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The Heart of the Game

(2006, Rated PG-13, Documentary, Starring Ludacris, Darnellia Russell, Bill Resler)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Excellent high school sports documentary.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

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

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

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

  • Sex:

    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.

  • Language:

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

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Heart of the Game

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).

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the ways that Darnellia matures over the course of the film, transitioning form rebellious adolescent to responsible teammate. How does her coach describe these changes, as he encourages her to believe in herself? How does Darnellia come to depend on her family and teammates in order to become a great player?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 3.0

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