Hoop Dreams proves to be a riveting and true story based off of what it's really like to aspire to become a professional basketball player and escape a world of troubles and poverty in the process. The film revolves around two young teenagers, Arthur Agee and William Gates, as their real life stories are followed in their attempts to make it to the NBA, starting with before they even make it to high school. From a young age Arthur and William have both been notable for their talent and potential in basketball, and this is exactly why they are both first spotted by Earl Smith, an amateur scout that tries his best to help young players get to good high schools where they can have a chance of getting noticed for their basketball skills. Due to the fact that both Arthur and William live in two rough parts of Chicago, Illinois, the schools near them don't provide much opportunity, especially because they are notable for how the students don't care that much, the teachers struggle to keep the students inspired, and how the majority of those that enroll don't end up graduating. In fact, a high school diploma is coveted where Arthur and William live, which is why them getting help from Earl Smith to be spotted by Saint Joseph High School in Westchester, Illinois is such a big deal. The private high school is quite privileged, and it offers a superior education in comparison to the local high schools near William and Arthur's homes. The school also provides Arthur and William with the opportunity to potentially be sought after by large universities and eventually receive enough attention to warrant making it to the NBA, if they choose to enroll of course. Assuming that it's in their best interest, both for their future careers and education, William and Arthur both receive a scholarship for their freshman year of high school and attend the school, committing a ninety-minute commute each way to get to the school and back. As William Gates and Arthur Agee attempt to fulfill their dreams of becoming stars in the NBA, and break away from the vicious cycle that their homes have created, they battle all the possible obstacles in their path. With aid from their families that understand the value of making it professionally in the sport, as well as the rewards that come along with it, William and Arthur strive their best to overcome the physical, social and economic challenges that prevent young players from achieving such dreams. In the process, they both begin to wonder if making it to the NBA is really as obtainable as they had originally thought, all while struggling to come to terms with their hoop dreams. 
 Hoop Dreams proves to be an enticing and dramatic documentary, and it's ability to portray real events and real people does nothing but add plenty of realistic and heartfelt passion to the film. There's no denying that the film has a clear and meaningful purpose, and the movie's themes and messages are made profound by the real actions of the characters, solidifying the concept of just how difficult it is to get to the NBA, especially when it feels like society and the odds are against such goals. Arthur Agee and William Gates both learn this soon enough, and the ways in which they mature and develop as both people and basketball players is quite significant to behold, especially as their aspirations to go pro fluctuate in the process. 
 Hoop Dreams understands the importance of showing the earnest lives of the real people it revolves around, and the movie is able to show the catalytic events that help to define who Arthur and William are as people, transforming them into compelling and captivating protagonists in the process. The impact of basketball is thoroughly showcased, and its far-reaching effects on the Agee and Gates families is made apparent, most notably of how it can be used to both divide and unite the boys' families, often for similar reasoning. This allows the film to become an incredibly complex and complicated interpretation of the hardships of youth, while also demonstrating how imposing and tremendous challenges are placed onto their soldiers. 
 Hoop Dreams feels entirely passionate throughout, and it's rare mix of honesty, drama and the truth of professional sports speaks volumes about the film's ability to move audiences. The film is more than deserving of its outstanding 98% from Rotten Tomatoes, and the film's crude messages about what life is like for those growing up in a predominantly poor socioeconomic class feels necessary. Complicated, dramatic and packed to the brim with raw emotion, this is absolutely a must-see for all ages. It definitely has a story that deserves to be seen.