Review of Hoop Dreams (1994) by Michael R — 03 May 2008
Hoop Dreams is one of my favorite films of all time and one of the top three films of 1994 (a particularly excellent year for movies). It is a documentary about two inner-city Chicago teenagers dreaming of becoming NBA stars.
The film follows the boys and their families over the course of five years and the result is absolute magic. The events portrayed in the film almost seem scripted; youâ??ll never guess what happens next.
One of the most delightful aspects of this documentary is the portrayal of the boysâ?? families. As the film develops the viewer begins to appreciate the context within which the teenagersâ?? dreams flourish.
Best of all, this film opens the door to discussions on so many important topics (family, hope, socio-economic stratification, personal responsibility, and education) without ever being preachy. So many films so-called documentaries (especially the popular ones) are propaganda films.
Hoop Dreams is a first-rate film and an outstanding documentary that never lectures, but merely enlightens.
This review of Hoop Dreams (1994) was written by Michael R on 03 May 2008.
Hoop Dreams has generally received very positive reviews.
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