Details
Movie Description
One need not have any interest in basketball to be moved by Ward Serrill's incredibly moving, hypnotically riveting documentary. A HOOP DREAMS-style story transposed onto females in middle-class Seattle, THE HEART OF THE GAME follows a high school basketball team's trials and tribulations over six years. Though it follows a team, the film is ultimately the story of two unique, courageous, very different individuals--coach Bill Resler and star point guard Darnellia Russell. Resler, who has very little experience as a coach, has given up his career as a University of Washington economics professor to help out the Roosevelt Roughriders and their struggle to win the coveted state championship. Resler proves a brilliant and unorthodox coach, with an almost metaphysical approach to athletic leadership. Along the way there are setbacks of all sorts, not least of which is the race and class barrier between the poor, African-American Darnellia and her paler, richer teammates. With seamless editing, powerful characters and multiple subplots, Serrill's film unfolds like a great epic. And adding to the tale's innate drama is some excellent basketball footage, which should prove compelling even to those without an athletic bone in his or her body. Rousing and complex, THE HEART OF THE GAME is documentary at its most powerful and spirited. Award-winning musician Ludacris narrates.
Industry Reviews
"An exhilarating story of loyalty and perseverance....[The film] succeeds as both inspiration and social commentary."
Los Angeles Times - Kevin Crust (06/09/2006)
"Ms. Russell is a prodigy on the court and has all the makings of a classic sports hero."
New York Times - Manohla Dargis (06/09/2006)
3 stars out of 4 -- "There's no denying the exuberant energy and emotional force of this movie. It gets you."
Rolling Stone - Peter Travers (06/29/2006)
4 stars out of 5 -- "[Y]ou'll be smiling and happy as you leave THE HEART OF THE GAME, with a newfound respect for girls' basketball and those who play it."
Box Office - Tim Cogshell (08/01/2006)
4 stars out of 5 -- "[E]ngrossing....Give it a shot...and you'll be bouncing all the way home."
Total Film - Neil Smith (02/01/2007)
"Resler is an absolute goldmine of inspirational soundbites..."
Sight and Sound - Gilda Williams (02/01/2007)
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