Hoosiers (1986): Who doesn't like a good underdog story? Based loosely on a true story, Hoosiers is a basketball film of the Indiana State championship team of 1954. Coach Norman Dale, played by Gene Hackman, takes a position as the new head basketball coach of the local High School in Hickory, Indiana. Coach Dale focuses on the fundamentals of basketball and defense rather than flashiness and high-scoring glamor the townspeople were used to. Several players rebel by quitting the team. The passionate small townspeople don't accept the coaching style of Coach Dale and turn on him after several early losses. With the 6 players remaining, Dale turns the team around and leads them to the championship game. Coach Dale proves it's the fundamentals that enable a winning mentality. Winning is not done through sensual off-the-dribble 3pt shooting and dazzling around-the-back passes, but through discipline, defense, and teamwork.

While based on a true story, the movie uses lots of artistic freedom, which significantly deviates from the 'true' aspect of the story. After reading through the trivia, I felt a bit disappointed. There is little in common between Hickory team in the film and the actual team of Milan High School. Milan was favorites to win the title that year, with coach Marvin Wood having been there for two years prior to their championship run. The underdog arc is a fictional narrative added for sensationalism.

Would I recommend it? Yes, especially if you are a sports fan. While Hoosiers is not a must-watch film, it is a fun watch with fantastic acting by Gene Hackman. 'Hoosiers' is not close to a perfect film and uses cliches that make each scene predictable. The overall acting also leaves something to be desired. The underdog and redemption stories allow this film to succeed on a thematic level and leave us inspired and charmed.