Hoosiers Review

MPAA Rating: PG
Released: 1986

Based on a true story (albeit somewhat loosely), Hoosiers presents a sincere underdog story about a small-town high school basketball team that shucked off their losing record and eventually reached the finals thanks to the determined effort of a new coach. Featuring some gorgeous cinematography, heartfelt acting by all involved and a rousing story, this twice Academy Award nominated film will capture the hearts of most viewers, for it's far more than a simple sports movie.

Indiana has a long history of being captivated by the sport of basketball, perhaps more so than any other state in the union. This interest extends to outright fanaticism in the small-town of Hickory, where the highlight of many residents' lives are the long-passed days where they played basketball in high school. In this country town basketball isn't just a pastime – it's an obsession.

In 1951 a new coach, Norman Dale (Gene Hackman) is hired to head the high school basketball team, but few besides his employer, Cletus (Sheb Wooley), are happy about his arrival. The townsfolk do not take kindly to a big city stranger taking charge of their passion, and Dale does little to discourage their hostility when he takes control with an iron fist, throwing out all traditions and old practices.

Little does the town know, Dale was once a leading basketball coach that was permanently barred from that position due to his hot temper that eventually culminated in his assault of one of his own players. Cletus alone is aware of his old friend's history, at least initially, so Dale is determined to conquer the ghosts of his past and prove himself once more.

He begins by breaking the players down, and his initial attempts are met with disaster as the team loses multiple times due to playing a foreign style. But eventually the team begins to adapt to the new style of basketball and becomes a force to be reckoned with.

I am not a fan of basketball in the least bit insofar as being a spectator – I find the sport nearly as dull as golf as an observer. I don't say that to insult the sport, but rather to give some background about how truly impressed I was about Hoosiers. Despite my initial prejudice against the subject, the film and its warmth instantly captivated me.

This is due in large part to the absolutely outstanding performances by everyone involved, from the main stars to the background characters. Gene Hackman was on the top of his game as Coach Norman Dale, though his riveting performance was easily matched by co-stars Barbara Hershey, a fellow teacher that was initially unreceptive to his arrival, and Dennis Hopper, a town drunk that is given the chance to become Dale's assistant provided he gives up drinking.

Although the list of fellow actors is too large to go through name by name, suffice it to say although they didn't possess as significant roles as the three listed above, they did a wonderful job infusing Hoosiers with life and a sense of humanity.

Since Hoosiers takes place in the 1950's, it avoids feeling in the least bit dated now nearly two decades after its original release. The beauty of rural Indiana is as lush and beautiful today as it was 20 years ago, or even 50 years ago. Though the cars may have changed significantly over the years, the town and people of Hickory as depicted in the movie feel much like they would today.

Hoosiers is a wonderful underdog story and an inspiring character-driven drama that stands proud as one of the 80's most accomplished pieces of cinematic work.

Movie rating: 9 stars

If you enjoyed Hoosiers you may also find the following films to be of interest:

• Footloose
• Youngblood
• The Outsiders

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