runamokprods Intelligent, interesting and occasionally moving, this tells the story of boxer Emile Griffith, a gentle warrior, who accidentally killed a man in the ring, and who may have been gay at a time (the early 60s on) when an admission of that by an athlete was unthinkable. Indeed, one of the frustrating and sad things about the film is that Griffith still insists on keeping his sexuality mysterious, which keeps the film from deeply exploring a potentially very powerful part of Griffith's story. It feels awkward that the subject is so front and center in some ways (he was mocked with a slur for being homosexual by the man he beat to death in the ring), yet so danced around in others. But there's plenty here to hold your interest. Griffith's career arc, his jovial, likable personality, the great use of archival footage, the emotional and career complexities of taking a life all make for a documentary that while perhaps not all it could be (and a bit repetitive at times) is still very worth watching.

zelley-1 As an amateur boxer in the Sixties, it was always great to watch some of the great boxers in action, and Emile Griffith was a Champion of Champions.It was also sad for Emile to be part of the burden of the tragedy in1962.OVER THE YEARS IT WAS GREAT TO WATCH HIS BOUTS WITH THE LIKES OF Joey Archer and many others.Watching the Emile Griffith story was like a trip down Memory Lane with a positive ending. To see Emile and Benny Paret Jr. together in the closing scenes was like seeing some dark clouds being gently blown away by a breath of fresh air.Throughout the show it was great to see old faces from the past such as Gene Fullmer, Gaspar Ortega, Jose Torres, but most of all to see Griffith in action within the ring and his life beyond the limelight.A river of tears,teardrop by lonely teardrop, can never wash away the pain and sorrow for the Paret family and their loss. But, to have Benny Jr. join together with Emile Griffith in their meeting was the highest and brightest moment of movie magic.I can't rate or compare Ring of Fire: The Emile Griffith Story to any other movie, TV show or slice of history. It stands alone as a unique treasure with endless value.

neovsr2d2 An extremely well done documentary which reaches well beyond the boundaries of sports. Even though it follows the boxing career of Emile Griffith, its a poignant story that touches upon an era of innocence in America that is long gone. Sports writer, Pete Hamill made an early comment in the film in which he states that even though it is 1962, America was still living in the '50s. Being almost 2 decades removed from our World War II war heroes, America was on the cusp of a new time. A time where death could be seen on TV. A time where our potential new heroes would be scrutinized and seen as human with frailties and tastes that may be different from what was perceived as the norm. I would recommend this documentary to all, not only sports fans. But, only by being a sports fan, did I hear about it on commercial TV (which I don't watch much of). I look forward to seeing it again, hopefully, on DVD soon. It would be unfortunate if people judge this as only as a sports documentary.

Greg Couture I'd probably never have known about "Ring of Fire: The Emile Griffith Story" had a friend not told me about it, nor would I have been inclined to watch it were it not for my being able to consistently trust his recommendations.Despite its subject matter (which I would normally find less-than-intriguing), I thought it was extraordinarily well-done. The contemporary music selections and newsreel clips were well chosen and added immeasurably to the mise en scene. And that final reconciliation scene between Griffith and the son of the boxer who died after fighting Griffith packed a well-earned emotional wallop.Griffith is a sad case - certainly not meant for the career that ultimately pretty much destroyed his life. He seems a person of genuine charm and a certain gentleness - not what many might associate with the personality of a champion professional boxer. I was surprised how, in the final sequences, the makers didn't shrink from discussing the gay aspect of the story, even while Griffith seems to still be disavowing that he's actually gay.The widow of Benny "The Kid" Paret was quite a camera subject, very expressive, and Sadie Griffith, Emile's left-behind wife, is still quite a dazzler - what a smile! (Though that close-cropped hairdo wasn't very flattering.)Previously I knew nothing about Griffith and his story and was certainly grateful that the USA Network chose to show it uninterrupted, since I suspect that I may not have stayed with it had it been constantly cut into for the usual number of commercials.I have a complaint about the title, though. "Ring of Fire" has been used a number of times, including for an Andrew and Virginia Stone potboiler from 1961, released by M-G-M. (IMDb erroneously says the aspect ratio is 2.35:1, but I saw it in a theater and it was not a widescreen movie). It starred the then-popular David Janssen and was filmed in Metrocolor in and around Vernonia, Oregon, not too far from where I now live. I thought the documentary makers ought to have come up with something more original and, perhaps, a trifle more appropriate to Griffith's sad story.I understand, from the Message Boards on this film's IMDb title site that the story may be filmed by Paramount (in conjunction with the USA Network) as a major motion picture. They should leave well enough alone, especially since I can imagine the rap "star" or some other currently "hot" black personality who'll probably get the title role. Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, perhaps. Puh-LEEZ!