Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Binding: DVD
Brand: Team Marketing
EAN: 0786936704594
Format: AC-3
Is Autographed: 0
Is Memorabilia: 0
Item Dimensions: Array
Label: Miramax
Languages: Array
Manufacturer: Miramax
MPN: TM2632
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Miramax
Region Code: 1
Release Date: 2007-02-27
Running Time: 97
Studio: Miramax
Theatrical Release Date: 2006-07-07

Go courtside for a true-life rush like no other in this passionate and inspirational documentary in the same powerful tradition as HOOP DREAMS. Director Ward Serrill brings the camera up close and personal to capture the Roosevelt Roughriders girls' basketball team during six turbulent seasons, taking us far beyond the court. You'll meet Bill Resler, the tax professor turned hard-driving unorthodox coach who turns the team around — and Darnellia Russell, the talented inner-city tough girl who battles off-court threats to regain eligibility. You'll meet a real team full of drive, toughness and the unbridled desire to make history.
The Heart of the Game is, simply put, one of the most enjoyable and joyous documentaries ever made. For several years, the movie follows a girls' basketball team called the Rough Riders from a Seattle high school as they strive to win the state championship, and in the process discovers heart-wrenching twists of fate, vivid and compelling characters, colorful dialogue, and a nail-biting conclusion. The Heart of the Game starts with Bill Resler, a professor of tax law who agrees to become the head coach for the girls' basketball program at Roosevelt High School. He swiftly challenges the players with demanding drills and wild metaphors (each year he picks a different theme for the team, from "pack of wolves" to "tropical storm")--and the girls take him on, pulling together into a potent team. But when a girl from a poor neighborhood named Darnellia Russell joins the Rough Riders, her skill takes their fortunes even higher--until she unexpectedly has to quit. From there, the movie takes more and more compelling turns, carried along by the winning personalities of Bill and Darnellia. The Heart of the Game, like Hoop Dreams, works first as an exhilarating sports movie, but has a rich human story that will make it fascinating to people who don't care about basketball. First-time filmmaker Ward Serrill lucked out with the material, but he clearly labored to shape what must have been thousands of hours of footage into a taut, headlong movie. His labor paid off. See this movie. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Rating:
Summary: Art, Miami
Comment: I caught the last half of this documentary on cable and was immediately mesmerized. It's a wonderful story of persistence and the fact that it plays out over a six year period makes it all that more fascinating.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Heart of the Game
Comment: This is a great movie as far as life lessons and high school sports go. I coach girls basketball and plan on having everyone watch this film. There is something valuable in almost every word or situation that occurs.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Great films that makes you ask some questions
Comment: This was a wonderfully engrossing film, a real find. I think Coach Resler was absolutely right in getting his female players to attack ferociously and not avoid contact, he had half the battle won already. But in thinking about the film after seeing it, I was left with some troubling questions:

1. While it seems clear that Darnellia Russell should have received a hardship year after being away from school with her baby, I'm surprised whe wasn't suspended or removed from the team for earlier transgressions. Going into the crowd, for one.

2. The players' extensive use of profanity is not consistent with Coach Resler's image of imparting life lessons.

3. How could the Coach or the other players not have been clued in to Devon Crosby-Helms' troubles with Tony Giles?

4. I'm struck by how worn out and tired Coach Resler looks by the end of the film. He didn't look or sound like the same guy anymore.

Those questions notwithstanding, this film was well worth seeing. Strongly recommended.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: A must see for anyone interested in sports for young women
Comment: I read the book "The Heart of the Team" first. That was excellent. I think you get more out of the book. However, it was wonderful to see some live footage of the team playing in the movie. I think anyone interested in coaching women's sporting teams should watch this movie and read the book. If only because it is fun and inspiring. Way to go Bill!!! This movie is a documentary, so it didn't capture my five year old daughter's interest like "Bend It Like Beckham" did. It would be nice to have more movies available to inspire young girls to enjoy sports.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: It is way more than a sports documentary
Comment: You don't have to be a sports fan to enjoy this movie. Ward captures a great story in the middle of a sports setting. There is entertainment and enjoyment for all ages in this film. It is amazing that this is a true story. I especially enjoyed the quotes and comments of the head basketball coach.

Looking forward to Ward's next release. Hope he continues to find great
characters as he did with Bill Resler in this film.

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