Bratsk Basket, Hoop Dreams, 1994, Eng ᴴᴰ

Hoop Dreams brilliantly follows multiple parallel stories, bringing the viewer into the lives of two families of innercity kids looking for a chance at the big time, their ticket out of the ghetto. Although the main focus is on William Gates and Arthur Agee, their supporting cast is equally enthralling. From William s jaded brother Curtis, sublimating his own basketball aspirations to the reality of his bluecollar mailroom job, to Arthur s indomitable mom Sheila, doing the impossible every day as she keeps her troubled family together, there are a thousand reasons to cheer, laugh, cry, and rage packed throughout this amazing, inspirational, cautionary documentary. By examining not only the players but also their families and environments, we are given a clearer view of their aspirations and motivations, what they plan to achieve and what they wish to avoid.