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Hoop Dreams (1994)

8.0
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Ratings: 8.0/10 from 12,851 users  
Reviews: 66 user | 48 critic

A film following the lives of two inner-city Chicago boys who struggle to become college basketball players on the road to going professional.

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Title: Hoop Dreams (1994)

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Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 18 wins & 4 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
Himself
...
Himself
Emma Gates ...
Herself - William's Mother
Curtis Gates ...
Himself - William's Brother
Sheila Agee ...
Herself - Arthur's Mother
Arthur 'Bo' Agee ...
Himself - Arthur's Father
Earl Smith ...
Himself - Talent Scout
Gene Pingatore ...
Himself - High School Basketball Coach
Isiah Thomas ...
Himself - Professional Basketball Player
Marlyn Hopewell ...
Herself - High School Guidance Counselor (as Sister Marlyn Hopewell)
Bill Gleason ...
Himself - Television Reporter
Patricia Weir ...
Herself - President: Encyclopedia Brittanica
Marjorie Heard ...
Herself - High School Guidance Counselor
Luther Bedford ...
Himself - High School Basketball Coach
Aretha Mitchell ...
Herself - High School Guidance Counselor
Edit

Storyline

This documentary follows two inner-city Chicago residents, Arthur Agee and William Gates, as they follow their dreams of becoming basketball superstars. Beginning at the start of their high school years, and ending almost 5 years later, as they start college, we watch the boys mature into men, still retaining their "Hoop Dreams". Both are recruited into the same elite high school as their idol, former Detroit Piston superstar Isiah Thomas. Only one survives the first year; the other must return to a high school closer to his home. Along the way, there is much tragedy, some joy, a great wealth of information about inner city life, and the suspense of not knowing what will occur next. This is not a "by-the-numbers" film. Written by Anonymous

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

An Extraordinary True Story.


Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for drug content and some strong language | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Official Sites:

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

14 October 1994 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Basquete Blues  »

Box Office

Budget:

$700,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$7,830,611 (USA)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

To stay eligible for college basketball (according to NCAA rules), neither player's family received any money for the film's sale. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Announcer: Welcome to the 38th Annual NBA All Star game from Chicago Stadium.
See more »

Crazy Credits

Thanks to the St. Joseph High School community and Coach Gene Pingatore who agreed to participate in a not for profit Kartemquin Educational film telling William and Arthur's stories. Today, St. Joseph, with a 39% minority enrollment, remains committed to the dream of a better life for all. Awarding need based financial aid to 40% of its students, St. Joseph with limited resources continues to maintain its academic excellence. A Hoop Dreams Fund has been set up to provide academic scholarships. See more »

Connections

Referenced in Siskel & Ebert: Remembering Gene Siskel (1999) See more »

Soundtracks

"The Original Lesson"
Written by Ben Sidran, Ricky Peterson & Shock-G (as Greg Jacobs)
Featuring Shock-G (as Shock G & Humpty Hump)
© 1993 Bulldog Music (ASCAP), Pubhowyalike Music (ASCAP), Crazed Weasel Music (BMI)
See more »

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User Reviews

 
A true testament to the encroaching world of pro sports
9 May 2002 | by (Tucson, AZ) – See all my reviews

This film simply exemplifies the reason why I hate most Oscar voters. This movie didn't even get a nomination, and it was one of the most successful documentaries ever! This especially exhibits the encroachment of coaches, family and other parties when it comes to the well being of inner city kids, who just happen to be good basketball players. Considering the state of pro basketball now, this kind of shows how the downward cycle of basketball was seeking lower standards. Sometimes funny, often times sad and poignant, this film is easily one of the best documentaries of all time.


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