'Love and Basketball' is a classic film with a stellar forged — however Q and Monica's love story wasn't exactly #targets. Is the film problematic?

First off — in terms of the acting in the award-winning screenplay Love and Basketball, everyone’s efficiency used to be very good … I don't have any notes.

The movie had an all-star line-up of trade legends like Sanaa Lathan, and Omar Epps: either one of which are still doing the rattling thing a long time after the film first premiered in the 12 months 2000.

And as for the Love & Basketball soundtrack — my sentiments are the same.

The storyline, on the other hand, is where things get sticky.

Is ‘Love and Basketball’ one among the most toxic love stories ever told?

Upon penning this piece, I took a look again at the movie to verify my grievances. Lo and behold, it was the similar story of truth and battle love that I take note.

While Love and Basketball realistically and relatably tells the story of two young athletes in love, it additionally perpetuates the concept that toxic is the new customary.

Because Love and Basketball is certainly one of the most liked Black love films in the historical past of ever, I’ll tread frivolously. But other people, isn’t it about time we discovered Love and Basketball in fact isn’t an excellent love story?

As we take a deep dive into the problematic issues in Love and Basketball, there are a few points we should deal with … the first of which is how neither Sanaa nor Omar has aged since the film got here out. Now, let’s transfer on.

Exploring Q and Monica’s courting in ‘Love and Basketball’.

We all know that youngsters can be a few of the meanest creatures on the planet, however Q and Monica's first struggle was once roughly vicious. In the 90s, pushing somewhat girl off her motorbike and calling her an unpleasant dog may were OK, but in 2023 … not such a lot.

We later in finding out that Q’s actions have been just a reflection of the disrespect he saw between his mother and father. Early on in the film, it’s glaring that his dad, a celebrity athlete, is dishonest on his mom, whilst she makes the easiest of being a trophy spouse.

As they grow older, Q begins to sneak into Monica’s window to escape from the chaos after darkish as a result of she understands him higher than someone else can. Monica if truth be told has some Mommy issues of her own.

The courting between her and her mother (played via the nice Alfre Woodard) is estranged given their incapability to get on the identical web page. While Monica enjoys leap photographs, her mother wishes she would simply leap the broom.

Following a steamy intercourse scene set to the music of Maxwell’s “Woman’s Worth”, Q and Monica move off to school as boyfriend and girlfriend.

Despite telling Monica that she’s the realest lady in his international, Q eventually gets mad at Monica for being concerned about her basketball career an excessive amount of and drops her like a nasty habit. If you rewind slightly bit to the beginning of the movie, you’ll remember the fact that Q did the very same factor ahead of he pushed her off her motorbike.

Plus, ‘Love and Basketball’ has the least romantic finishing ever …

At this level, it’s unclear why Monica didn’t transfer on whilst Q used to be off playing for the Lakers and kissing his new female friend, who is played by Tyra Banks. Maybe she was once busy that specialize in the recreation or enjoying her time out of the country. One thing is for damn positive — it couldn’t be me tho.

When she and Q pass paths again, Monica reveals out that not handiest has Q been benched, however he’s additionally engaged. For some reason, even now that he’s injured and unemployed, Monica decides to combat for his love.

In arguably the most emotional scene in the complete film, Monica asks Q if he will comply with compete in one final basketball game. The prize? His heart.

After he wins the game he says the final phrases in the movie — “Double or not anything?” And the crowd goes wild. Yes, “Fool of Me” enjoying in the background makes you wish to have to shed a tear. Yes, Sanaa and Omar getting all sweaty in the driveway is beautiful freakin' scorching.

But, let’s be clear … Q gave Monica the a**whooping of a lifetime before he took her back. I mean, did he really need to that to do? Besides, no matter happened to Tyra?! Did Q and Monica smash off their engagement as a couple — or what?

There are one hundred and one extra happier notes to finish the movie on. But be freaking for real … that’s what Love and Basketball was once all about: two younger people making objectively horrible choices. While relatable, Monica and Q weren’t exactly #objectives should you ask me.

This said, the forged and staff in reality did their diddy with this one. There’s indubitably that Love and Basketball is and will always be vintage Black cinema!

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