Hoop Dreams (1994)

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

Director:

Steve James

Writers:

Steve James, Frederick Marx

Stars:

William Gates, Arthur Agee, Emma Gates

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 21 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
William Gates	...	Himself
Arthur Agee	...	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

Storyline

This documentary follows two young African-Americans through their high school years as they perfect their skills in basketball in the hopes of getting a college scholarship and eventually play in the NBA. Arthur Agee and William Gates both show great potential and are are actively recruited as they look to enter high school. They start off at the same high school but unable to pay an unexpected bill for tuition fees, Arthur has to withdraw and go to the local public high school. The film follows them through their four years of high school and their trials and tribulations: injuries, slumps and the never ending battle to maintain their grades. Through it all, their hoop dreams continue.

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Plot Keywords:

basketball | athlete | national film registry | high school | college | 

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Taglines:

An Extraordinary True Story.

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Genres:

Documentary | Drama | Sport

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for drug content and some strong language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 October 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

Basquete Blues

Filming Locations:

Cabrini Green Housing Complex, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$700,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$7,830,611

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$11,830,611

Company Credits

Production Co:

KTCA Minneapolis,Kartemquin Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

170 min

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Picked by Entertainment Weekly magazine as one of the "50 Greatest Independent Films" in a special supplement devoted to independent films that was only distributed to subscribers in November 1997.

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Quotes

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

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Crazy Credits

Thanks to Marshall High School and Coach Luther Bedford. This Chicago Public high school is dedicated to academic excellence for all its students. The Hoop Dreams Fund will be used to help Marshall's graduating seniors attend college.

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Connections

Followed by Hoop Dreams Reunion (1995)

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Soundtracks

Turn Off the Radio
Written by Eric Sadler & Ice Cube
Warner-Tamberlane Publishing Corp. (BMI), Your Mother's Music, Inc. (BMI), WB Music Corp. (ASCAP),
Gangsta Boogie Music (ASCAP), Ujama Music (N/S), Strong Island Music (N/S)
Your Mother's Music, Inc. Admin. by Warner-Tamberlane Publishing Corp.
Gangsta Boogie Music admin. by WB Music Corp.

User Reviews

A true testament to the encroaching world of pro sports

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.