Hoop Dreams (1994) is a documentary directed by Steve James about two African American teenagers named William Gates and Arthur Agee and their journey to make it to the NBA. Both boys, from inner-city Chicago, get accepted to St. Josephs High School which is the former school of their idol Isaiah Thomas. As the film progresses, the boys mature and go on to college still chasing their “hoop dreams”. We witness struggles with academics and family, along with excitement and accomplishments. Hoop Dreams illustrates social, economical and cultural issues in America realistically, and shows the true life of inner-city boys. By the end, the boys find that playing basketball isn’t everything they want to do. It’s a very real story that displays real hard work and dedication from these two boys; there is no “sugar-coating” how the boys’ made teams and got scholarships. Steve James goes deep to get information by doing interviews with family, coaches, teachers and friends, and follows both boys for five years. He gets personal, which makes this documentary a success!
megradisa 
Leave a comment