Infinitely more than a basketball film. (spoilers)

Rating: 10/10 (1 June 2003)

Far more than a movie about basketball, Spike Lee's "He Got Game" is a masterpiece ripe with Biblical imagery, valuable lessons about truth, and a compelling, grasping story about a father's struggle to regain his son's love. It is a must-see for any fan of Spike Lee or basketball, the holy game that this film revolves around. I fell in love with this film immediately after seeing it, and with every subsequent viewing I have discovered something new about it. Whether it is Spike Lee choosing to fill a scene with green light (symbolizing greed and money) or by having Jesus and his father touch their nose the exact same way at the exact same time to show how truly alike they are, "He Got Game" dazzles the viewer with its subtlety. Denzel Washington's performance is amazing, portraying a sincerity rarely seen in any role by any actor. The Biblical untertones found in this film set it apart from other sports-themed movies. Whether it is Jesus being tempted time and time again with wealth and fame, or Lala's candid remark, "Jesus, your life is set."(Hinting at the Biblical Jesus's pre-determined fate to be a savior) Furthermore, in the end, Jesus does his father's bidding, placing him in the role of a savior. Simply put, this film is a masterpiece, a stroke of genius. It is without a doubt my personal favorite film and the most beautiful look at the holy game to date.