The true story of the death of innocence and the birth of an artist.|Apr. 21, 1995|United States|102 Min.|R
Genre: Crime;Drama
Description: The Basketball Diaries (1995) follows the story of Jim Carroll, a teenage basketball player struggling with drug addiction in New York City. Alongside his friends Pedro, Mickey, and Neutron, Jim often finds himself in trouble both on the streets and at school. While passionate about basketball, he also channels his creativity into writing, maintaining a journal filled with his thoughts and poetry. Jim’s life takes a tragic turn when his best friend, Bobby, succumbs to leukemia. Overwhelmed by grief, Jim turns to heroin, spiraling further into addiction.
The film portrays Jim’s downward spiral as he faces betrayal, trauma, and loss. After a disturbing encounter with his basketball coach, Jim’s life continues to unravel. He and his friends experiment with drugs, leading to a disastrous game that results in their suspension from school and the basketball team. As Jim’s addiction worsens, he is eventually kicked out of his home and becomes homeless, living only for his next fix.
Mickey, Pedro, and Jim resort to desperate measures to sustain their addiction, culminating in a botched robbery where Pedro is arrested. The Basketball Diaries is a raw exploration of addiction, loss, and the struggles of youth, capturing the harsh realities of Jim’s journey.
Cast director: Scott Kalvert
Cast actor: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Wahlberg, Lorraine Bracco, Michael Imperioli, Ernie Hudson, Juliette Lewis, James Madio, Bruno Kirby, Patrick McGaw, Manny Alfaro
Original name: The Basketball Diaries