolute masterpiece of editing, acting, weight, and seriousness. This intro is the best movie opening of all time in my book. Excitement, passion, anticipation, anger, and a little bit of pain - all set to completely epic music by Sam Cooke that gives me nails-down-the-back goosebumps. This short clip isn’t the whole movie, but the craftsmanship of these 9 minutes should entice anyone to watch the whole thing. This is a REALLY exciting opening to an amazing movie.

[@seannaesfarnan7010]

absolutely agree, one of my all-time favorite openings in a film, so powerful sends chills down my spine and of course it really shines proper light on the legendary Sam Cooke too.

[@bhomunro-meredith1629]

It is indeed, my professor loves this film and this opening and rightfully so. Beautiful, truthful, personal, piece of filmmaking

[@michaelbentt3018]

Indeed....

[@michaelbentt3018]

​@@bhomunro-meredith1629 Your Professor has impeccable taste.

[@returnoftheredeye]

I agree. For painting a picture of the world you're about to enter for the movie, it absolutely excels.

[@zul5665]

Will Smith really put his heart and soul into this movie. His best performance ever methinks.

[@Treize132]

He was robbed should have gotten the Oscar for Ali

[@thomasmcintosh2977]

At least he was nominated. Denzel won for Training Day which I agree was a robbery. This portrayal of Ali is way more historic and powerful

[@SuperChuckRaney]

KEEP MUHAMMED'S NAME OUT YO MOUTH !!!!!!!!! Smack

[@richardsmith9615]

@@thomasmcintosh2977 That's not fair, Training day is one of the best films ever made. Denzel totally deserved an Oscar for it.

[@thomasmcintosh2977]

@@richardsmith9615 so is Ali, Ali had Will Smith AND Jamie Foxx starring in it at their prime and is equally as good if not better than training day cinematically, acting, story, set pieces, movie length, also it has historical significance which is why it should've won. I have 2 degrees in film so I know a good film when I see one and Ali is arguably equal to or better than training day

[@virtualsnake1994]

Beautiful and powerful. This is art.

[@leviathanmg]

"Born on a doorstep with a note across my chest that read, 'You do the best you can for him, world.'" LOVE that line.

[@dominiquejones3805]

Jamie tore it up

[@thecinderellaman614]

The way Malcolm X said "again" sent chills through my body. 4:50

[@silentgrind34]

PERIOD

[@sask3521]

@@silentgrind34 Same here. It was emphasizing to the least!

[@shady161]

''Brother, you do your best to see, they dont put their hands on anybody else... again''

[@silentgrind34]

Period

[@kobegoodall3444]

Delivery was spectacular

[@EllenSykes2028]

The pause was deep when he said “again.”

[@LyricalKnight1]

Wow. Will Smith's most brilliant piece of work. Hands down. And "they" slept on it.

[@calumstenner4316]

The taxi scene at 7:56 sends chills down my spine. The photographer's camera fixed at Ali, the expression on the photographer's face is almost in awe... Like everyone in that cab knows something historic is about to happen. The flow of the scene and the million-mile gaze from Ali translates to me he's staring through the void of his mind; he is visualising the fight in his head in another scene that could've been inserted into the scene, but there was no need. The music, emotion, slow speed of camera movements forces you as the viewer to appreciate every second and think about what the characters are thinking about. One of the hardest to describe, but most emotive scenes I have ever watched in my life.

[@michaelbentt3018]

You have a great eye for the specifics of dramatic cinema.Jeffrey Wright, Will Smith , Michael Mann, etc, emersed themselves into the social, psychological and physical challenges of those landscapes during those moments in history. The Greatest opening Scene in Cinema? Emphatically Yes!

[@murdameech1193]

If anyone puts there hand on you... brother you do your best to see they dont put there hands on anyone else

[@javainbaker9971]

Dimitri Miles again

[@nasfrom-da-ldn7362]

Malcolm X

[@MuhammedAboobackerMABvideos]

👍

[@silentgrind34]

Shit get me hype....Make me wanna punch a hole through the wall

[@silentgrind34]

@Sir TroLLington Da 3rd Period

[@MessianicKing]

This opening scene captures the essence and the struggle of the 50's and 60's and what it was.

[@andlch]

Greatest opening ever. Michael Mann is a genius.

[@marcialzetterfeldt5196]

Nah In The boxning fights is where They did it not so good

[@edwardpowers5570]

W

[@MastersOfGermany]

I saw the film in a cinema that was packed to the roof and at the opening scene you could feel the energy going through the audience! I will never forget! An underrated film

[@6Feb1945]

This is what you get when multiple legends collide: Michael Mann, Will, Jamie, Ali, Malcolm and Sam Cooke.

[@wolfwoodphreak]

6Feb1945 you said it. it's almost super group level big. I think I hear this track more than my uncle's who lived the era lol

[@adamdanser4295]

And Jon Voight!

[@sligo405]

Liston too. He was a mighty figure. And he moved a lot better than he looks in this film. It's too bad that he's only remembered for the two losses to Clay. He had a tough life and he was the heavyweight champ.

[@tyliekinc.]

Don’t forget Jim Brown

[@jeremiah7302]

@@tyliekinc. facts

[@maxdcruz87]

I watched this on the big screen, such a powerful movie. This intro never gets old and is one of the best openings to a movie.

[@Raford146]

"your times will never get better unless you make them better"

[@noeltaylor3594]

Mario Van Peebles potrayal gets overlooked because of Denzel. But I thought Mario did well.

[@motoipearson2538]

Mario smoked Denzel

[@jaymesgonzales5995]

Greatest intro ever!!! So much history in one scene.

[@buckeyes2387]

They don’t make enough black focused movies with this kind of history. And what I mean by that is the music and different beliefs on religion and so on. This film had all that and didn’t just focus on just the racist stuff of this era. I’d love to see more movies that show the musical history and overall culture. There’s so much that can be explored that deserves to be explored.

[@dominiquejones3805]

Bundi, Sam n Harlem & Malcolm

[@kidslovepotter]

Need proof that Michael Mann is the foremost filmmaker of his generation? Check out the moment where Bundini starts talking - the rhythmic interplay between Jamie Foxx's voice, Sam Cooke's song and Will Smith's skipping rope is utterly breathtaking.

[@apocalypse369]

i watch this almost everyday, i think this is the only movie that i can watch over and over agian and just get inspired. Will should of won the oscar for this.

[@JINSEOKIM0730]

Best movie opening ever with Sam 's inspirational music. "Float like a butterfly, Sting like a BEE!"

[@ziggymorris8760]

Sam Cooke was incredible, a true genius.

[@Jedtumble]

ziggy morris you know this isn’t him singing?

[@chasescanlon6488]

@@Jedtumble I’m sure he knows. Sam Cooke died young. Still, the song is timeless and there are countless renditions of this musical masterpiece. He is considered the father of blues music.

[@buckeyes2387]

This same cook wow

[@buckeyes2387]

And I love Sam cook too

[@jayblocks1]

​@Jedtumble what's the name of the song?

[@paulgarcia6243]

"Dont be Scared of wolves be scared of Foxes they Will befriend you lie cheat and then hurt you" malcolm x

[@plurboy_eth]

i keep watching this for the music. such a great job and so EPIC

[@ANDRE1mang]

Same !! It’s so good. The build up and then the main chorus hits. It’s so inspirational.

[@gwpeatz6263]

Sam Cook baby!

[@IcySwagTag]

One of the best intro’s to any movie ever so groovy and soulful makes you want to dance

[@dorothycrawley3327]

You say one of the best intro's..I say The BEST intro in movie history..

[@chasescanlon6488]

That’s Sam Cooke for ya! King of the blues.

[@kittyjohnston7857]

This is a awesome movie! It had me from the opening scene! I love Sam Cook and whoever did this performance did a good job. This opened up Will Smith's acting career! He did a great job!

[@gorkah1]

a supreme work!!!!!

[@stevenhowell7473]

Marvin Gaye's son

[@yousy92]

one of the best opening scenes going. when bring it on home kicks in, just fcuking awesome!

[@willy565]

David Elliott SLAYED THIS! Woulda made Mr. Cook smile.

[@davidt8193]

He really did, I wasn't old enough to even ever listen to any Sam Cook music, but David Elliot put this modernized feel to it which totally illustrates all of Sam Cook's glory for sure.

[@Wizard56]

I agree. Incredible singing!

[@lebe220]

Brilliant.

[@CliffJackson22]

Greatest opening scene in movie history

[@VickStarkiller]

When Jamie does his Mike Tyson movie, they need to get Will back to play the older Ali.

[@dariusgilyard6570]

🤯bro you just did something

[@siebenspeer3372]

Interesting part is how everyone including Ali's dad in the party as well, but they show him training hard. It's not that easy to be champ/greatest. If you want to be greatest, you have to work really hard, you cannot be ordinary in your work ethic. Thats what I get from this scene. I just love it.

[@josephmelican3428]

The greatest 8:49 minutes in movie history!!

[@IcySwagTag]

Nah bruh

[@jamesjones1479]

Absolutely

[@aaronkornowski9189]

This is the greatest opening of a movie. Know the whole thing word for word. Watched it over and over and over as a kid and still visit it as an adult.

[@lewismax675]

I can say hands down, this training montage is way beyond Rocky haha. Best sports movie in this generation no matter 2017.

[@IcySwagTag]

Nah Creed, Coach Carter. He Got Game and Blind Side are better then this movie but this is still good i have it on DVD

[@chinchecker464]

Lewis Max rocky is weigh above this fake Ali movie

[@ia6619]

@@chinchecker464 fake Ali movie? Almost every scene is replicated from actual footage

[@williamvaughn2237]

🥊🥊

[@thecinderellaman614]

You can't say it was better than rocky when Rocky said himself that Muhammad Ali expired his movies.

[@seabassseabass8835]

Sam Cooke Live Harlem Square...which was in downtown Miami. Is one of the best live album of all time.

[@thestewlaw]

Absolutely!

[@alightthatnevergoesout]

@@CJK71 voice is too soft for a proper impression of the goat

[@jasonsterling4129]

I love this opening. Shows how the Legendary journey of a Legendary man came together. All the key players falling in place. You can see when he's having flashbacks of his childhood, you can see him preparing himself for what's ahead

[@bossin3167]

Even as a kid, not really understanding the depth of what Malcolm X was speaking, that was always my favorite part just because of how passionately he spoke.

[@MrLSAnderson]

Smith should have gotten an Oscar, an Ron Silver too.

[@tyliekinc.]

Denzel won the Oscar for Best Actor in Training Day

[@Al_Cuore_Ramon]

live at harlem square club...Sam Cooke, the soul

[@HansVandeWerf]

idd the best.

[@glutamin111]

so damn realistic...you feel like a part of this scene...michael mann at his very best

[@YoloTB]

He played a Really Good Malcolm X almost as Good as Denzel Washington

[@jaume3656]

For me it is the best opening scene ever

[@Hibbs4Prez]

It is definitely the highlight of this film. One of the best opening sequences I've ever seen.

[@FrenchJae]

This scene means even more now with all the unrest.

[@Frank-it9kl]

Fuckin amazing intro. Inspiring. I get emotional hearing Malcom X. Any of those who were ever oppressed by racists, religions, family, bullies etc can relate to his struggle. Ali's remembering his words and his own afflictions and those who impacted him as he's training, it only fuels him to keep going and train harder. Any combat athlete can relate. An abusive father, a bully, someone telling you your not good enough, every combat athlete had one and over came it. Love it!

[@brothajack1993]

I am a white Polish man, and, I cannot bring myself to disagree. I actually now love black people and us Polish and black people are not so different. We break the chains. God bless

[@jbigcork461]

❤❤❤❤

[@TheRockHBKfan]

One of the best movies i've ever seen in my life. Perfectly portraited, by one of the best actors i have ever had the honor to admire, in the movie about one of the most admired, beloved, respected, decorated, and desired fighters in human history. This movie, is all perfection. I just - love it.

[@Pingaheimer]

He really looks like a young Ali, it's crazy.

[@james-tm2jq]

I love this movie, Will Smith did such a good job, actually looks like a young Ali(well should say Clay) and sounds so much like him, well done is all I can say

[@PrimalElf]

One of the greatest performence's of all time

[@Trudragon88]

This movie inspired me to get in shape back in 2002 . I loved boxing even more after watching and buying this on DVD

[@Spin_or_dive]

i know its just a film but this scene gives me gosebumps .....everytime ... especially when malcom starts laying it down

[@kennywiley5341]

This is a really good film with an absolutely transcendent, unsurpassed opening. Most every time I watch this I tear up and get chills.

[@Scotsforever]

For some reason this brings me to tears. I think it's just the sheer amount of greatness that is portrayed.

[@mohammedkhan523]

so sad watching this scene knowing he's gone:( rip peace champ

[@trekkie1981]

He will always be alive, in our hearts!

[@lioness-sx6fr]

Him and Malcolm X

[@damagedone56]

Best opening scene in movie history no debating

[@Wuei108]

Exellent movie! One of the best movies i have ever seen!

[@epiclinkbw]

Sam Cooke would be proud ❤😊

[@devinpetersen2387]

My grandfather sat behind Cassius clay at JFK airport in the late 1950's. He wasn't supreme at that time but still famous.

[@Hustlerclub203]

My mother had Sam Cooke live for years I didn’t listen to it until I saw the opening to this movie great album

[@teeraaw141]

Best intro to a movie ever!!!

[@towedarray7217]

There is something so epic and perfect about 7:55 and how that man composes himself…. Fear, weight, pressure. Jeffrey Wright has gone on to do other things but he really killed it in this role. He was extremely awesome in the movie. It is no surprise to see he has gone on to have a great career.

[@Atomik66]

You send me/Bring it on home(Live) - Sam Cooke....Great SONG!!

[@marcialzetterfeldt5196]

I like how alis team left a whole legacy after them when he retired and after budini died in 1982.

[@TG_0-0_]

best opening 10 minutes of any film ever‼️‼️

[@justadroid]

God damn! this is the Greatest movie ever! I just love...such a good example of the people...the times...the events...the way it was...I guess...i wasn't around then...but according to history boks and things..this movie seems to be pretty darn close....and they couldn't have picked a better actor to play Ali

[@randolphgarcia3494]

FOLKS THIS IS A CLASSIC PIECE OF FILM HISTORY, THIS IS A DEPICTION OF A "LEGEND WALKING." FACT!

[@egotripp-gn4bt]

Never forget watching this as a kid !!!!

[@dperkins1911]

There is no athelete today who could touch this gentleman in a million years. Ali stood up like a man and is still the man.

[@zenobia328]

Long live strong, black, courageous men like Ali, love this movie. Free Howard Morgan, another strong, black courageous warrior, you will be free brother. Trust in God.

[@guyreder]

The version of 'Bring it on Home' here is based on Sam Cooke's version from his 'Live at the Harlem Square club' concert, which I heartily recommend.

[@jonathanblaze1648]

The best sequence in the entire movie. Very artistic and creative. Down side is it's the beginning, the rest of the movie never gets back up to this level.

[@swaguymusicpage]

I just got done watching this movie yesterday! GREAT MOVIE! Very long though. But it really showed a different side of Ali i didn't know he had. He always was so flamboyant and uplifted. He really had a lot of life problems to deal with behind the scenes. GREATEST OF ALL TIME!

[@raturagutuleimoses2058]

I play these songs when I do my boxing training

[@u31117416]

"Your hands can't touch what your eyes can't see, float like a butterfly, sting like a bee! Rumble young man rumble!" Merry christmas to you all!

[@falkirknproud2293]

Ali forever Sam still lives on

[@1aneeshsivan]

Unrivaled camera work and editing! Absolute Genius... Michael Mann = God of Cinema. Thanks for posting!

[@havrisen6620]

Aneesh Sivan Lol

[@ericktellez7632]

Calm down he aint no Scorsese

[@Desz93]

Greatest opening to a movie ever ! Very classic and captures the essence of that time period

[@kashattack]

Yep it was Emmit Till. Ali often talked about how the death of Till shaped his early life, leading him to join the Nation of Islam.

[@turtleboy991]

The way that old guy reading the paper kinda pushed it in front of him like that, it was like he was saying "You take a good look". Like he was trying to tell him how evil people can be

[@kashattack]

@@turtleboy991 I think this must be the oldest comment somebody has responded to. Thanks!

[@nyykSIUUU]

I absolutely love this song! Gives me a good mood every single time

[@ziahamm1603]

Hehe Gus Fring as Cassius Clay Sr. The casting in this film was awesome. Mario Van Peebles did an awesome job of playing Malcolm X and Jamie Foxx as Bundini was spot on.

[@marvinjones5000]

One of the best opening scenes ever along with the “The Watchmen”

[@Will008]

I Love how they re-inacted Sam Cooke. Pretty good.

[@jonl0711]

Ali was quite the man, I had the fortunate opportunity to photograph him in 1989 at his home in Los Angeles and I must admit even then I was quite impressed with him. A real gentleman and his daughter and wife was excellent host. A real wonderful person.

[@nunyabusiness9074]

Listen to this clip every week, great motivation!

[@CodyCole80]

This first scene was the best part of the movie.

[@igramaramiceimakaze8327]

For me the last scene when he knocked out George Foreman, soundtrack and coreography in that scene was just too good.

[@marvinfinite]

Codycole80 😂 so true

[@IcySwagTag]

Yeah i agree i think it was a good movie but they should of made it longer or split it in to two parts Muhammad Ali’s life was too amazing for just 2 Hours

[@IcySwagTag]

Probably the best acting Will Smith has ever done. They should of showed how Muhammad Ali became a Boxer and how someone stole his bike and the policeman helped him into boxing

[@CodyCole80]

John Marston Nah... Not for me. He didn’t really nail Ali’s dialect nor charisma. I think Darius McCrary did a better job in “Made in America/Don King’s movie.” Only thing that was off with Darius was his darker skin tone.

[@genimp1]

Smith should have gotten an Oscar for this role, him and Jamie Foxx as Bundini

[@andlch]

Jamie yes, smith no

[@Octobersown_1019]

I have always loved this opening scene. Very motivating!

[@HansVandeWerf]

Sam cooke killed that intro scene ;-)

[@BlueberryYUMYUMx7]

+Hans Van de Werf david elliot

[@dianeladay2840]

Hans Van de Werf Rest in peace Muhammad Ali

[@lbynumjr1]

Hans Van de Werf Murdered it

[@memphistenn710]

Hell yeah

[@joejackson4615]

Look up sam cooke live in harlem ..and hear the real sam cooke do that very same intro.. .he truly is the greatest singer...all natural talent

[@samseagrave5064]

Will smith played him perfectly.. Ali still no 1.

[@KellinMC12]

I think the whole movie is pretty good but man...these opening minutes are transcendent filmmaking. Completely goes against the typical biopic formula and builds this mosaic of Ali’s life, showing (in non-linear order) the events, people, and ideas that shaped him. Not to mention that crescendo of the music. So so good.

[@earnestinecole3553]

"David Elliot a true beast....... Masterful notes on the level of Cooke himself!!!! Just not better, he is ONE OF THE ONES THAT WONT BE SURPASSED PERIOD!!!! There can only be few that some how manage to be his equal!!!!!!!!!!! This always was my favorite seen in the movie!!!! I love Will as a actor....... Mmmmmm David's voice is just phenomenal could play it for hours. ...... I love soulful singing, the kind you feel in ya spirit!!!!!!" #Big Smoke Triple OG aka A god of Soul

[@brandsintel]

Just a master piece of an opening sequence. Sam Cooke be proud man. ❤🤌❤

[@Jboogie_81]

Sadly this was the best part of the movie. This could’ve been one of the best movies ever!!

[@dhan3704]

Ali said this movie was too slow paced and his other movie ‘the greatest’ was too fast paced. I’m sure we will see more (hopefully).

[@Jboogie_81]

@@dhan3704 I agree!

[@dorothycrawley3327]

EXACTLY..my son who is now passed away and I saw it at the theater and the movie itself was mediocre..However I've heard many people say this introduction was the the greatest part of the movie..

[@DMBdcfc]

the beginning and end of this movie gives me the goosebumps every time. soo good

[@wolfwoodphreak]

28 year old Latino training between singing lines, damn this guy can hit notes! if you're not singing or moving you have no soul

[@noeltaylor3594]

"One Night in Miami" brought me here. The "chain Gang" scene is the rage, but this . . .this right here is the ultimate Sam Cooke."

[@Lennietaylor25]

Probably the best opening scene ever!!

[@IvanBeTerrible]

One of my favorite opening scenes, thanks for uploading.

[@buckeyes2387]

They don’t make enough black focused movies with this kind of history. That really explores the history and culture of a wonderful community of people trying to make it in America while dealing with hardships along the way. From the music and different beliefs on religion This film explored a lot of that. I’d love to see more movies that show the musical history and overall culture. There’s so much that can be explored that deserves to be explored through film.

[@1aneeshsivan]

I shoot film professionally, and the camera work in this film is visually stunning!