Love & Basketball

Plot

In 1981 in L.A., Monica moves in next door to Quincy. They're 11, and both want to play in the NBA…

Release Year: 2000

Rating: 6.7/10 (7,196 voted)

Critic's Score: 70/100

Director:
Gina Prince-Bythewood

Stars: Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Glenndon Chatman

Storyline
In 1981 in L.A., Monica moves in next door to Quincy. They're 11, and both want to play in the NBA, just like Quincy's dad. Their love-hate relationship lasts into high school, with Monica's edge and Quincy's top-dog attitude separating them, except when Quincy's parents argue and he climbs through Monica's window to sleep on the floor. As high school ends, they come together as a couple, but within a year, with both of them playing ball at USC, Quincy's relationship with his father takes an ugly turn, and it leads to a break up with Monica. Some years later, their pro careers at a crossroads, they meet again. It's time for a final game of one-on-one with high stakes.

Cast:

Glenndon Chatman
–

Young Quincy

Jess Willard
–

Jamal

Chris Warren Jr.
–

Kelvin

Kyla Pratt
–

Young Monica

Alfre Woodard
–

Camille Wright

Naykia Harris
–

Young Lena

Harry Lennix
–

Nathan Wright

Debbi Morgan
–

Nona McCall

Dennis Haysbert
–

Zeke McCall

Sanaa Lathan
–

Monica Wright

Omar Epps
–

Quincy McCall

Colleen Matsuhara
–

UCLA Coach

Al Foster
–

Coach Hiserman

Nathaniel Bellamy Jr.
–

Highschool Referee #1

(as Nathaniel Bellamy)

Regina Hall
–

Lena Wright

Taglines:
A story of the passion it takes to keep your dreams alive.

Release Date: 21 April 2000

Filming Locations: Barcelona, Cataluña, Spain

Box Office Details

Budget: $15,000,000

(estimated)

Opening Weekend: $8,139,180
(USA)
(23 April 2000)
(1237 Screens)

Gross: $27,441,122
(USA)
(13 August 2000)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

124 min

Goofs:

Miscellaneous:
During the final one-on-one basketball scene there is a point where both Monica and Quincy have the ball in the same shot.

Quotes:

Quincy:
If basketball is all you care about, why you bonin' me? Why don't you bone Dick Vital?

User Review

love & basketball & family & gender roles &…

Rating:

I was watching a Lakers games when I first saw a commercial for Love &
Basketball, so naturally it was comprised of mostly basketball action and a
snippet of an adult version of the b-ball game HORSE. I thought, "oh, cute
movie about a guy and girl who play basketball and get together". Not
exactly earth-shattering, I thought, but cute. So imagine my surprise when
I saw the film start like a cute movie but then evolve. And deepen. And
bloom. I laughed, I sat on the edge of my seat in anticipation, and I
swear
I almost cried. A "cute" movie? This film had levels I hadn't dreamed of
and spoke to so much more than just sex and basketball, and yet all of it
was held together cohesively by the love affair and the commitment to the
sport. I was thoroughly impressed by the performances all around and by
Ms.
Prince-Blythewood's unerring writing and direction. A definite
recommendation.