Really great documentary profiling world champion boxer Kassim "The Dream" Ouma. Born in poverty in Uganda, he was kidnapped at age 6 by the rebel army and trained as a child soldier. 12 years later he defected to the U.S while travelling with the African boxing team. Homeless and culture shocked, Kassim goes on to become Junior Middleweight Champion of the World.
Kassim's story is so remarkable that its almost unbelievable, the adversity he has had to overcome and the success he has achieved. I think what struck me most watching this was his smile, how happy he seemed and then the director would catch a moment, as he looked out a bus window or discussed his grandmother and shadows would cover his eyes.
Filmmaker Kief Davidson did a great job here, and you feel as if for just a moment you understand Kassim I was engrossed in watching him train for his next fight, keep his family together and try to keep fame and a hip-hop lifestyle at bay. I know I was brought to tears when he is finally given a military pardon by the Ugandan president and is able to reunite with his family, going back to the refugee camp a hero and sobbing on his fathers grave. Powerful. 1/10/15
Kassim the Dream
2008
Action / Documentary
Kassim the Dream
2008
Action / Documentary
54% - Critics
89% - Audience
7.2Plot summary
This is the story of World Champion Boxer, Kassim "The Dream" Ouma - born in Uganda, kidnapped by the rebel army and trained to be a child soldier at the age of 6. When the rebels took over the government, Kassim became an army soldier who was forced to commit many horrific atrocities, making him both a victim and perpetrator. He soon discovered the army's boxing team and realized the sport was his ticket to freedom. After 12 years of warfare, Kassim defected from Africa and arrived in the United States. Homeless and culture shocked, he quickly rose through the boxing ranks and became Junior Middleweight Champion of the World. Kassim, now age 27, seems to have obtained the American Dream with his jovial nature, fame and hip hop lifestyle. As Kassim trains for his next world title fight against Jermain Taylor in Little Rock Arkansas, keeping his demons out of the ring becomes increasingly difficult. His desires to reunite with family in Uganda intensify when Kassim's only hope for a safe return is a military pardon from the president and government responsible for his abduction.
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