Review of Hoop Dreams (1994) by Shaun M — 06 Jul 2009
Dreams, much like hope, can be individually nurtured on their own, with no cost. It is the act of transforming these ideals and wishes into reality that demands a price and leads so many on an endless pursuit for happiness.
I first watched this movie when I was 15 and its message has stayed with me throughout the years. It not only gave me an insight into the existing gap in class and race throughout the inner cities of metro-America, it was my first exposure to the power of hope in the bleakest of environments and situations.
Unlike movies touching on similar subjects from directors such as John Singleton (Boyz N Da Hood), this derives true emotional response from the veiwer - simply because it is real and not something a screenwriter developed.
The pain of shattered illiusions of basketball grandure. The joy accompanied with the a minor scholastic accomplishment. It's all here. This isn't simply a sports doco depicting the ups and downs of two high school players, it also serves as a narrative on life.
A great line spoken by one of the protagonists, William Gates, summing up the main lesson preached throughout the film: "People always say to me, 'When you get to the NBA, don't forget me.
' Well, if I don't get to the NBA, YOU don't forget about ME.".
This review of Hoop Dreams (1994) was written by Shaun M on 06 Jul 2009.
Hoop Dreams has generally received very positive reviews.
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