I received an advanced screener for I Am Duran, the documentary on the life and career of one of the greatest boxers of all time, Roberto Duran. If you're a boxing fan and historian with an appetite for documentaries packed with huge stars from sports, entertainment, journalism, and politics, you'll likely enjoy it.
The story traces Duran's roots from a poor boy who chose boxing to help him overcome the poverty he was born into, but who also found an identity and self-worth through his extraordinary accomplishments in the sport. The story of Duran's upbringing and eventful career are told alongside the transition of power from one General Omar Torrijos Herrera to General Emmanuel Noriega in Panama.
There are a number of scenes where the social and political unrest is interpolated into the boxing footage in a way that raises the anticipation for the most climactic moments in Duran's fights. As someone who has seen all of those fights several times, the style in which the two depictions of war are shown was still a stimulant for me.
I enjoyed hearing some other perspectives on Duran's historic fights with Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, Davey Moore, and Iran Barkley. As I mentioned, there is a star-studded cast of people included in the documentary offering their opinions, and accounts of Duran the fighter, and the man.
In the documentary, you hear from Leonard, Hagler, former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, legendary boxing journalist Larry Merchant, iconic boxing promoters Don King and Bob Arum as well as actors Robert DeNiro and Sylvester Stallone. In addition to those gentlemen, there is also commentary from Duran, his son, and wife. There is nothing quite like hearing fighters and their families discuss the ups and downs of their careers.
While the connection between Duran and the situations surrounding his country were represented well visually, I thought there could have been more of a tie-in with the dialog. In most segments, there was no mention as to how Duran's actions, views or accomplishments impacted Torrijos or Noriega–or vice versa. Instead, the linkage was simple and seemingly unimportant. With tighter timeline references and more purposeful dual storytelling, I Am Duran might have offered even more to viewers whose interests go beyond the sweet science.
As it is, I'd strongly recommend the film to boxing fans–especially those who may not be aware of Duran's exploits in the late 1970s and 1980s. He was truly one of the most gifted fighters in boxing history. The film does a great job allowing experts, those with firsthand knowledge, and Duran himself to speak on his greatness.
I Am Duran is available for digital downland on multiple platforms including Google Play.
