The Legend of the 81-Point Game

Movie review by Sabrina McFarland, Common Sense Media
The Legend of the 81-Point Game movie poster: African American and Los Angeles Lakers guard and forward Kobe Bryant's back of his yellow jersey with the number 8 in white and the NBA player's last name in purple lettering

Common Sense says

age 14+

Inspiring docu about NBA icon Kobe Bryant; language.

NR 2023 74 minutes
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  • Still from The Legend of the 81-Point Game: African American and Los Angeles Lakers guard and forward Kobe Bryant, wearing a yellow jersey that features the NBA player's number 24 in white and the team's name in black lettering, and Bryant holds part of the garment's collar in his mouth
  • Still from The Legend of the 81-Point Game: African American and Los Angeles Lakers guard and forward Kobe Bryant with the NBA player's back to the camera, wearing a white jersey with the number 8 and his last name in purple lettering while embracing African American and Los Angeles Lakers guard Smush Parker
  • Still from The Legend of the 81-Point Game: African American high school student Kobe Bryant flanked on each side by two White Los Angeles Lakers officials, all smiling after Bryant signs with the team in 1996, wearing a light green jacket, white shirt, and holding up the back of a yellow jersey that features the number 8 and his last name in purple and white lettering

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

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What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that The Legend of the 81-Point Game is a documentary about Los Angeles Lakers forward and guard Kobe Bryant who scored an historic and career-high 81 points against the Toronto Raptors on January 22, 2006. There are references about the death of Bryant and his teen daughter Gianna in a helicopter crash, possible online misinformation about the news, and colleagues and fans crying and grieving about the reports and loss. Language includes "ass," "a--hole," "bitch," "damn," "f--k you," "hell," "s--t," and "motherf--kers," as well as the slur terms "idiots," "snotty-nosed kid," and "stupid." How one person can possibly make a positive impact on the lives of others is the documentary's central theme.

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What's the Story?

THE LEGEND OF THE 81-POINT GAME is a documentary that looks at the life of Los Angeles Lakers forward and guard Kobe Bryant. The film tells the player's story on and off the court through firsthand narratives and exclusive archival footage and photos. After graduating from high school at the age of 18, Bryant was then drafted by the Lakers and later became the face of the franchise during a 20-year tenure that included five NBA championships and a ranking as one of the greatest players of all time.

Is It Any Good?

One of the moving aspects of this impressive documentary is its take on Kobe Bryant's stellar work ethic for the game. "He understood he had a responsibility to show and try to be great for the fans every night," recalls Sam Mitchell, who was the Toronto Raptors coach in The Legend of the 81-Point Game. There were rumors, however, about Bryant's behavior. "Does he sleep? Is he a vampire?" remembers Josh Powell, a Lakers forward and center, about such stories. But Brian Cook, a Los Angeles Lakers teammate, thinks "Kobe was great about getting his teammates to be better." And he adds, "So many kids looked up to him because of who he was. They wanted to be Kobe Bryant. I wanted to be Kobe Bryant."

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the teamwork of the cast in The Legend of the 81-Point Game. How do they also demonstrate communication and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?

  • Kobe Bryant became an NBA player at the age of 18. What could be the possible pros and cons of being a teen player in a professional league comprised mostly of adults?

  • In the documentary, Bryant once said that you are responsible for how people remember you. Do you agree or disagree, and why?

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