Hoop Dreams
Fine Line Features | Release Date: October 14, 1994
7.9
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 81 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
69
Mixed:
4
Negative:
8
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
Christopher_G2Aug 11, 2014
This is one of the best documentaries I've ever seen. It's absolutely fascinating the story and evolution of these two kids through their basketball lives in high school. It's about life pure and simple with it's twists and turns that catchThis is one of the best documentaries I've ever seen. It's absolutely fascinating the story and evolution of these two kids through their basketball lives in high school. It's about life pure and simple with it's twists and turns that catch you off guard, the surprises both pleasant and heartbreaking. The two aspiring basketball stars engage you like few characters you will see in any documentary. And for the filmmakers to have such dedication over these years, the highest credit and thanks to them.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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4
UncleWillardMar 12, 2019
This is the kind of story that inspires so many to chase a dream that is about as likely to attain as winning the lottery. It supports that narrative that sports are way more important than they actually are. If kids would only pursueThis is the kind of story that inspires so many to chase a dream that is about as likely to attain as winning the lottery. It supports that narrative that sports are way more important than they actually are. If kids would only pursue education with this much tenacity, the world would be a better place. Sports gets enough glory in America.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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9
EpicLadySpongeMar 18, 2016
Hoop Dreams manages to hold in a ride worth taking and end it with so many sad moments that my heart can actually break from all these heartbreaking moments.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
MasterRileyJan 21, 2017
Hoop Dreams is an incredible film about following your passion and dreams and never giving up. It closely follows the story of a couple different boys who love basketball and dream of going to college and pursuing it in their future.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
EAReviewsAug 22, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Boyhood of sports documentaries. Filmed over the course of the high school career of two black teenagers from poor neighborhoods in Chicago, Hoop Dreams paints a starkly realistic picture of the high stakes of basketball and the influence the sport can have on a young black man's life. The film evolves into almost a tale of two cities, with the boys developing considerably differently as they go through high school, and the challenges they face at each. Without divulging too much of the plot, both boys are invited to attend a private, suburban, mostly white high school with a legendary team history, but only one can remain. Once the paths of the boys split, the divisions in class become evident as the other boy attends a mostly black inner-city high school. One is afforded opportunities and saving graces, while the other must scrape by. Another reason for the film's power is the depiction of the home life of the boys, showing the hurdles that they must overcome on the homefront. "The system" is mentioned frequently by one of the boy's mothers, and the effects of the system can be seen clearly both on and off the basketball court. Basketball is a pivotal method of understanding race and class in America, and Hoop Dreams explores all these themes and more with effortless grace. Your heart will race during the games, whether you like basketball already, or haven't thought once about the hardwood. Don't be turned off by the length of the film (nearly 3 hours), it is worth every second, and you are gripped from the moment the film begins until the epilogue credits.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
PaullDec 12, 2017
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. it was a great movie. I learned that sexual temptations and drugs or mediocrity could potentially destroy a vocation, especially a career to the nba too. Overall it was a great experience watching the movie. It really felt as if I was a part of their lives, being able to witness their story happen. Also I loved how they were always depending on God and thanking him, especially in their victories and also troubles too. idk what im saying exactly this is just what i think.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
carlossolracDec 17, 2018
Arthur Agee you are my hero. Just the best doc ever made hands down. Everything went right/wrong.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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