On the Line: The Richard Williams Story

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On the Line: The Richard Williams Story

2022

1h 33m

Documentary

Biography

Sports

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2 Reviews

100%

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

Told in his own words using interviews spanning from the 1980s through now, father and tennis coach Richard Williams retraces his family's journey from the courts in Compton to the grass at Wimbledon, defying every custom of the lily-white tennis establishment and fighting back against a system of oppression to raise two of the greatest champions in history -- Venus and Serena Williams.

Lisa Kennedy

Variety

In this thoughtful documentary, Richard Williams shares his journey from Shreveport, La., to becoming the most famous sports parent.

Jul 19, 2022

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Amber Wilkinson

Eye for Film

Something is gained from the presence of Richard himself, who has a vulnerability about him that you might not expect from a man who refused to be cowed by a largely middle-class, white establishment that stood in the way of his girls’ rise to fame.

Rated: 4/5

Jun 30, 2023

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jedrulez2k

The film captures the complexity of Richard William by highlighting his hopeful, inspiring, and (at times) troubling relentlessness. Truly a unique and heartwarming view into Richard and the amazing story of the Williams family.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/24/23

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Rhys R

A profound and enlightening biography of an unsung legend. This film deftly explores race, class, and family through one man's journey to prove his impossible dream.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/26/23

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Dele V

Finally a documentary about Richard Williams, the force behind the incredible Venus & Serena. Facts not fiction, this film delves into Richard's past which helped form the desire for his children to succeed despite facing the odds. I learned things about the difficulties he faced & was touched by the "humanity" of the film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/21/23

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Kadri K

In many ways this film is more about race in America than about tennis. This being said, the documentary explores the history and politics of tennis and ultimately shows what it takes to become the best of the best.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/21/23

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Liisi

Cannot recommend this movie enough. Poignant and beautifully filmed. This adds a new fascinating layer to the Williams' story.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/20/23

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Henry G

For a freshman director, Stuart has brought subtle nuance and edification to a vastly maligned father figure and coach. Venus and Serena undeniably possess inherent talent, but Richard -- his motives made clear in the opening 10 minutes of the film -- became hellbent on helping them realize their abilities with the goal of making all of them stars. Richard has been maligned, rightly or wrongly, and is done justice as a passionate and supportive father in this film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/20/23

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Stuart McClave

Director

Richard Williams

Self

Billie Jean King

Self

Pam Shriver

Self

Brad Gilbert

Self

Katrina Adams

Self

On the Line: The Richard Williams Story: Trailer 1

1:18

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Synopsis

Told in his own words using interviews spanning from the 1980s through now, father and tennis coach Richard Williams retraces his family's journey from the courts in Compton to the grass at Wimbledon, defying every custom of the lily-white tennis establishment and fighting back against a system of oppression to raise two of the greatest champions in history -- Venus and Serena Williams.

Director: Stuart McClave
Producer: Chavoita LeSane, Stuart McClave, Duncan Montgomery, Gary Ousdahl, Jack Selby
Screenwriter: Stuart McClave
Production Co: ChaVam Entertainment, McClave Lumber Company, Fremantle, Foundation, High Frequency Entertainment, Bright West Entertainment
Genre: Documentary, Biography, Sports
Original Language: English
Runtime: 1h 33m

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