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Hoosiers

Starring: Gene Hackman
Director: David Anspaugh
Genre: Drama
Year: 1986
Rating: 5 / 5

When fans hold any discussion about the greatest sports movie ever made, Hoosiers invariably pops up at some point in the discussion. Sure, people are bound to mention the likes of Raging Bull, The Natural, and Bull Durham, but Hoosiers stands proudly by their side. In the mind of this fan and others, it even stands above all of these other worthy contenders. This particular film, inspired by the true story of a small Indiana high school that marched to the state championship in the 1950s, is in a class all by itself. For its compelling characters, its exciting basketball sequences, and the numerous moments that still give me tingles, Hoosiers is a cinematic classic.

Coach Norman Dale (Gene Hackman) is running from his past, eager for one more chance to do what he loves best – coach basketball. His final opportunity comes courtesy of his old friend Cletus, who is looking to replace Hickory High’s late basketball coach. As soon as he arrives, Dale serves notice that his basketball program is going to be different than anything the small Indiana town has ever seen. Preaching about “fundamentals and defense,” Dale is determined to build his basketball team the right way. Even with local star Jimmy Chitwood sitting on the sidelines, Dale sets about teaching his methods. As the losses begin piling up, players begin questioning their coach, and the townsfolk grow restless, the pressure begins to mount for Coach Dale.

A beacon of light comes in the form of Jimmy’s decision to the return to the team – provided the town retain Coach Dale. With Jimmy aboard, the team starts to roll, piling up victories on the way to the postseason. While instructing his kids on how to be better ballplayers and better people, Dale also lends a hand to Shooter (Dennis Hopper), the alcoholic father of one of his players. He even finds time to spar with Myra Fleener (Barbara Hershey), the overprotective guardian of Jimmy Chitwood. These take a backseat to the action on the court, however, as Hickory High keeps taking steps closer to the state championship. When they finally get there, matching up against a state powerhouse in a gym larger than anything the boys have ever seen, the real fun begins.

Hoosiers is still a pop culture phenomenon nearly twenty years after its release. Questions that have beguiled ardent fans for years still creep into casual conversation here and there. How many points did Jimmy actually score in the state championship game? How did Buddy end up back on the basketball team? Do any members of the starting five ever come out of a game until the playoffs? Hoosiers also features of bevy of character names unlikely to appear in any other film – specifically high school stars Rade, Whit, and Strap. It even features the sort of retro uniforms that might not have seemed out of place in 1951 or 1986, but which certainly seem dated now. Most of all, though, Hoosiers is the sort of movie that can enjoyed by generations of fans.

Cast:

Certification: Rated PG.
Running Time: 115 minutes.

Additional Info: Internet Movie Database
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