Love & Basketball

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Love & Basketball

PG-13

Released Apr 21, 2000

2h 4m

Romance

Drama

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Popcornmeter

85%

Tomatometer

115 Reviews

95%

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100,000+ Ratings

Monica (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps) are two childhood friends who both aspire to be professional basketball players. Quincy, whose father, Zeke (Dennis Haysbert), plays for the Los Angeles Clippers, is a natural talent and a born leader. Monica is ferociously competitive but sometimes becomes overly emotional on the court. Over the years, the two begin to fall for each other, but their separate paths to basketball stardom threaten to pull them apart.

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Critics Consensus

Confident directing and acting deliver an insightful look at young athletes.

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Eric Harrison

Los Angeles Times

This is Prince-Bythewood's first feature film as both a writer and director, and she shows admirable command of her craft.

Mar 9, 2022

Full Review

Jami Bernard

New York Daily News

he relationship between Monica and Quincy is a treat, making this a great date movie.

Rated: 3.5/4

Mar 9, 2022

Full Review

Ann Hornaday

Baltimore Sun

Gina Prince-Bythewood has taken the conventional coming-of-age romance genre and invigorated it with such vivid characters and such alertness to the culture she's representing, that she makes what might have been derivative into something brand new.

Rated: 3.5/4

Mar 9, 2022

Full Review

Justine Smith

Vague Visages

Love & Basketball transcends the simplicity of just alienation, as it reaches for romantic equality and miraculously achieves it.

Jun 6, 2024

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

If the romantic complications follow a familiar game plan, the film throws a fascinating spotlight onto the contrast between men’s and women’s basketball.

Apr 8, 2023

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Brian Susbielles

InSession Film

Gina Prince-Bythewood wrote and directed this love story starring Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan is about kindling a relationship amongst their affection for the sport both of them excel at which keeps them bound with daily pressures...

Feb 28, 2023

Full Review

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Zackary T

Brilliant film and a beautiful story.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/27/24

Full Review

Christian K

Enjoyed it for the most part but the story feels a little stunted with its presentation, especially the rushed conclusion.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

04/15/24

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Marco C

This movie is flawless

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/22/24

Full Review

KB B

It was good but kind of typical for this genre. I'd probably not want to watch it again. It's worth checking out.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/30/24

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matthias s

"Love & Basketball" is a slam-dunk romance film, intertwining the love story of childhood friends Monica and Quincy with their passion for basketball. Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps deliver compelling performances, and the movie explores themes of ambition and personal growth. While it captivates with relatable characters and emotional depth, occasional plot meandering and underdeveloped subplots hinder the overall experience. Nonetheless, the film's soulful soundtrack adds to its charm. "Love & Basketball" is a heartwarming portrayal of love and dreams, celebrating the thrill of the game while showcasing the intensity of relationships both on and off the court."

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

11/11/23

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Karmen

A beautiful love story about 2 people with a love for basketball. I watched this movie growing up and it's just as good now as it was then.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/13/23

Full Review

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Gina Prince-Bythewood

Director

Sanaa Lathan

Monica Wright

Omar Epps

Quincy McCall

Alfre Woodard

Camille Wright

Dennis Haysbert

Zeke McCall

Debbi Morgan

Nona McCall

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Synopsis

Monica (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps) are two childhood friends who both aspire to be professional basketball players. Quincy, whose father, Zeke (Dennis Haysbert), plays for the Los Angeles Clippers, is a natural talent and a born leader. Monica is ferociously competitive but sometimes becomes overly emotional on the court. Over the years, the two begin to fall for each other, but their separate paths to basketball stardom threaten to pull them apart.

Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Producer: Sam Kitt, Spike Lee
Screenwriter: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Distributor: New Line Cinema
Production Co: 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks
Rating: PG-13 (Sexuality|Language)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 21, 2000, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 1, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA): $27.4M
Runtime: 2h 4m
Sound Mix: Dolby Stereo, DTS, SDDS, Surround, Dolby Digital, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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