Hoop Dreams - Criterion Collection

Starring:William "Pop" Gates, Kevin O'Neill, Earl Smith, Isiah Thomas, Dick Vitale, Bobby Knight, Spike Lee, Arthur Agee, Sheila Agee, Emma Gates, Gene Pingatore
Director: Steve James
Studio: Criterion
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com essential video
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
Description
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.

Hoop Dreams - Criterion Collection
Average customer rating:

Safe and timely delivery

one of the best documentaries I have seen.......

Where are they now?

REAL DREAMS OF BASKETBALL HOPEFULS

Criterion Collection - Missing Something!!!

Hoop Dreams - Criterion Collection

Manufacturer: Criterion
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Product Features:

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

ASIN: B0007WFYBG
Release Date: 2005-05-10

Amazon.com essential video

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

Product Description

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.

Customer Reviews:

Safe and timely delivery.......2007-05-17

This product arrived quickly and in very good condition. I was happy with the product. This is a very reliable source to order from and I would feel comfortable in ordering again.

one of the best documentaries I have seen..............2007-02-25

I first saw HOOP DREAMS, in its glory, in the movie theatre, when it was released some thirteen years ago. This film follows the lives of two extraordinarily gifted basketball players, Arthur Agee Jr. and William Gates. Both young men are from the Cabrini Green Housing Projects of Washington DC, one of the roughest, toughest neighborhoods on the East Coast. On a daily basis, Arthur and William must face and deal with major curveballs that life throws their way, all the while keeping their heads up in the pursuit of their hoop dreams. The film starts with them, as fourteen year old boys, and ends with them as they start their college careers.

What makes this film so beautiful, and why it stands out for me, is due to the fact that you don't have to be a baskbetball fan (or even a sports fan) to find William and Arthur's stories compelling. These young men must overcome incredible odds just to keep their focus on basketball strong. While Arthur's father (Arthur Sr.) is in and out of jail, due to drug related incidents, William's mother (who refers to William as her "Little Man") must raise her children, as a single mother, on welfare, all the while aspiring to get a certification in nursing. We really feel that we come to know these marvelous young men over the course of the film. It was a privilige, for me, that the director made this experience so intimate, for us, the viewers. What's more, the dreams of Arthur and William are bright spots in a truly bleak existence that they must face on a daily basis. You will be cheering them on, from the opening credits, up until the very end. Truly one of the most beautiful documentaries I have ever seen......

Where are they now?.......2007-01-11

HOOP DREAMS
Arthur Agee, William Gates, Isiah Thomas, 1994

Synopsis
Documentary, by three film makers who closely followed the lives of two inner city black boys from the age of 14 to 21. The two intensely athletic boys both have the dream of one day making it to the NBA (National Basketball Association).

My Review
The best film about American life I have ever seen. It took seven years to make this film. The reality of this film is brilliant as it captures all the elements of hope, determination, success, disappointment and love that the two boys and their families and friends face during this developmental time. Magnificent and marvelous.

** Updates:

In December 2004, Bo Agee, father of Arthur Agee, was shot and killed in the garage located behind his house.

Arthur's mother, Sheila, was so devastated by her husband's murder that she moved to her hometown of Birmingham, Alabama.

Arthur Agee has four children born out of wedlock to different mothers. He attended Arkansas State University, then later spent several years with some professional minor leagues. He then created the Arthur Agee Role Model Foundation, and currently pitches himself as a motivational speaker.

Curtis Gates, the older brother of William Gates, the film's other protagonist, was killed in a carjacking in September 2001.

William Gates, graduated from Marquette University in Wisconsin and became an ordained minister and runs the Living Faith ministry in the Chicago project where he grew up. He also has four children.

REAL DREAMS OF BASKETBALL HOPEFULS.......2006-09-10

I love this movie. It's a true look at what is really going on for two young kids trying to do something with a talent God has given them. A up and down look at a journey thats isn't always as easy as some NBA players make it seem to be. A real look at how it takes more than just good stats to make it in a Big Man's Game.

Every person whom ever told me their child's dream was to play in any sports for a living, I have told them to check out this movie if they are serious.

This is a well put together movie, and worth the money, and it actually is pretty timeless. Even after 10 years, it still hold truths that is real for everyone who thinks they have the next 'MICHAEL JORDAN' in their home.

I truly believe every high school coach should make this movie a requirement, but more importantly, every parent should make it their personal goal for their child to see a 'real life' situation of the ups and down and far and near of dreams of becoming Pro.

Criterion Collection - Missing Something!!!.......2006-06-19

My family has ownd the Hoops Dreams VHS for quite sometime and we were thrilled to hear that it would be coming out on DVD. We purchased the Criterion collection and watched the story as attentively as we did the first time. We are heavily involved in youth sports, including AAU basketball. We have even give the VHS to several kids as gifts. This movie has a message that allows kids to learn by example. Those hoop dreams are fun to have but in reality, there are so few who ever make it to the NBA. This documentary shows kids that working hard on the court can guarantee a free private high school education and then a college education. It's not always about getting to the NBA.

I was disappointed that we didn't get to see the older Arthur Agee and William Gates. Why did the producers settle for an audio commentary? Too bad the viewer was not reunited with them and their families in person. I felt cheated. It would have been great to see video of Arthur do his "Slam Ball" thing or maybe see William in some video giving an inspiring message to a congregation. Viewers were invited into their homes over the course of several years and now it feels like they are talking to us behind a closed door. Producers, please bring them back one day.

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