Tyson

Tyson

Year: 1995

Runtime: 110 mins

Language: English

Director: Uli Edel

Drama

Chronicles Mike Tyson’s meteoric rise from a 12‑year‑old amateur with a fearsome punch to becoming the undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World, then follows his personal and legal turmoil, culminating in his rape conviction. The film moves swiftly through his turbulent career, never lingering too long on any single episode.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Tyson (1995)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Tyson (1995). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1980s–1990s

The story unfolds primarily in the late 1980s through the early 1990s, a period of unprecedented box-office attention and cultural impact for Tyson. It covers his rise to become the youngest heavyweight champion, his notable losses, and the subsequent legal challenges of the early 1990s. The timeline culminates in his prison sentence and the mid-1990s comeback attempt.

Location

Las Vegas, Nevada, Tokyo, Japan, Indiana Youth Center

The film follows Tyson through major boxing venues—from Las Vegas championship bouts to Tokyo showdowns—while also visiting the Indiana Youth Center, the prison where his legal troubles land him. It dramatizes the global reach of Tyson's fame as his matches become megaworld events. The settings contrast the glitter of competition with the consequences of his off-ring life.

🏟️ Boxing arenas 🗺️ Global events 🏛️ Institutions

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:45

Main Characters – Tyson (1995)

Meet the key characters of Tyson (1995), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Mike Tyson (Michael Jai White)

A troubled but prodigiously talented boxer whose early life is shaped by mentorship and ruthless competition. He rises rapidly, becoming a global icon while wrestling with impulsive behavior and intense public scrutiny. This portrayal highlights the dual edges of genius and volatility within Tyson.

🏆 Rising star 🧠 Complex 🥊 Boxer

Cus D'Amato

Legendary trainer and mentor who builds Tyson's foundation with discipline and strategic guidance. He emphasizes surrounding Tyson with trustworthy people to steer him away from trouble. His mentorship shapes Tyson's early career and boxing philosophy.

👨‍🏫 Mentor 🧭 Father figure 🎯 Strategist

Jim Jacobs

Boxing manager whose guidance helps navigate Tyson's career; involved in shaping his professional path and business relationships.

🤝 Manager 💼 Money/Power 🗺️ Influence

Don King

Showman promoter whose bold, controversial style makes him a central figure in Tyson's career and media narrative.

🎭 Promoter 💰 Power broker 🗣️ Media

Robin Givens

Tyson's public wife whose life becomes a focal point of media attention and later personal and public turmoil.

💔 Public relationship 🗞️ Media scrutiny 👩‍⚖️ Legal matters

Desiree Washington

Beauty pageant contestant whose trial marks a turning point in Tyson's public life and legal challenges.

⚖️ Legal trouble 🗞️ Media scrutiny 👩‍⚖️ Court case

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:45

Major Themes – Tyson (1995)

Explore the central themes of Tyson (1995), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🥊 Rising Star

A gifted youth is molded into a world-beating boxer, with early victories amplifying his reputation. The training under Cus D'Amato emphasizes discipline and focus, even as Tyson's temperament tests boundaries. The arc shows how talent paired with relentless coaching can forge a champion.

🧭 Mentorship

D'Amato surrounds Tyson with a trusted circle of managers and trainers to steer his path. The support network aims to keep him out of trouble while navigating the pressures of fame. The mentor–protege dynamic highlights loyalty, guidance, and the business side of boxing.

⚖️ Fame & Fallout

As Tyson ascends, media attention, marriages, and managerial splits create a combustible public image. The film traces how personal choices and high-stakes promotions intersect with legal troubles and a changing career trajectory. The story shows the toll of fame on relationships and the consequences of bold decisions.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:45

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Tragic sports downfall stories like Tyson

The swift ascent and devastating personal collapse of a celebrated athlete.If you were gripped by the meteoric rise and fall in Tyson, explore more movies about athletes whose personal turmoil leads to a tragic downfall. These films share a dark tone, high emotional weight, and a focus on the harsh realities behind the glory of sports.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a chronological path: a raw talent is discovered, mentored, and skyrocketed to the top of their sport. This rise is contrasted with a swift or gradual decline fueled by internal struggles, arrogance, legal troubles, or addiction, culminating in a sad or bleak ending that underscores the cost of their journey.

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These films are grouped by their shared focus on the 'cautionary tale' archetype within sports. They combine the physical intensity of competition with the heavy emotional weight of a personal collapse, creating a gripping, somber, and ultimately tragic viewing experience.

Dark true story biographies like Tyson

Unflinching true stories where fame and power lead to a brutal collapse.For viewers who appreciated the gritty, factual portrayal of turmoil in Tyson, this section features similar movies based on true stories of rapid rise and fall. These films are gripping, anxious, and often contain strong violence or disturbing themes, focusing on real-life tragedy.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread are rooted in reality, charting a non-fiction character's journey through a world of high stakes, often involving crime, corruption, or violence. The narrative is straightforward but emotionally complex, moving quickly through pivotal events to build towards an inevitable and sobering conclusion based on real outcomes.

Why These Movies?

These movies are linked by their commitment to portraying difficult, true-life events with high intensity and a dark tone. They share a focus on the brutal consequences of power, the spectacle of a public fall from grace, and the exploration of deeply flawed, real individuals.

Unlock the Full Story of Tyson

Don't stop at just watching — explore Tyson in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Tyson is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Tyson Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Tyson, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Tyson Summary

Tyson Timeline

Track the full timeline of Tyson with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Tyson Timeline

Tyson Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Tyson that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Tyson Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Tyson

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Tyson: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Tyson