The Heart of the Game

2005 PG-13 1h 43m DVD

The Heart of the Game

2005 PG-13 1h 43m DVD
  • Overview
  • Details
Attending predominantly white Roosevelt High because her mother thinks she'll have better opportunities under the school's successful coach, gifted black hoopster Darnellia Russell puts herself -- and her coach -- through the wringer. Shot in a suburban Seattle high school over a seven-year period, director Ward Serrill's stirring documentary explores the complicated relationship between gender, race and organized sports.
Cast
Darnellia Russell, Bill Resler, Joyce Walker, Ludacris
Director
Ward Serrill
Format
DVD
Screen
Widescreen 1.85:1
Subtitles
French
CC
No
Audio
English: Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish (Neutral): Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
Rating
PG-13 - Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. Parents are urged to be cautious. Some material may be inappropriate for pre-teenagers.
age 12+
Common Sense rating OK for kids 12+

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age 12+

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this documentary includes images of high school basketballers devoted to becoming a nationally ranked team: The girls are occasionally roughed up on the court and rebellious against their hard-driving coach. One girl reveals she was sexually abused by an individual coach (and she comes back to help her original coach work with younger players); another becomes pregnant and misses a season, returning as a single mother. Some cursing (including an f-word and s-word).

Sexual Content

One girl admits late in the film that a coach she hired individually sexually abused her (her recollection is tearful); another player becomes pregnant as a teenager and misses a season.

Violence

On-court action includes bumping and hard fouling; language includes references to aggressive play ("killing" opponents).

Language

One girl uses the f-word following a disappointing loss; s-word; couple of "hell"s.

Social Behavior

Discussion of race and racism, players and coach's journey to the finals and evolving commitment to each other are inspiring.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Not applicable

  • Age appropriate
  • Not an issue
  • Depends on your child and your family
  • Parents strongly cautioned
  • Not appropriate for kids of the age

This information for parents is provided by Common Sense Media, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving kids' media lives.

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