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Drama Cult Classic

A Chicago fighter steps into the ring—and the temptations of fame threaten to knock him out.

BODY AND SOUL

He's a boxer. She's a knockout. Together, they score.

1981 · 1h 49m · R · Drama · IMDB TMDB

A young man struggles to become a boxing champ, but success blinds him. It is only through the love of his girlfriend that he is brought back to reality.

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Quick Answer

What is Body and Soul about?

Body and Soul is a 1981 American drama film directed by George Bowers about a young Chicago boxer who enters the professional ring to pay for his sister's medical treatments, only to be tested by the temptations of success.

Programmer's Pick

Plenty of boxing tales promise grit, but Body and Soul delivers it with a blaxploitation flair and an all-too-human lead who'd rather be in scrubs than gloves. Muhammad Ali's cameo as himself is the kind of meta treat only this era could deliver. Come for the left hooks, stay for the hard lessons.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Body and Soul reimagines the classic rags-to-riches boxing story through the lens of 1980s Chicago. Leon Johnson is a promising Golden Gloves champion with dreams of medicine, not mayhem, but his family's urgent medical needs push him into the brutal world of professional boxing. As he climbs the ranks, the film unflinchingly explores the seductive dangers of fame and fortune, from fast cash to fleeting pleasures. Alongside Leon's journey, audiences can spot Muhammad Ali playing himself, adding an authentic punch to the film's atmosphere. This is a drama that goes beyond the ring, focusing on ambition, adversity, and the price of success.

Details & Specs

Director
George Bowers
Writers
Abraham Polonsky, Leon Isaac Kennedy
Release
1981
Runtime
1h 49m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Drama

Why This Matters

This film is notable as a 1981 remake of the 1947 classic, with Leon Isaac Kennedy both writing and starring, and marks a collaboration with director George Bowers and co-star Jayne Kennedy.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: George Bowers Writers: Abraham Polonsky +1 more
Leon Isaac Kennedy Leon Isaac Kennedy Leon Johnson Jayne Kennedy Jayne Kennedy Julie Winters Peter Lawford Peter Lawford Big Man Perry Lang Perry Lang Charles Golphin Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali Himself Azizi Johari Azizi Johari Pussy Willow Rosanne Katon Rosanne Katon Melody Ola Ray Ola Ray Hooker #1 IG Ingrid Greer Hooker #2 LS Laurie Senit Hooker #3 JI John Isaacs Reporter #4 Edgy Lee Edgy Lee Pretty Lady Gilbert Lewis Gilbert Lewis Tony CW Chris Wallace Dr. Bachman Kim Hamilton Kim Hamilton Mrs. Johnson NS Nikki Swasey Seaton Kelly Johnson Michael V. Gazzo Michael V. Gazzo Frankie Mel Welles Mel Welles Joe Gillardi DeForest Covan DeForest Covan Cut Man DW Danny Wells Sports Announcer JB Johnny Brown Sports Announcer

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Why Cult

Blaxploitation Boxing Drama

Merges the energetic style of blaxploitation cinema with the intensity of the boxing world, offering a unique spin on the sports drama.

Muhammad Ali Cameo

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali appears as himself, lending authenticity and charisma to the film's depiction of the sport.

Rags-to-Riches With Consequences

Explores the emotional and moral costs of success as the protagonist faces the seductive pitfalls of fame, money, and ego.

Strong African American Leads

Features a predominantly African American cast, with Leon Isaac Kennedy spearheading a character-driven story about ambition and redemption.

Scene Gallery

Questions from the Vault

When was Body and Soul released? +

Body and Soul was released in 1981.

Who directed Body and Soul? +

Body and Soul was directed by George Bowers.

How long is Body and Soul? +

Body and Soul has a runtime of 109 minutes.

What genre is Body and Soul? +

Body and Soul is a drama.

Where can I watch Body and Soul? +

Body and Soul is available for streaming on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

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