Hoosiers (1986) Review in 2025
A heartwarming underdog story about a small-town high school basketball team that wins the state championship.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Yes, this movie is suitable for all ages and is a great way to spend quality time with your family.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for anyone who loves sports, underdog stories, or just great storytelling in general. It's a classic that holds up well even today.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The movie follows the true story of the 1954 Indiana state basketball championship won by the Milan High School Indians, led by coach Norman Dale, a former college basketball player who becomes the new coach of the team and helps them overcome their struggles and achieve success.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is well-written and engaging, with a clear underdog narrative that keeps you invested in the team's journey.
acting9.00/10
The acting is excellent, with Gene Hackman delivering a standout performance as Coach Dale.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, with Coach Dale being a standout character who brings a lot of depth to the story.
direction9.00/10
The direction is excellent, with a clear vision and a strong sense of pacing that keeps the movie moving at a good clip.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is good, but not great, with some nice shots of the basketball games and the small town of Milan.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie's heartwarming story, excellent direction, and standout performances make it a must-watch. The cinematography is good, but not great, and the story is a bit predictable at times.
Cons
The movie's pacing can be a bit slow at times, and some of the supporting characters feel a bit one-dimensional.
Notable Quotes
"It's not just about winning, it's about the journey."
"Winning is the only thing."
"You can't win unless you play."
