Coach Carter

"It begins on the streets. It ends here."

Jan 14 2005 PG-13 2h 16m
Biography, Drama, Sport

Based on a true story, in which Richmond High School head basketball coach Ken Carter made headlines in 1999 for benching his undefeated team due to poor academic results.

Plot

In 1999, Ken Carter accepts the job of basketball coach for his old high school in a poor area of Richmond, CA. As much dismayed by the poor attitudes of his players as well as their dismal play performance, Carter sets about to change both. He imposes a strict regime typified in written contracts that demand respectful behavior, a dress code and good grades for players. Any initial resistance is soon dispelled as the team under Carter's tutelage becomes a undefeated competitor. However, when the overconfident team's behavior begins to stray with too many doing poorly in class, Carter takes immediate action. To the outrage of the team, the school and the community, Carter cancels all team activities and locks the court until the team shows acceptable academic improvement. In the ensuing debate, Carter fights to keep his methods, determined to show the boys that they need good values for their futures and eventually finds he has affected them more profoundly than he ever expected.

Written by

Mark Schwahn, John Gatins

Directed by

Thomas Carter

Production Countries

United States of America, Germany

Production Companies

Tollin/Robbins Productions, MTV Films, Paramount

Languages

English

Awards

3 wins & 15 nominations total

Scores
# of Votes
190,752
Average Rating
7.4 out of 10
Metascore
57
Popularity
NA