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Pride (2007 film)
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Wikipedia article
'Pride' is a 2007 American biographical film released by Lionsgate Entertainment on March 23, 2007. Loosely based upon the true story of Philadelphia swim coach James "Jim" Ellis, 'Pride' stars Terrence Howard, Bernie Mac, and Kimberly Elise. The film was directed by Sunu Gonera.
The film centers on Jim Ellis (Terrence Howard) and grouchy but caring janitor Elston (Bernie Mac). The two have a short-lived rivalry before becoming good friends.
Plot
It is 1974 and life is not easy for a Black man to find employment, even college-educated Jim Ellis. While struggling to find anything better, Jim, a former competitive swimmer, is working on the decrepit Marcus Foster Recreation Center in a poor neighborhood of Philadelphia. His job is to prepare the foreclosure of the Center, causing friction with Elston, the janitor whose job may disappear. The Center includes a dilapidated swimming pool, which Ellis rehabilitates. One day, Jim invites a group of black teens in for a swim. Andre, Hakim, Reggie, Puddin Head, and Walt prove to be fairly capable swimmers and with a few pointers, could become great swimmers. In parallel, Jim develops a romantic interest in Hakim's sister and guardian who wants him to attend school before pool.
With some help from Elston, Jim decides to try to save the swimming pool by starting the city's first all African-American swim team, the "PDR team" for both Pride, Determination, Resilience and Philadelphia Department of Recreation. Once they are joined by Willie, a female swimmer more talented than any of the boys, the prospects of competing against much more experienced white teams begin to improve.However, Black swimmers are not welcome everywhere and the team has to fight overtly racist opposition and treachery, which is what Jim already experienced when he was competing 10 years ago.Throughout their struggles in and out of the swimming pool, Jim and Elston encourage and mentor the kids, helping them not only to become successful at swimming but also in their struggles against prejudice, crime, and poverty.
Cast
*Terrence Howard as Jim Ellis
*Bernie Mac as Elston Johnson
*Kimberly Elise as Sue Carter
*Evan Ross as Reggie Jones
*Tom Arnold as Richard Binkowski
*Alphonso McAuley as Walt Taylor
*Regine Nehy as Willie Thompson
*Scott Eastwood as Jake
*Nate Parker as Hakim Carter
*Kevin Phillips as Andre Williamson
*Gary Sturgis as Franklin
*Brandon Fobbs as Puddin' Head
Reception
Critical response
'Pride' was met with mixed reviews from critics, with a 45% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 109 reviews, with an average score of 5.47/10. The website's critics consensus reads: "'Pride' features a typically stellar performance from Terrence Howard, but ultimately falls victim to its over usage of sports movie clichs." 'The New York Times' critic Matt Zoller Seitz noted that the movie "illustrates the adaptability and limitations of the sports movie," but concluded that when the film's idealists glide through the water amidst the tunes of the time, "the heart still leaps." Comedian Bill Burr spoofed and criticized the film as an example of the overabundance of films about white-on-black racism with continuously lower stakes.Accolades
Notes
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