What Is Pride (2007) About?
“Pride” is a 2007 film directed by Sunu Gonera. It tells the inspiring true story of Jim Ellis, a black swimming coach who starts a swim team in an economically struggling African American neighborhood in Philadelphia during the 1970s. Facing numerous challenges, including racism, lack of resources, and skepticism from the community, Ellis perseveres and transforms a group of troubled teens into competitive swimmers.
The film focuses on themes of overcoming adversity, unity, and the power of mentorship. Through his coaching, Ellis not only teaches his team members about swimming but also about discipline, self-respect, and determination. Together, they defy expectations and achieve success both in and out of the pool, ultimately proving that with hard work and belief in oneself, anything is possible.
“Pride” is a heartfelt and uplifting story that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of community support in achieving one’s dreams.
| Title | Pride |
|---|---|
| Year | 2007 |
| Director | Sunu Gonera |
| Plot | Based on the true story of Jim Ellis, who starts a swim team in a struggling African American neighborhood in Philadelphia during the 1970s. Facing challenges like racism and lack of resources, Ellis transforms troubled teens into competitive swimmers, teaching them discipline and determination. Together, they achieve success in and out of the pool. |
| Themes | Overcoming adversity, unity, power of mentorship |
| Reception | Well-received for its heartfelt and uplifting story celebrating resilience and community support. |
| Genre | Drama, Biography |
What Is the Plot of the Movie?
“Pride” (2007) is a poignant portrayal of the remarkable true story of Jim Ellis, an African American swimming coach who defied odds to establish a swim team in a struggling Philadelphia neighborhood during the racially turbulent 1970s. The film delves into the transformative journey of Ellis and his team as they navigate through the challenges of racism, poverty, and societal prejudice while striving for success both in and out of the pool.
At the outset, we meet Jim Ellis, a former competitive swimmer who finds himself disillusioned with life and struggling to find his place in the world. However, his life takes a new direction when he comes across an abandoned recreational pool in a run-down neighborhood. Determined to make a difference, Ellis decides to refurbish the pool and establish a swim team, despite facing skepticism and resistance from the local community.
As Ellis begins recruiting team members from the neighborhood, he encounters a group of troubled teenagers who are initially resistant to his efforts. However, with patience, compassion, and unwavering dedication, Ellis gradually earns their trust and inspires them to believe in themselves. Through his coaching, he not only teaches them the fundamentals of swimming but also imparts valuable life lessons about discipline, perseverance, and self-respect.
The team, comprised of diverse individuals from different backgrounds, soon forms a tight-knit bond, united by their shared goal of achieving success in the competitive swimming circuit. However, their journey is fraught with challenges, including financial constraints, racial discrimination, and personal struggles. Despite these obstacles, Ellis and his team refuse to be deterred, drawing strength from their collective determination and resilience.
As the team undergoes rigorous training and prepares for various swimming competitions, they begin to defy societal stereotypes and expectations. Their victories in the pool serve as a testament to their perseverance and the transformative power of unity and mentorship. Along the way, they also confront their own inner demons and insecurities, ultimately emerging stronger and more confident individuals.
“Pride” is not just a story about swimming; it is a powerful narrative about the human spirit’s capacity to triumph over adversity. Through Ellis and his team’s journey, the film celebrates the importance of community, friendship, and solidarity in overcoming obstacles and achieving one’s dreams. It serves as a poignant reminder that with determination, resilience, and unwavering belief in oneself, anything is possible.
Reasons to Watch It
“Pride” is a must-watch film for its inspiring true story of Jim Ellis, who overcomes adversity to establish a swim team in a struggling Philadelphia neighborhood. With heartfelt performances, universal themes of resilience and unity, and a powerful message of triumph over obstacles, “Pride” offers a compelling and uplifting cinematic experience for all audiences.
- Inspiring True Story:
- “Pride” is based on the true story of Jim Ellis, a remarkable individual who defied societal barriers to establish a swim team in a struggling Philadelphia neighborhood during the 1970s. The film offers a powerful and inspiring narrative of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of mentorship.
- Themes of Overcoming Adversity:
- The movie explores themes of overcoming adversity, racial discrimination, and socio-economic challenges. It highlights the struggles faced by marginalized communities and the resilience needed to overcome them.
- Heartfelt Performances:
- The film features strong performances from its cast, including Terrence Howard as Jim Ellis. The actors bring depth and authenticity to their characters, making the story even more compelling and emotionally resonant.
- Uplifting and Inspirational:
- “Pride” is a heartwarming and uplifting film that celebrates the human spirit’s capacity to triumph over adversity. It leaves viewers feeling inspired and motivated to pursue their dreams despite the obstacles they may face.
- Positive Representation:
- The movie provides positive representation of African American characters and communities, offering a counter-narrative to stereotypes often portrayed in mainstream media. It highlights the importance of empowerment and self-belief within marginalized groups.
- Universal Themes:
- While the story is set in a specific time and place, its themes of perseverance, teamwork, and self-discovery are universal. Audiences from all backgrounds can relate to the struggles and triumphs depicted in the film.
- Messages of Unity and Community:
- “Pride” emphasizes the importance of unity and community support in overcoming challenges. It showcases the transformative impact of coming together to pursue a common goal and uplift one another.
- Feel-Good Entertainment:
- Beyond its powerful message, “Pride” also offers entertaining and engaging storytelling. The film strikes a balance between drama and inspiration, making it an enjoyable watch for audiences of all ages.
Overall, “Pride” is a compelling and uplifting film that offers important lessons and messages while also providing an entertaining cinematic experience. It is a movie that resonates long after the credits roll, making it worth watching for anyone seeking inspiration and motivation.
Is the Movie a Real or Fictional Story?
The movie “Pride” (2007) is based on a real story. It portrays the true events surrounding Jim Ellis, an African American swimming coach who established a swim team in a Philadelphia neighborhood during the 1970s. While the film may take some creative liberties for storytelling purposes, the core narrative and characters are grounded in actual historical events and individuals.
| Title | Pride |
|---|---|
| Story Type | Based on a True Story |
| Setting | 1970s Philadelphia |
| Main Character | Jim Ellis |
| Genre | Drama, Biography |
| Basis | Real Events and Individuals |
| Creative License | Some for storytelling purposes |
| Themes | Overcoming adversity, unity, triumph |
| Reception | Positive |
Is It Critically Panned or Acclaimed?
“Pride” received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, so it can be considered critically acclaimed rather than panned. The film was praised for its inspiring story, strong performances, and uplifting themes. While it may not have received widespread recognition or awards, it was well-received overall for its heartfelt portrayal of overcoming adversity and the power of community.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Critical Reception | Generally positive reviews from critics and audiences |
| Audience Reaction | Favorable reception for its inspiring story and performances |
| Awards | Might not have received widespread recognition or awards |
What Does the Movie Explore?
“Pride” explores themes of overcoming adversity, community empowerment, and personal growth, focusing on the true story of Jim Ellis and his efforts to establish a swim team in a marginalized Philadelphia neighborhood. Through the journey of Ellis and his team, the film celebrates the transformative power of unity, mentorship, and the pursuit of one’s passion against the backdrop of social and racial challenges.
- Overcoming Adversity:
- The film delves into the challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly African Americans in the 1970s. It highlights the resilience and determination required to overcome obstacles such as racism, poverty, and social inequality.
- Community Empowerment:
- “Pride” emphasizes the importance of community support and solidarity in effecting positive change. It demonstrates how individuals coming together can make a significant impact and uplift one another.
- Self-Discovery and Personal Growth:
- Through the journey of the main character, Jim Ellis, and the members of the swim team, the movie explores themes of self-discovery, identity, and personal growth. It depicts how pursuing one’s passion and overcoming challenges can lead to profound transformation and empowerment.
- Unity and Teamwork:
- The film celebrates the power of unity and teamwork in achieving common goals. It showcases how individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together, overcome differences, and work towards a shared objective, fostering camaraderie and mutual respect in the process.
- Mentorship and Guidance:
- “Pride” highlights the transformative role of mentorship and guidance in shaping the lives of young people. It underscores the importance of positive role models like Jim Ellis, who provide support, encouragement, and guidance to help others realize their potential and achieve success.
Overall, “Pride” is a multifaceted film that explores themes of resilience, community, personal growth, and the transformative power of unity and mentorship. It offers valuable insights into the human experience and inspires audiences to reflect on their own journeys of overcoming adversity and finding strength in solidarity.
Memorable Moments in the Movie
Memorable moments in “Pride” include Jim Ellis discovering and restoring an abandoned pool, symbolizing hope; and the uplifting training montages and victories in competitions, showcasing the team’s resilience and unity in overcoming adversity. Additionally, the community’s growing support and individual moments of personal growth among the team members add depth and poignancy to the film’s inspirational narrative.
- Pool Restoration:
- The scene where Jim Ellis discovers an abandoned pool and decides to restore it becomes a pivotal moment in the film, symbolizing hope and opportunity for the community.
- Recruitment of Team Members:
- The process of recruiting and convincing troubled teenagers to join the swim team is both heartwarming and inspiring, showcasing Ellis’s determination and belief in the potential of each individual.
- Training Montages:
- The training montages, set to uplifting music, capture the team’s journey as they undergo rigorous training and bond together, overcoming their personal struggles and growing stronger as a unit.
- Victories in Competitions:
- The moments when the team achieves success in swimming competitions despite facing adversity serve as triumphant highlights, showcasing their resilience and determination to defy expectations.
- Community Support:
- Scenes depicting the growing support from the community, including parents, neighbors, and local businesses, demonstrate the transformative impact of unity and solidarity in overcoming challenges.
- Personal Transformations:
- Individual moments of personal growth and self-discovery among the team members, as they overcome their fears and insecurities to become confident swimmers and individuals, are particularly poignant.
- Ellis’s Speeches:
- Jim Ellis’s motivational speeches and words of wisdom throughout the film inspire both his team and viewers, reinforcing themes of perseverance, self-belief, and the importance of chasing one’s dreams.
These memorable moments collectively contribute to the uplifting and inspirational journey portrayed in “Pride,” leaving a lasting impression on audiences.
Streaming Platforms to Watch the Movie From
“Pride” (2007) may be available for streaming on various platforms, but availability can vary depending on your region. Some streaming platforms where you might find it include:
| Streaming Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Check Availability |
| iTunes/Apple TV | Check Availability |
| Google Play Movies & TV | Check Availability |
| YouTube Movies | Check Availability |
| Vudu | Check Availability |
| Hulu | Check Availability |
| Netflix | Check Availability |
