Long Gone Summer
Long Gone Summer

Movie spotlight

Long Gone Summer

2020
Movie
120 min
English

An examination of the 1998 MLB season and the home run race between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. The two sluggers' race to hit the most home runs, later overshadowed by the steroid scandal, left a permanent mark on baseball history.

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes94%
Metacritic75/100
Google Users92%
Director: A.J. SchnackGenres: Documentary, Sports

Plot Summary

This documentary series chronicles the historic 1998 NBA Finals, focusing on the Chicago Bulls' quest for their sixth championship in eight seasons. It delves into the dynamic between star player Michael Jordan and his legendary coach Phil Jackson, exploring the pressures, rivalries, and personal sacrifices that defined this iconic era of basketball.

Critical Reception

Long Gone Summer was widely praised for its unprecedented access to the 1998 Chicago Bulls and its compelling narrative of a team at the height of its powers. Critics lauded its deep dive into the personalities and motivations of its subjects, particularly Michael Jordan, and its ability to capture the intense atmosphere of the era. Audiences found it a nostalgic and insightful look back at one of sports' greatest dynasties.

What Reviewers Say

  • Offers unparalleled behind-the-scenes footage of the iconic 1998 Chicago Bulls season.

  • Provides deep character studies, especially of Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson, exploring their complex relationship.

  • Successfully captures the drama, intensity, and cultural significance of the Bulls' dynasty.

Google audience: Viewers celebrated the extensive access to never-before-seen footage and intimate interviews, particularly appreciating the detailed exploration of Michael Jordan's mindset and leadership. The series is often described as a must-watch for basketball fans, offering a profound look at a legendary team during its final championship run.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series and Outstanding Sound Editing for Nonfiction Programming.

Fun Fact

The documentary features extensive footage shot by a production team that was granted unprecedented access to the Chicago Bulls during the 1997-1998 season, with the understanding that the footage would not be released until after Michael Jordan's retirement.

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