A great cast and crew bring their A-game to the court

Rating: 8/10 (26 April 2020)

A typical sports drama is predictable and inspirational. This one is no different: easy to like, and hard to dismiss.
It tells the story of a small-town high school basketball team who compete for the state championship. When they get a new coach (Gene Hackman), his tactics fall foul of the locals at first. He's a tough coach who wants obedience and commands respect, and gradually over the course of the film, his ways pay off.
Thanks to assured direction, solid performances, and an uplifting score from veteran composer Jerry Goldsmith, 'Hoosiers' transcends its cliches in inspiring ways. And much of this is owed to its script that never forgets to flesh out its characters. With a suitably dramatic conclusion, this is a highly recommendable sports film.
8/10