- Classic DVD
- Exclusive interviews, highlights, and behind the scenes coverage
- DVD’s main menu allow you to jump directly to the action
- Presented in full-screen digital video
Two ordinary inner-city kids dare to dream the impossible – professional basketball glory – in this epic chronicle of hope and faith. Filmed over a five-year period, Hoop Dreams follows young Arthur Agee and William Gates as they navigate the complex, competitive world of scholastic athletics while striving to overcome the intense pressures of family life and the realities of their Chicago streets. The Criterion Collection is proud to present this landmark documentary chronicling two remarkable families who challenge the American dream.This completely absorbing three-hour documentary follows the lives of two inner-city African American teenage basketball prodigies as they move through high school with long-shot dreams of the NBA, superstardom, and an escape from the ghetto. Taking cues from such works as Michael Apted’s 35 Up, director Steve James and associates shot more than 250 hours of footage, spanning more than six years, and their completed work actually moves like an edge-of-the-seat drama, so brimming with tension, plot twists, successes, and tragedies that its length–170 minutes–is never an issue. Yet, what makes the film more impressive is how James moves his scope beyond a competitive sports drama (although the movie has plenty of terrific, nail-biting basketball footage) and addresses complex social issues, creating a scathing social commentary about class privilege and racial division. The film opens by introducing William Gates and Arthur Agee, two Chicago hopefuls, as they are being courted and recruited by various high schools to play ball, and continues until the pair are college freshmen. James allows the audience the experience of not only watching their journeys and daily routines (it’s a sobering portrait of inner-city life), but also witnessing their maturation. Each takes a separate path along the way, stumbling over several obstacles (William suffers injuries, Arthur fails to meet his coach’s high expectations); but James takes particular care to stress the importance and strong commitment of each character’s family along the way, giving the film a essential center. The parents and siblings emerge with as much depth and complexity as the two main “characters,” and turn Hoop Dreams into an unforgettable film experience. –Dave McCoy
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March 23, 2008
#1
we saw this movie in Gym class and it is the worest movie any one has ever seen
March 23, 2008
#2
What a snooze. A three hour documentary about kids goals of becoming professional basketball players.The subject matter might have worked for an hour long film, but at three hours this is strictly for die hard basketball fans ONLY!
March 23, 2008
#3
This film follows the lives of two inner city kids who aspire to play basketball in the NBA. All of the hopes and dreams of the youngsters and their failures and succeses are monitored. From young kids to young men, the harsh realities of growing up in the inner city are also shown.
The two main things that bother me about this documentary is that it was too long and narrowly focused. Two hours would have been more than sufficient espeicially for only two people. The extra time diminished the value of the film for me. I also think the film is too narrowly focused because there are only two subjects. The director could have selected 5 or maybe 7 subjects from the different cities to give more of a perspective.
I won’t spoil the film, but I must say that nothing extrodinary happens. Both subjects seem content (one of them more than the other) with their lots in life however.
For those interested in seeing an excellent documentary series which follows the lives of people very well though different stages of life, see Micheal Apted’s “Up” series.
March 23, 2008
#4
Hoop Dreams is a Video that basically talks about two boys and their dream to go to the N.B.A. Toward the middle of the video, the boys get a letter in the mail that said, “Coach Floyd’s basketball camp, cost fifty dollars.” The boys got real excited because they were saving up some money to buy the new Michael Jordan shoes when they came out. They went and got permission from their parents and then got real excited and prepared, but it was not going to be what they expected. When they got there, they got into lots of trouble. My favorite part is where they beat a couple of bullies in a two-on-two game. The only reason they did not get kicked out is because they were so good at basketball. Overall this is a great book especially for basketball lovers. It has great actions like when they beat the bullies in a game and it seems realistic like how tired they get and how intense some of the games get. You basketball lovers out there should see this video today….
March 23, 2008
#5
If your looking for the perfect book, Hoop Dreams is it. Hoop Dreams shows you how hard work and effort can let you fullfil your dreams. This book could change your life if your an open minded person. Hoop Dreams will give you a sense of pride and commitment. I strongly recommend reading this novel, so you can experience its greatness.