Over the span of multiple years, from the playground to the pro court, a pair of childhood friends share a passion for the game – and each other – but learn through the hardships of life that all’s fair in Love & Basketball. In her incredibly assured debut feature, writer / director Gina Prince-Bythewood crafts a finely-detailed drama that goes well beyond typical sports clichés to get to the emotional truth about taking your best shot to make dreams come true. Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps are spectacular in the lead roles, with Alfre Woodard and Dennis Haysbert providing support.
“The most passionate, clear-sighted movie ever made about women in sports.” – Amy Taubin, Village Voice
“It’s in the small touches that this movie comes alive, and it’s rare that directors can pull off this kind of thing.” – Elvis Mitchell, The New York Times
“Stylishly shot and bursting with visual and sexual energy, this is confident black women’s film-making and an eloquent tribute to the girl with the permanently grazed knees – and about time too.” – Geoff Andrew, Time Out
