Common Sense Media Review
By Sabrina McFarland
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Inspiring sports docu has some language, positive messages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Dunk or Die
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In DUNK OR DIE, Kadour Ziani, the ninth child born to Algerian immigrants who arrive in France, aspires to become a basketball player. Kadour also wants to meet his b-ball hero, NBA guard Michael Jordan. But at only 5 feet,10 inches, and after a brief detour in the world of petty crime, he's decidedly driven to be the best dunk star ever.
Is It Any Good?
This is a great sports documentary that scores with its story about a kid who discovers a dream and makes it come true. "If you have wings, you can fly over problems," says Kadour Ziani in Dunk or Die, narrating his hardscrabble life as a kid. Basketball, however, would show him the way out. "When we discovered dunking, we thought it was for big strong Black guys, not for little skinny Arabs." But Kadour proves through playground practice, he may achieve his goal. With its fast-moving direction and black-and-white footage, Dunk or Die is a cinematic game winner.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the perseverance of Kadour Ziani in Dunk or Die. How does he also demonstrate courage and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
What is appealing to Kadour about the sport of dunking? What may have led him to choose NBA basketball star Michael Jordan as a hero?
Why is it important for Kadour as an adult to share his passion for his sport with kids and teens? How does he express gratitude toward his family and teammates?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : February 22, 2022
- Cast : Kadour Ziani , Nordine Ziani , George Eddy
- Director : Nicolas de Virieu
- Studio : Under the Milky Way
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Gratitude , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 80 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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