I wanted to make a black When Harry Met Sally,” Gina Prince-Bythewood told the Hollywood Reporter, reflecting on her debut film Love & Basketball. In the 20 years since its release, the film has served as a cultural reference point for black audiences.
The story begins in 1981, with neighbours and childhood sweethearts Quincy (Glenndon Chatman) and Monica (Kyla Pratt) battling it out on the court. “I’m gon’ be in the NBA. You gon’ be my cheerleader,” says 11-year-old Quincy with a smirk. Monica replies with a slam dunk. A few days later they share a cute first kiss. This dynamic repeats itself throughout the film, which follows the older Monica (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps) as they bounce through high school, college and into their respective careers as professional athletes. It is as much a basketball movie as it is a love story, curious about the couple’s potential both on and off the court.
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