Boogie : “Boogie” is a coming-of-age sports drama centered around a teenage basketball talent aiming for a scholarship to fulfill his NBA aspirations. Dubbed “Boogie” due to a classroom jest, the protagonist, portrayed by Taylor Takahashi, is driven by his ambition to prove himself in collegiate basketball and eventually reach the professional league. Encouraged by his father, who sees sports as a means for Asians to assert themselves, Boogie is determined to challenge stereotypes both on and off the court.
Release Date March 2021 Language English Genre Drama, Sport Duration 1h 30min Cast Taylor Takahashi, Taylour Paige, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Pop Smoke, Bashar Jackson, Pamelyn Chee, Perry Yung, Mike Moh, Alexa Mareka, Domenick Lombardozzi, Steve Coulter, Eddie Huang, Lenard Larry McKelveymore… Director Eddie Huang Writer Eddie Huang Cinematography Brett Jutkiewicz Music Adrian Younge, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Pop Smoke Producer Josh Bratman, Michael Tadross, Josh McLaughlin Production Focus Features Certificate 13+
Alfred “Boogie” Chin, a promising high school basketball player from Queens, New York, harbors dreams of making it to the NBA. However, his parents have different aspirations for him—they want him to focus on securing a scholarship to a prestigious college instead. Struggling under the weight of these expectations, Boogie must also navigate the challenges of high school life, a budding romance, and fierce competition on the basketball court.
His relationship with Eleanor (Taylour Paige), a bright and culturally diverse classmate, adds depth to the narrative as they navigate their differing backgrounds. As Boogie strives to overcome stereotypes and assert his masculinity while pursuing his dreams, he faces a formidable adversary in Monk (Pop Smoke), a street basketball star, setting the stage for a showdown between their teams.
Directed by debut filmmaker Eddie Huang, known for “Fresh Off the Boat,” the film blends elements of classic sports drama with themes of cultural identity and tradition. While the writing occasionally lapses into predictability, the performances of the young cast lend credibility to the story. Boogie’s journey reflects the complexities of balancing heritage and modernity, underscored by a vibrant hip-hop soundtrack that immerses viewers in the film’s cultural milieu.
“Boogie” stands out as a rare Asian American sports drama that explores diversity without resorting to stereotypes or glamorizing urban struggles. Despite its occasional seriousness, the film offers a fresh perspective on familiar tropes, making it a noteworthy addition to the genre.
