# Hoop Dreams (1994)

> Two Chicago teenagers chase basketball scholarships while the pressures of race, class, education, family, and injury test what their professional dreams can withstand.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/movie/8421

## Facts

- Runtime: 174 min
- Genres: Documentary
- Director: Steve James
- Cast: William Gates, Arthur Agee, Gene Pingatore, Steve James, Dick Vitale, Bobby Knight, Spike Lee, Isiah Thomas
- TMDB rating: 7.6/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110057/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: measured
- Intensity: strong
- Complexity: layered
- Violence: none
- Mood: inspiring, heartbreaking, intimate, sports movie night, documentary deep dive

## Synopsis

A poignant exploration of dreams and struggles on the basketball court.

## Movies like Hoop Dreams

- [Beats (2019)](https://ember.film/movie/423402)
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- [White Men Can't Jump (1992)](https://ember.film/movie/5270)
- [Coach Carter (2005)](https://ember.film/movie/3752)
- [Cooley High (1975)](https://ember.film/movie/22122)
- [More than a Game (2008)](https://ember.film/movie/20820)
- [Minding the Gap (2018)](https://ember.film/movie/336509)
- [Above the Rim (1994)](https://ember.film/movie/11547)
- [Undefeated (2011)](https://ember.film/movie/58617)
- [He Got Game (1998)](https://ember.film/movie/4656)

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