Review of Hoop Dreams (1994) by Morris N — 14 Jun 2007
One of the finest documentaries I've ever seen, equalled by few and surpassed by none. And, by about 14 light-years, the best film about sports - any sports - fiction or, as in this case, non-fiction.
Touchingly but realistically, it drives home the central truth that, for 99+% of even quite talented poor young urban athletes, dreams of NBA fame and fortune will never get much beyond beying just that - just so many dreams.
Not all that much FUN to watch more than once - but that's because - as the film makes remarkably clear - the truth often hurts. We're pulling for its two real-life protagonists to make it,but they each fall a bit short, just as, in reality, does almost every would-be player on the NBA stage.
Far more films have been made about baseball than about basketball - including some very good films, far more Fun to watch - Bull Durham, the Natural, Bang the Drum Slowly, and so on. For real quality and sheer cinematic Power, none comes anywhere close to this fantastic basketball documentary.
PKU.
This review of Hoop Dreams (1994) was written by Morris N on 14 Jun 2007.
Hoop Dreams has generally received very positive reviews.
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