Welcome back to Filmy Fool! This week, I checked out a new sports documentary on Netflix called Court of Gold. If you’re a basketball fan or even remotely interested in sports documentaries, this one is a must-watch.
What is Court of Gold About?
The documentary builds up to the men’s basketball tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It delves into the history of the USA’s dominance in Olympic basketball, starting from the 1992 Dream Team that featured legends like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan. Back then, the USA decided to stop sending amateur or college players and instead assembled a team of professional NBA superstars. The result? A basketball revolution.
Since then, the USA has mostly dominated Olympic basketball, except for a shocking loss in 2004 when they settled for bronze. However, the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup changed everything. The USA didn’t even win a medal, with Germany emerging as the World Champions. This was a wake-up call, leading to the formation of another Dream Team for the 2024 Olympics—almost like an Avengers Assemble moment to reclaim their throne.
The Global Rise in Basketball
What makes Court of Gold even more fascinating is how it highlights the global evolution of basketball. Unlike in the past, the USA is no longer the undisputed powerhouse. The last five NBA MVPs have been non-American players, including Nikola Jokić (Serbia) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece). Countries like France (the Olympic host), Germany, Canada, Australia, and Serbia have emerged as serious contenders, making this tournament one of the most competitive in history.
Behind the Scenes & Storytelling
As a basketball fan, I absolutely loved the behind-the-scenes action. The documentary captures the intensity, emotions, and mindset of the players as they prepare for the Olympics. The storytelling is gripping, and the access to locker-room conversations and training sessions adds an extra layer of depth.
However, I wish there was more focus on the rivalries and the historical significance of USA’s dominance. The documentary briefly touches upon the Miracle on Ice—the legendary 1980 Winter Olympics hockey game where the USA defeated the USSR after two decades of Soviet dominance. Similarly, basketball has its own rivalries, and a deeper exploration of these could have made the narrative even more compelling.
The Magic of Steph Curry
If you don’t know who Steph Curry is or what he’s capable of, just watch episodes 5 and 6. Curry, playing in his first Olympics, is a revelation. He’s not just the greatest shooter in basketball history—he’s also one of the most influential players of the past 25 years, having changed the way the game is played. Watching him on fire in those final episodes is nothing short of poetry in motion. As a massive Curry fan, I couldn’t help but get emotional watching him light up Paris.
What Could Have Been Better?
While Court of Gold is a great watch, the first three episodes could have been tighter. They focus more on the buildup, but with limited in-game action, they feel a bit slow. The pacing picks up in episodes 4, 5, and 6, where the true beauty of competitive sports shines through. A slightly shorter runtime in the early episodes could have made the documentary even more engaging.
Final Verdict
If you’re a sports documentary fan, Court of Gold is a no-brainer. If you love basketball, this is an essential watch. It beautifully captures the passion, intensity, and stakes of Olympic basketball while giving us an inside look at some of the greatest athletes of our time.
So, should you watch it? Absolutely! Court of Gold is a six-episode rollercoaster of emotions, history, and jaw-dropping basketball moments.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments! And if you enjoyed this review, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Filmy Fool—I’ll be back soon with another recommendation!