A film following the lives of two inner-city Chicago boys who struggle to become college basketball players on the road to going professional.A film following the lives of two inner-city Chicago boys who struggle to become college basketball players on the road to going professional.A film following the lives of two inner-city Chicago boys who struggle to become college basketball players on the road to going professional.
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 23 wins & 9 nominations total
Marlyn Hopewell
- Self - High School Guidance Counselor
- (as Sister Marlyn Hopewell)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaAccording to Roger Ebert, after the film failed to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary, he and Gene Siskel learned about the nominating process. He said that members of the Academy's documentary committee held flashlights when they watched documentaries, and anyone who had "given up" could wave it against the screen. The movie was turned off if a majority waved their flashlights. This film was turned off after 15 minutes.
- Quotes
William Gates: That's why when somebody say, "when you get to the NBA, don't forget about me", and that stuff. Well, I should've said to them, "if I don't make it, don't you forget about me."
- Crazy creditsThanks to the St. Joseph High School community and Coach Gene Pingatore who agreed to participate in a not for profit Kartemquin Educational film telling William and Arthur's stories. Today, St. Joseph, with a 39% minority enrollment, remains committed to the dream of a better life for all. Awarding need based financial aid to 40% of its students, St. Joseph with limited resources continues to maintain its academic excellence. A Hoop Dreams Fund has been set up to provide academic scholarships.
- SoundtracksIn This Very Room
Words & Music by Ron & Carol Harris
© 1979 Ron Harris Music (ASCAP)
All Rights Reserved.
All Rights Reserved. International Copyright Secured. Used by Permission.
Featured review
"Hoop Dreams" brilliantly follows multiple parallel stories, bringing the viewer into the lives of two families of inner-city kids looking for a chance at the "big time", their ticket out of the ghetto. Although the main focus is on William Gates and Arthur Agee, their "supporting cast" is equally enthralling. From William's jaded brother Curtis, sublimating his own basketball aspirations to the reality of his blue-collar mailroom job, to Arthur's indomitable mom Sheila, doing the impossible every day as she keeps her troubled family together, there are a thousand reasons to cheer, laugh, cry, and rage packed throughout this amazing, inspirational, cautionary documentary.
By examining not only the players but also their families and environments, we are given a clearer view of their aspirations and motivations, what they plan to achieve and what they wish to avoid.
I will not summarize or elaborate further. If you have not seen this movie, put it on the short list. 9/10.
By examining not only the players but also their families and environments, we are given a clearer view of their aspirations and motivations, what they plan to achieve and what they wish to avoid.
I will not summarize or elaborate further. If you have not seen this movie, put it on the short list. 9/10.
Details
Box office
- Budget
- $700,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $7,830,611
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $18,396
- Oct 16, 1994
- Gross worldwide
- $11,830,611
- Runtime2 hours 50 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
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