Hardball

A film, not unlike poetry projects different messages to different people.This story begins where Conor, a hardened gambler finds himself on his knees in a sanctuary. The priest asks him if he's looking for faith or forgiveness. "I'm looking for the balls to cover the spread." He replies with submissive desperation. He returns to a bar where he loses himself in the purposeless world of gambling, finds himself in the desperate situation of not having enough money to cover his gambling debt, and winds up being beaten up by a loan shark. His desperation leads him to accept a job coaching a baseball team that consists of underprivileged kids from the crime infested projects for $500.00 a week. The team is short two players. Their school teacher, Sister Wilkes, played by Diane Lane, won't allow the two members who complete the team to play until they have read their book reports. Conor takes it upon himself to negotiate with her, and ends up agreeing to tutor the boys. Initially the coaching starts off as merely a means to an end, but as he spends more time with the boys and becomes familiarized with the dangers to which they are exposed and the conditions under which they are forced to live, he recognizes something more important than himself and his own problems. He teaches the boys to respect one another. He helps them to believe in themselves. One day when Conor presents himself in the classroom, dressed in pants that, to the amusement of the children are way too short for him, he finds himself being affected by the words of Kofi, who is requested by Siter Wilkes to give a review on the book that they were assigned to read. "Where I'm from do nobody father come back."In a sequence of events that follow, Conor finds himself trying to cheer the boys up when they are down. The scene where Conor waves his arms in the air, and sings to B.I.G.'s rap song "Big Poppa" in an attempt to help Miles with his rhythm which he needs in order to pitch well, is both entertaining and heartwarming. For me, the best scene is portrayed when Conor reaches a cross-road, and has to choose between gambling his winnings and treating the Kekambas to a big league game. He chooses to treat the boys to the game, and on seeing the ecstasy on their faces, he derives obvious pleasure at allowing his own inner peace to parallel the happiness he sees in the children. His facial expresion reads - "Yeah, now this feels right!" After a profoundly tragic event, Conor is astounded by the boys' staying power and their ability to always show up; he tells them so.In a world where we are exposed to an accelerated severing of the threads of human kindness, it is uplifting to watch a film in which the premise encompasses the message -- through the fertilizer a flower may grow. As for the role of Conor, no one could have played the role as perfectly as Keanu Reeves, as he possesses a quality that projects his own isolating sadness, which parallels that of the boys. The boys who played the team members of the Kekambas were outstanding actors. I highly recommend this film for all parents to see.

One of the great movies of Keanu Reeves.

good

It's the underdogs type of movie where they make a comeback against all odds.

Perfect gift. They loved it!!

'Hardball has a slight taste of Bad News Bears, but evolves into an inspiring, uplifting film on a whole other level. Keanu Reeves and Diane Lane both try to assist the same group of poor elementary school children. What starts out as two very different approaches eventually blends into one effective approach. It's an approach that withstands a tragic accident. I highly recommend this film.

I just like this movie, but not sure if it is good for a 9-year-old boy who loves baseball.

Great performance by everyone. Heartfelt and an example of people can change for the better. Showing up in the midst of tragic living conditions is a good message.

Alles super geklappt vielen Dank

Es la unica manera que encontre de ver esta pelicula. Al menos en la fecha que yo la buscaba, no la consegui encontrar en español.

Keanu reeves in una parte "insolita" per lui,che mi ha abituato a vederlo in film d'azione e pochi "drammatico/romantico".Il prodotto l'ho acquistato usato e devo dire che come altri dvd usati acqustati in questi mesi non ha nulla da invidiare a quelli nuovi,il prezzo (esclusa la spedizione 2.90 Euro) è stato "esiguo" e la qualità del prodotto è veramente buona,custodia e copertina sono perfette come il dvd.CONSIGLIO SIA IL FILM HARDBALL CHE I DVD USATI IN BUONO STATO.

Lo vidi un paio di volte nel decennio scorso, e penso che sia uno di quei film da ricordare e rivedere per tutta la vita. Una storia di speranze e dolore, di gioie e sofferenze, di vita e di morte. Sono davvero pochi i film di cui, dopo anni, ho sentito una profonda mancanza nel mio cuore. E questo è uno di quelli.

OK, so I'll start off by saying that I like Keanu Reeves and get that out of the way. Like most actors (although he seems to be the critics' favourite whipping boy even now) he has done his fair share of stinkers when it comes to movies. This isn't one of them. He is very believable as Connor O'Neill as the desperate gambler trying not to get killed by those he owes - a LOT - of money to. So, he takes the gig as coach of the baseball team in return for $500 a week so that he won't be killed in some unpleasant way because he can't pay a debt. The kids are hilarious and terrifying in equal measure. If I had sworn like that my mother would literally have washed my mouth out with soap! It is a quiet movie about redemption and becoming a better person. Personally I love it. It's gritty in many ways, but also has moments of humour which are mostly supplied by the kids. However, Keanu and his friend in the bar doing Big Pappa was hilarious. It's a good job it was a rap and not an actual song because, bless him, Keanu's singing is not something the world should have to endure! I have watched this film several times and enjoyed it every time. So definitely money well spent for me.