HOOSIERS distributed by ORION pictures (1986). It starred Gene Hackman and Dennis Hopper. This was the directorial debut of David Anspaugh. The production budget climbed to $6 million and nabbed $28 million at the box office. The movie ticket price was $3.71 for 1986 and this basketball film was considered a hit. It gained more success when released on VHS Home Video. The rentals went through the "roof!"
Dennis Hopper was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. Jerry Goldsmith was also nominated for Best Original Score. The movie soundtrack was finally released on CD in 2012. Twenty six years after the film's release.
The movie is loosely based on the 1954 Milan high school team who won the Indiana State championships. Coach Norman Dale (Gene Hackman) leads a 7-Man team through many trials and tribulations just to get to those championships. Life outside basketball is just as dramatic as the game itself. It is character driven led by Dale who was fired after hitting a ball player. He wasn't the only flawed personality on that team either. They all rise above their personal troubles to win the state championships for 1951.
Gene Hackman recently died and this film is at the top of his movie retrospective. I absolutely agree because "Hoosiers" is very inspirational. Many critics compared it to "Rocky" which was made in 1976. A similar story of going the distance, but this time the underdog wins.
"HOOSIERS" is on BluRay. Check it out. You will not be disappointed. RIP... Gene Hackman.
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