This is essentially the best documentary film ever made. Notice how completely it exhibits the lives of two young star athletes, Arthur Agee and William Gates, including most every basketball game and practice they have between their ninth and twelfth grades. In the film, you see them age, and from the first second each is introduced both exhibit a blinding desire to become a professional NBA player, with a paycheck that will support their families (each has members whose NBA dreams have failed). Watching Arthur and William play, you become invested in their shared dream; you want to see them succeed, and you are affected by every single trial that threatens them and their families. Hoop Dreams evolves in a manner few films can and have, and it is as affecting as any film I have seen.
by Rumsey Taylor | Source: The Criterion Collection DVD
08 Jun 2005 2:05 PM | Submit Comment