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Hoop Dreams

Documentary

RatingRatingRatingRatingRating4.9

DirectorSteve James

ProducerPeter Gilbert, Steve James, Frederick Marx

DistributorFine Line Features, New Line Home Video [us]

Release Date DateOct 14, 1994, Wide

LanguageEnglish

Runtime2h 50m

Introduction

Every school day, African-American teenagers William Gates and Arthur Agee travel 90 minutes each way from inner-city Chicago to St. Joseph High School in Westchester, Illinois, a predominately white suburban school well-known for the excellence of its basketball program. Gates and Agee dream of NBA stardom, and with the support of their close-knit families, they battle the social and physical obstacles that stand in their way. This acclaimed documentary was shot over the course of five years.

Critics Reviews

Geordie Gray4.8

416

May 28, 2024
"Hoop Dreams" is an incredibly moving sports documentary that captures the true essence of perseverance. Following African-American teenagers William Gates and Arthur Agee over five years, it intimately chronicles their 90-minute daily journeys from inner-city Chicago to the predominantly white St. Joseph High School in pursuit of their NBA dreams. With profound support from their close-knit families, they navigate through immense social and physical challenges. This film stands as a monumental achievement in documentary filmmaking, offering an unparalleled, deeply emotional insight into the lives and struggles of aspiring athletes. It remains the greatest sports documentary ever made.

Bill Stamets3.8

430

Jun 7, 2022
"Hoop Dreams" is a poignant and compelling documentary that chronicles the journey of African-American teenagers William Gates and Arthur Agee as they navigate a 90-minute daily commute from inner-city Chicago to attend St. Joseph High School, renowned for its basketball program. With dreams of NBA stardom, they face significant social and physical challenges, yet are buoyed by their supportive families. Filmed over five years, the documentary sidesteps sensationalism, opting instead for a nuanced portrayal of the boys' lives. Recruiters, coaches, teachers, and even their fathers could have been easy targets, but the filmmakers steer clear of cheap shots, offering a deeply respectful narrative.
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