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Dear Basketball

Name: Dear Basketball
Director: Glen Keane
Released: 2017
Duration: 6 min

Representation Score

1.1/10

Minimal

2017

Not Rated

Director

Glen Keane

Runtime

6 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Dear Basketball is a focused biographical short that highlights the personal journey of a sports icon. While it centers on a Black athlete, the storytelling remains highly individualistic. The film adheres to traditional themes of meritocracy and professional success, functioning as a celebration of discipline rather than a critique of societal structures. Ultimately, it lacks the breadth to explore diverse social perspectives and multi-layered identities, focusing instead on a singular, personal narrative.

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Category Breakdown

Does Dear Basketball have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any LGBTQ+ identities or relationships. It focuses solely on the protagonist's relationship with basketball and does not address issues related to LGBTQ+ experiences.

How does Dear Basketball portray gender?

Limited

The film features a male protagonist delivering a solo monologue. It emphasizes traditional notions of athletic dedication but does not delve into female empowerment or challenge traditional masculinity.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Dear Basketball?

Fair

The story centers around a Black protagonist, offering a platform for a person of color. However, it does not include a diverse cast or explore the overlapping aspects of identity for people of color.

How does Dear Basketball represent religion and culture?

Limited

The narrative upholds Western ideals of individual excellence and discipline. It celebrates the professional achievements within a structured sporting environment without questioning cultural norms.

Does Dear Basketball include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not include characters with visible or invisible disabilities. It does not address neurodiversity or physical impairments in its storyline.

Present on Screen

Offers a prominent platform for a Black athlete to share his personal story.
Uses high-quality animation to convey a powerful, personal narrative of athletic dedication.

Limited or Absent

Does not provide opportunities for female athletes or explore gender diversity due to its monologue format.
Does not address multi-layered identities or diverse cultural perspectives beyond the protagonist.
Reinforces traditional Western values of individual success and professional institutions.

Official Synopsis

An animated telling of Kobe Bryant's titular poem, signaling his retirement from the sport that made his name.

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