It begins on the street. It ends here.
In 1999, Ken Carter, a successful sporting goods store owner, accepts the job of basketball coach for his old high school in a poor area of Richmond, CA, where he was a champion athlete. As much dismayed by the poor attitudes of his players as well as their dismal play performance, Carter sets about to change both. He immediately imposes a strict regime typified in written contracts that include stipulations for respectful behavior, a dress code and good grades as requisites to being allowed to participate. The initial resistance from the boys is soon dispelled as the team learns to rely on more than sports for their futures.
MPAA: Rated PG-13 for violence, sexual content, language, teen partying and some drug material
Principal Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Rick Gonzalez and Robert Ri’chard
Director: Thomas Carter
When Timo falls short of completing his physical tasks to rejoin the team, his fellow players offer to do push-ups and run sprints for him.
Themes: Teamwork, Camaraderie, Brotherhood, Unity, Solidarity, Love-Brotherly, Momentum, Coaching, Helping
2:26
1
When Coach Carter learns that players on his team have not kept their grades up as per their contract, he locks the gym shut until they focus on learning.
Themes: Commitment, Education, Teaching, Learning, Teamwork, Rules, Dedication, Giving Up, Resolve
2:57
1
Coach Carter ensures his players that the basketball lockout (due to the poor grades of his players) is an effort to help them rise above their community’s poor standards.
Themes: Coaching, Mentor, Reality, Encouragement, Support, Education, Ambition
2:26
1
When Coach Carter’s lockout threatens the team’s undefeated season, the school board and the community gather to discuss the issue.
Themes: Resolve, Conviction, Education, Learning, Priorities, Rules, Laws, Discipline, Change
3:02
1
After the school board voted to end the lockout and Coach Carter quit, his players decide to honor the contract anyway on their own.
Themes: Thankfulness, Education, Ambition, Example, Coaching, Change, Transformation, Confidence, Self-Realization
2:02
1
After losing the state championship, Coach Carter tells his team how proud he is that they rose above mediocrity and achieved something great.
Themes: Losing, Pride, Accomplishment, Coaching, Transformation, Coming of Age, Defeat, Transcendence, Mentor
2:05
1