Watch Love and Basketball

Love and Basketball is a 2000 American romantic drama sports film directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. It stars Sanaa Lathan as Monica Wright and Omar Epps as Quincy McCall, two young basketball players with dreams of playing professionally. The film also features Glenndon Chatman as their mutual childhood friend and third wheel in their love triangle.

The movie follows Monica and Quincy as they grow up next door to each other and develop their basketball skills side by side. They both dream of playing in the NBA one day. Although they have very different personalities, they share a strong passion for the game that unites them. As they enter adulthood, however, their paths diverge. Quincy becomes a star player on his high school team and earns a full basketball scholarship to the University of Southern California. Meanwhile, Monica struggles to gain recognition despite being just as talented as he is. Tensions rise as their relationship becomes romantic, leading to their relationship being strained.

The film also explores the themes of love, race, gender, and class. It shows how men and women experience both love and basketball differently. Monica and Quincy's love story is unconventional and complicated, a reflection of the issues that arise when two individuals pursue their dreams of becoming professional athletes.

The movie takes place over several years and spans four quarters, mirroring the structure of a basketball game. It has a nostalgic feel as it captures the essence of the 80s and 90s in the US, from the music to the clothing. The soundtrack is a mix of classic R&B and hip hop from that era, adding to the overall ambiance of the movie.

What makes Love and Basketball so special is the way it balances different storylines and motifs. It is a coming-of-age story that also tackles heavy themes like gender inequality, racial prejudice and the pressures of sports media. The film is a quintessential triumph for a film maker's first feature-length project, especially since Prince-Bythewood both wrote and directed the film.

Overall, Love and Basketball is a marriage of sports and romance that presents a charming and honest portrayal of black youth's experiences, as they chase their passions while trying to navigate the world as black individuals. It's a tale of never giving up on your dreams, no matter the challenges along the way.

In conclusion, Love and Basketball is a heartfelt and authentic movie that resonates with audiences, especially people who grew up in the 80s and 90s. It's a love story, a sports story, a coming-of-age narrative, all rolled into one. Prince-Bythewood has captured something incredible in her debut film, and it is a must-watch for anyone that loves a unique blend of romance and sports.

Love and Basketball is a 2000 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 72.