The Queen of Basketball

This was so touching.

I don't think the documentary is anything special but the subject really is. Luisa was just a joy to watch and listen to. She was such a light. Her laugh was just the sweetest thing ever. And her story was really interesting too.

This made me smile so even though it wasn't the most fancy documentary I still liked it.

This could and should have been longer. Even as a short doc, it could have had a longer duration.

Even considering that, I think that what it does is so powerful that is one of the best of this year nominees for Oscars - 2nd just behind Audible - and I really liked to know about this great woman that didn't have all the opportunities she deserved. It's very well edited and fast paced, but what it differenciates is Lusia's personality. What a charming lady, a winner!

It's really fascinating that every year these docs are so important to discover these stories and putting them in the right place in history. I was really sad when I realised she passed away after this.

I had never heard of Lusia Harris before watching "The Queen of Basketball". It turns out that she died last year, around the time that the documentary won an Academy Award!

Anyway, the documentary shows the struggles with which Harris had to put up in her efforts to become a basketball player in the days when there was no WNBA. Much of the documentary features an interview with Harris. She just gives the straight stuff, no megalomania or anything. It's clear that this woman had to fight tooth and nail so that other women could participate in the sport.

I don't know if I would call it the greatest documentary of all time, but it's a good look at what people have to go through when the deck is stacked against them (in Harris's case, she was the daughter of sharecroppers in Mississippi). It's too bad that of all the Oscar-nominated movies, the documentaries are usually the least seen; they do tell the most important stories. Check this one out if you can; it's available on YouTube.

A love story between Lusia and basketball which justifies systematic change to enable women athletes everywhere.

Screenplay...................................... 7 / 10 Interviews........................................8 Visuals................................................ 7 Sound................................................... 6 Editing................................................ 7 Music....................................................... 5 Timeless Utility................................. 8 Total.................................................... 48 / 70 ~= 6.9 (which I rounded to 7) Verdict................................................. Recommended.

Lucy Harris does such an amazing job of bringing this documentary to life. I loved her intro where she talked about herself without telling us who she is. I loved her support of her family and how she talked about what could have happened without being down on her situation. An all around outstanding message told with a level of life that brings tears of joy. Also, well put together and great use of footage and editing. Earlier today I got curious so I googled "the best thing about humanity." For me it's knowing that people like Lucy are out there. People who have overcome hardships and yet can tell their story with such joy life and humor. Thank you for making this documentary.