• From the playground to the pro leagues, Monica and Quincy taught each other how to play the game. Now, their commitment to the sport will force them to make a choice between each other and the game.between family and team.between Love and BasketballRunning Time: 127 min. System Requirements: Starring: Omar Epps, Debbi Morgan, Sanaa Lathan, Harry J. Lennix, and Alfre Woodard. Directed by Gi

From the playground to the pro leagues, Monica and Quincy taught each other how to play the game. Now, their commitment to the sport will force them to make a choice between each other and the game...between family and team...between Love and Basketball.

Love & Basketball is definitely one of my all-time favorite films. It seemed so realistic as if it was a true story, and I myself being a USC graduate and former Trojan athlete from the area the film is set in can attest that the film is very realistic and true to the story being told. This film is about the true undying love of two things: the love of basketball which sees both characters in their pre-teen days on the basketball court to their days of both being professional basketball players in the hometown. It's also about the true love between a man and a woman that had to evolve and elevate just like their basketball skills had to succeed. "All is fair in love and basketball"!

The DVD version of this film is a true treasure. I love every bit of it and it gives the viewer their money's worth. The producers of this DVD out did their self with giving the view a whole complete vision of what they expressed on the screen. The two original documentaries: "The Rise Of Female Athletes" and "The Portrayal Of African-American Women By The American Media" are outstanding and really conveys the point of view the writer/director Gina Prince-Bythewood experienced herself as a basketball player. Plus, the deleted scenes and bloopers, three feature length commentaries, storyboards, and music video of Lucy Pearl's hit are a treat! One thing I truly loved as a screen writer was the whole screen play of the film on the DVD. This not only helped me understand the film more, but also helped me as a screen writer as well.

Love & Basketball is definitely a classic! I loved this film when I first saw it, and I still love it today, maybe even more because of the outstanding DVD version of it. This film makes you believe in the power of Love and Basketball!

24 of 25 found the following review helpful:


SWISH!!! THIS MOVIE IS A WINNER...  Mar 11, 2001 By Lawyeraau
I bought this DVD for my daughter who happens to play Division 1 college basketball. I didn't know anything about it, other than it was a love story between two basketball players. When I watched the film, I was completely blown away by it. It is one terrific, quality movie. The director outdid herself, as did the actors, with strong performances from the entire cast.

It is, as the director suggests, a love story with basketball as a backdrop. Two kids, one boy, one girl, meet when the girl, Monica, moves next door to the boy, Quincy. They are about ten years old and both play basketball with a passion. They grow up together and both play basketball in high school. In their senior year, they realize that they are in love and they give themselves to each other, heart and soul.

They are fortunate enough to be recruited to play for the same college, but the contrast between their respective reception is telling. They both do their best and are passionate about basket ball and each other. There comes a time, however, when their love is tested, and they are pulled apart by forces which they lack the maturity to understand. What follows is a test of their love and commitment.

This is a beautifully told love story. The depth of passion that the two main characters have, both for basketball and for each other, is palpable throughout the entire film. The movie is engrossing at all times and is wonderfully directed.

The DVD itself has a plethora of features, including an absorbing documentary of successful women from all walks of life who have managed to break the glass ceiling. This is certainly a DVD well worth having.

11 of 11 found the following review helpful:


Surprising & emotional, Love & Basketball definitely scores.  Jul 10, 2001 By Hannibal
Quite surprisingly, the Spike Lee-produced released Love & Basketball is an excellent film. It may have a note of corniness during some scenes, but that doesn't stop it from being one of the best sleeper hits of 2000. The film's drama is great and the romance has brilliant chemistry and all the elements stick nicely together thanks to the acting - particularly from amazing newcomer Sanaa Lathan - and Gina Price's clean direction. The scenes I thought were particularly nail-biting were the basketball matches between the two lead characters, the final one-on-one is tense and unpredictable. Also seeing Monica's (Lathan) thoughts when playing basketball was clever and original. All the characters have a good-bad side them, you relate to them, which make these similar but totally different (you'll understand after viewing) creations the best about the film. Come to think of it, this movie shouldn't have the title Love & Basketball. It should have the title Love, Basketball, Family, Gender Roles, Sex, Cheating... and so forth and so forth. This movie deals with so many things in such a great style that the viewer should know just how great its going to be so they don't get literally blown away! A definite recommendation.

7 of 7 found the following review helpful:


Women and Basketball  Aug 23, 2000 By Pamela D. Grant
This is an extraordinary movie. If you think women do not know how to play tough, then you really need to watch this movie. Love and Basketball is an excellent portaryl of how women can deal with love, a broken heart, family issues, peer pressure and still make a living and play the game of basketball with all heart. I recommend the purchase of this DVD to all basketball fans and to those who love a good love story.

6 of 6 found the following review helpful:


Basketball and more....  Sep 23, 2000 By Michelle
I began my athletic career at the ripe old age of five, and haven't looked back. This movie made me cry, it made me remember my hoop days of high school and college, and it made me appreciate the experiences I had as a baller. This movie accomplished more for explaining the trials and inequality of being a female athlete than anything I've ever seen. And to top it off, they added in a beautiful love story. I would recommend this movie for female athletes (it "feels" us!) and any other person who's never really "gotten" the sports vibe...maybe this will help.

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