The surprise element here is that the film takes Monica's career, and her love of the game, as seriously, probably more seriously, than it does Quincy's.
Love and Basketball (2000)
Runtime: 2 hrs 7 mins
Synopsis: LOVE AND BASKETBALL is the powerful story of two next-door neighbors in Los Angeles who grow up loving basketball and, eventually, each other. Monica (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps) have wanted to be basketball stars since they were kids. Monica has had to work hard to establish herself... LOVE AND BASKETBALL is the powerful story of two next-door neighbors in Los Angeles who grow up loving basketball and, eventually, each other. Monica (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps) have wanted to be basketball stars since they were kids. Monica has had to work hard to establish herself as a presence, while Quincy was born with natural star potential. As the two struggle to reach their goals of playing professionally, they must also deal with their feelings for each other. [More]
Genre: Dramas
Starring: Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Alfre Woodard, Dennis Haysbert, Debbi Morgan
Screenwriter: Gina Prince-Blythewood
Producer: Sam Kitt, Spike Lee
Composer: Terence Blanchard
DVD Info
Release:
May 2, 2008
DVD Features:
- O-Sleeve
- Anamorphic Widescreen
Audio:
- Dolby Surround 5.1 - English
- Dolby Surround 2.0 - English
Additional Release Material:
- Audio Commentary - Gina Prince-Bythewood - Director; Sanaa Lathan - Actor
- Blooper Reel
- Deleted Scenes
- Documentary - 1. Breaking the Glass Ceiling - The Rise and Acceptance of Women Competitors
Text/Photo Galleries:
- Animated Storyboards
Additional Product:
- Music Soundtrack CD
Reviews
Stylishly shot and bursting with visual and sexual energy, this is confident black women's film-making and an eloquent tribute to the girl with the permanently grazed knees -- and about time too.
It's a fine example of a conventionally made picture which follows all the rules yet still emerges as fresh and original.
This film does at least feature superior acting and a solid script.
A little treat of a tale that is exciting, touching and even moving.
This romantic drama from writer-director Gina Prince-Bythewood is well-acted.
Told largely from the point of view of the woman, this career-versus-love story still develops the perspective of the man persuasively, as Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps reveal their characters' motives with nuances of expression that transcend the dialogue.
The pic is so well directed and lead performance by Sanaa Lathan so charismatic that audiences will overlook the script's flaws and root for the central duo.
Thanks to Spike Lee's production company for giving a talented newcomer a good start.
Mawkishly heartfelt, but actress Sanaa Lathan performs as if she were lit from within.
An unusual but engaging mix of the overwrought and the understated, a picture that, at two hours plus, keeps threatening to overstay its welcome and yet always pulls us back into its conversational orbit.
Prince-Bythewood, a first-time feature filmmaker out of UCLA's film school, tells a story that is at once warm and heartfelt -- and often funny as well.
The chemistry between the two stars is exactly right. They are entirely believable as friends, as rivals and as lovers -- a tricky combination for any acting pair.
The humor is terrific, the cinematography has a burnished glow, and the score is lush.
The most passionate, clear-sighted movie ever made about women in sports.
Love and Basketball never really reconciles the two elements of its title and ultimately basketball is forced to take a backseat to love.
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