Review of Love & Basketball (2000) by Jon C — 13 Nov 2016

Produced by Spike Lee and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood the movie is rightfully dramatic and romantic.

Monica has always loved playing basketball and right from childhood she's always challenged the very restrictive gender norms.

One of the things they tackle is the moment a woman acts out of character she's expected to sit back and act like a lady should, it's not the easiest thing for her because the temper she's had stems from trying to convince everyone a woman can be good at sports.

Not all women have to be so pristine, wear dresses or high heels.

According to her mother played by Alfre Woodard a woman should be thinking about marriage, kids, work and staying at home providing for the husband.

Quincy is her childhood friend and at the same time he's struggling to live up to the potential his father wants from him while also attempting to be his own version of a man.

It's believed that a man needs women and has to get up in people's faces in order to get by.

But once these two start falling for one another it turns into a challenge balancing their love lives next to their basketball ones.

"All's fair in love & basketball?" maybe but Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps are excellent playing two youths finding their footing in each of their careers.

What's more important: the love of the sport or the love inside the two playing it?

The game is essential but love is no game.

A likeable supporting cast as well from Regina Hall to Tyra Banks to Gabrielle Union.