Pride (2007)

Sports Drama - set in 1973 - based on the true story of Jim Ellis, the charismatic coach of an African-American swim club in one of Philadelphia's rougher neighborhoods. Big breakthroughs for his team as they blast through self-doubt, prejudice, poverty, and other obstacles. The acting (Terrence Howard, Bernie Mac) is well done, though the script is full of sports cliches. And though the characters are very likable I felt manipulated by the production (last minute this and that to evoke emotion, overly dramatic musical scores, etc) Educational though, black swimmers are a rarity and have received insufficient recognition over the years. One hour 49 min.