Love and Basketball (New Line Platinum Series)

The story is pointedly set in the late 1980s, years before the establishment of the WNBA, so Monica's prospects for pro ball lie exclusively in Europe, while Quincy steps into the pros at home. It's a pleasure to see a character as passionate and fully developed as Monica, and Lathan gives a fiery portrayal (she had never played ball before the film, but you'd never tell from her performance). Prince-Bythewood favors her struggle over Quincy's and opens our eyes to her unique challenges with a sharp, savvy contrast. Alfre Woodard costars as Monica's harping mom (always trying to get her to be more ladylike) and Dennis Haysbert is Quincy's philandering father. Hoops fan Spike Lee produced. --Sean Axmaker

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!


SWISH!!! THIS MOVIE IS A WINNER...   March 11, 2001
 18 out of 19 found this review helpful

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.


Women and Basketball   August 23, 2000
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

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.


Basketball and more....   September 23, 2000
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

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.


Excellent Movie-Excellent DVD package   November 11, 2000
 9 out of 11 found this review helpful

I didnt see this film at the theatre, however it was one that I wanted to. I was just too lazy and didnt take the time to see it. However, I did pre-order, and I couldnt wait to see it. As a big fan of African American romance on film (my favorite Love Jones, shot in my home, Chi-town), this movie really moved me. The characters were so real, and you cared what happened to each of them. Right now, Im in love with Sanaa Lathan, and what man wouldnt be, after watching this film? She did an excellent job, as did Omar. The chemistry was unreal, or I should say, too real. When she loses the basketball game against Omar, for a split second, I felt MY heart break. There are few films where the love scenes have a real effect on my heart. This is one of the few. We need more movies like this for African Americans. The DVD package is great. They've offered so much more than the film here, with the DVD ROM stuff to the blooper reel and deleted scenes, which were all great to watch. I couldnt get enough of this film, if I could give it 10 stars, I would.