Love and Basketball (PG-13, 2000)

common sense media says

Good romance, but strong sexuality for a PG-13.


parents & educators say
  • 29% say there are positive role models
  • 29% say there are positive messages

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie has strong sexuality for a PG-13, including descriptions of some sexually aggressive women, a strip basketball game, and a scene of Monica and Quincy having sex that has no nudity but is fairly explicit -- but refreshingly it includes the obvious use of a condom. A character gets drunk when she finds out that her husband has been unfaithful.

Positive messages: Monica faces sexist behavior and attitudes from those closest to her as she proves basketball is just as important to her as it is to male players. Quincy's dad is an abandoning, philandering father figure and Quincy works hard throughout the film not to turn out like him.
Violence: Some scuffles, parent slaps adult child, plus Monica is often fouled on the basketball court for displays of temper.
Sex: Fairly explicit sexual references and situations. Quincy's father is unfaithful; women fall all over Quincy and explicitly ask to sleep with him; as high schoolers, Quincy and Monica have sex -- a condom is prominent in that scene; a game of strip basketball in a dorm room shows underwear only.
Language: Some strong language.
Consumerism: NBA, WNBA, USC
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Drinking, including drinking to drown sorrow.

More on Love and Basketball

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about how people reconcile the demands of love, family, and career, and why it is that Monica and Quincy had so much trouble telling each other how they felt. Teens may also want to talk about the different views Monica and Quincy had of their relationship at different ages, and how the key element linking them through all of them was not basketball but friendship.

What's the story?

What's the story?

Divided into quarters like a real basketball game, LOVE & BASKETBALL shows two basketball-obsessed kids, Monica and Quincy, make friends on the court at age 11, play basketball in the same high school, then the same college, and go pro. As they deal with unfaithful, dishonest, and unsupportive parents; demanding coaches; hostile teammates; and the temptation of recruiters; their friendship blossoms into love then hate and back again.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Funny how this movie is 20 percent about basketball and 80 percent about love and you end up cheering the leads on for about 90 percent of it. You want these two rather stubborn and talented basketball players to realize they're meant for each other even more than you want them to win the big games or get the big sports scholarships. The chemistry is great between Sanaa Lathan as Monica and Omar Epps as Quincy.

If you're into the romance enough you'll probably be forgiving as the pair face some standard-issue family conflicts and the old dating double standard: Quincy always seems to have a girl on his arm when Monica isn't around and Monica stays true throughout the movie. But the characters experience plenty of positive growth, especially when Quincy confronts his philandering father saying, "How come you couldn't be the man you kept trying to make me?"<

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Warner Bros.
Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Cast: Alfre Woodard, Omar Epps, Sanaa Lathan
Genre: Drama
Theatrical release: April 14, 2000
DVD release: October 10, 2000
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: language, sexual references, and sexual situations

This review was written by Common Sense Media Editors
 
 

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What parents & educators say

14
Based on 7 parent & educator reviews:
  • 29% say there are positive role models
  • 29% say there are positive messages

Most useful reviews by all members

 
Perfect for ages 10 and up.
I absolutely love love and Basketball. It's my favorite movie. This review just wants to pick at a movie that is amazing and has no fault.

jenna1234
parent of 19 year old
 
i love this moive,,

anjuska007
teen, 18 years old
 

 
Love it!!
I thought love and basketball was a well done movie.I love the whole film and there were no boring parts...even when I watch it every night!! There is just enough of both Love and the Basketball scene!!

ladii_boo_4u
teen, 18 years old
 
i cried
dont have more

semen13
adult
 
All about basketball
Love and Basketball is about how Monica(Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps) taught each other how to play the game. Now, their commitment to the sport will force them to make a choice between each other and the game, between family,and between Love and Basketball.Love and Basketball is a complex acclaimed movie about discovering your dreams, taking your best shot and making them come true.

richyy
parent
 
Richyy !
I Think Love & Basketball is a great movie for young couples that are in love. It show’s how a young couple fall in love in high school. I love the whole film and there were no boring parts...even when I watch it every night. There is just enough of both Love and Basketball scene. Now, their commitment to the sport will force them to make a choice between each other and the game, between family, and between Love and Basketball. Love and Basketball is a complex acclaimed movie about discovering your dreams, taking your best shot and making them come true.

Mya12345678
teen, 14 years old
 

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