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
Lawyeraau (Balmoral Castle)
24 out of 26 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.


Don't Be Fooled By The Cheesy Trailors   September 21, 2001
ANDY COLE (Usa)
20 out of 20 found this review helpful

First off the trailor made me not want to see this at first as it made me think i was watching a mushy love story/sport's film.This movie is so much more than that . First off Sanaa Lathan give's a oscarworthy performance as a girl basketball player even though in real life she is a short cute little barbie girl .Although Epps performance doesn't stand up to hers he is still plausable and clearly has good chemistry with his female lead.Any how i like how this movie shows the differences in how guy and girls basketball players get treated and I also like that they used a lot of real players in this movie and I didn't even know there were until i heard the directors commentary .Everything works here great music ,great performances from even the supporting charecters which is truly underappreaciated in films today ,I wish there was more scene's with alfre woodard who played sanna's mom as there relationship should have been explored more . Anyhow this is a great movie for anyone black/white old/young male/female . A true winner which is hard to find in any hollywood film these days


Incredible Film Totally Blown Away   December 9, 2000
10 out of 13 found this review helpful

A must see! I must say that L&B is one of the best love stories I have ever seen, and for that matter one of the best movies I have ever seen. The insight and parallel between being successful on the court and successful with your heart is clearly driven home by the director Gina Prince-Blythwood. The director's attention to detail I found very captivating. Thanks to the director for potraying the 60% Afrian Americans who are middle class or upper middle class for a change. Omar Epps gives his usual A-Game performance. Clearly sometimes one of the often overlooked talents in Hollywood. And quiet frankly (no offense to the caucasian audience) but if Sanaa Lathan had been white she would be up for an Oscar Nomination, the depth of her ability to potray a female basketball player never having picked up a basketball before the sundance film festival reading is simply astounding. Sanaa's acting ability that delivers the emotional heart tugging throughout the film can not be overstated. Sanaa and Omar's chemistry was a true bonus for the movie. Thanks to Spike Lee and 40Acres for recognizing a true gem of a script. I hope their are more drama's in the works for the African American audiences. If you haven't seen this movie yet don't even bother renting it, purchase the DVD or VHS it is well worth it for $20 or less.


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.