Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Sports documentary

The Heart of the Game (2006): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

The Heart of the Game (2006) movie poster

The Heart of the Game is a 2006 sports documentary directed by Ward Serrill, starring Darnellia Russell and Bill Resler. It runs 1 hour 37 minutes and earned $446,446 worldwide. Critics gave it 74 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10.

IMDb rating
7.6/10
worldwide gross
$446.4K
Metascore
74
Loading streaming availability…
The Heart of the Game (2006) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 37m (97 min)
Director
Ward Serrill
Genres
Sport , Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Heart of the Game About?

The premise of The Heart of the Game without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

This inspiring documentary follows a determined coach and his high school girls' basketball team as they strive for success both on and off the court. Through their journey toward victory, the film highlights the personal struggles each player faces. A particularly poignant storyline focuses on Darnellia Russell, a young woman who confronts significant adversity while pursuing her aspirations and demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges.

The Heart of the Game Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • watching tv
  • national anthem
  • basketball sport
  • sports documentary
  • basketball team
  • high school
  • basketball
  • five word title
  • physical workout
  • washington interscholastic activities association
  • radio talk show
  • tv show
+38 more
  • radio call in show
  • lawyer
  • teacher
  • newsreel footage
  • reading
  • computer
  • fireplace
  • cat
  • toy
  • epilogue
  • athlete
  • university of washington
  • tacoma washington
  • school bus
  • bus
  • gym
  • locker room
  • cheerleader
  • toilet paper
  • weightlifting
  • pledge of allegiance
  • education
  • classroom
  • sister sister relationship
  • brother sister relationship
  • stepfather stepdaughter relationship
  • class
  • middle school
  • voice over narration
  • tears
  • crying
  • pregnancy
  • boyfriend girlfriend relationship
  • quitting school
  • sexual abuse
  • women's rights
  • cell phone
  • telephone call
Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

The Heart of the Game Cast

Darnellia Russell leads the cast, with Bill Resler. Directed by Ward Serrill.

Ratings

The Heart of the Game Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Heart of the Game 74 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10.

Plot

The Heart of the Game Plot Summary

What happens in The Heart of the Game from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

The narrative unfolds two years prior to the entry of African-American Darnellia Russell into the predominantly white and affluent Roosevelt High School. Enter Bill Resler, a tax law professor at the University of Washington, stepping into the role of the new girls’ basketball coach. With a unique approach that embraces animal and nature themes to inspire his team, Resler holds high hopes that they can clinch the Washington State championship. However, disappointment sits at their doorstep as they face an early exit in their first game of the state tournament.

Full summary

The whole story of The Heart of the Game, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

The Heart of the Game Box Office

The Heart of the Game grossed $446,446 worldwide. $445,374 came from the US and Canada and $1,072 (0%) from the rest of the world.

2006 box office

Worldwide gross

$446.4K

US & Canada
$445.4K
International
$1.1K
US & Canada 100% Rest of the world 0%
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Heart of the Game?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the primary setting of The Heart of the Game?

Seen The Heart of the Game?

FAQ

The Heart of the Game FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Heart of the Game, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Heart of the Game?

The Heart of the Game runs 1 hour 37 minutes (97 minutes).

When was The Heart of the Game released?

The Heart of the Game was released on June 9, 2006.

Who directed The Heart of the Game?

The Heart of the Game was directed by Ward Serrill.

Who is in the cast of The Heart of the Game?

The Heart of the Game stars Darnellia Russell and Bill Resler.

How much did The Heart of the Game make at the box office?

The Heart of the Game grossed $446,446 worldwide ($445,374 domestic, $1,072 international).

How is The Heart of the Game rated?

The Heart of the Game has 7.6/10 on IMDb, 74 on Metacritic and 70% on TMDB.

Does The Heart of the Game have a post-credit scene?

No. The Heart of the Game has no extra scene during or after the credits.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app