PRIDE
An uplifting true-story sports drama about discipline, faith, and second chances.
Should You Watch It?
PRIDE is a strong, inspiring sports drama built around discipline, commitment, and the power of a community to help young people change. Its moral vision is unusually positive. God, Jesus, and the church are treated respectfully, and the local congregation supports the teenagers and their coach.
The film’s main cost is its language. The source review notes 26 or 27 obscenities, though there are no “f” words or sexual obscenities. There is also some light fighting, upper male nudity, and implied drug sales.
If you are choosing for teenagers or adults, PRIDE is worth seeing for its uplifting story and strong moral center; parents should use discernment with younger children.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESJim Ellis is a teacher and swim coach who takes a poorly paid job cleaning out a dilapidated recreation center in Philadelphia. When the center’s basketball court loses its baskets, Jim introduces local Black teenagers to swimming.
With help from Elston, the center’s longtime maintenance man, a local church, and God, Jim begins forming an unlikely swim team. The teenagers must learn discipline and commitment while facing opposition from within their community and from a local drug dealer.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means PRIDE is a thoroughly successful film. It is entertaining, compelling, and uplifting, with a strong moral worldview and positive Christian content.
The cast brings honesty and integrity to its performances. Terrence Howard gives the central story of Jim Ellis a compelling presence, while Bernie Mac’s Elston helps anchor the recreation center’s struggle in a personal relationship. The film’s sports-drama structure supports its themes of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
The Worldview
PRIDE presents discipline, commitment, teamwork, and moral courage as essential to victory. Jim helps teenagers move beyond undisciplined habits and become a cohesive team. The film also rebukes racial stereotypes, including the idea that Black people cannot swim well.
Its spiritual perspective is strongly positive. God helps the struggling people in the story, and a local Black pastor and congregation support Jim and the teenagers. The film connects personal transformation with guidance from God, the church, and adults willing to invest in young people.
The story’s central longing is for a neglected community and its young people to be restored. That vision aligns with Scripture’s call to faithful service: “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord” (Romans 12:11).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Very strong moral worldview with strong Christian content, including God helps the struggling people in the story at one point and a local church congregation comes out to support the protagonist and his team; 26 or 27 obscenities (including one "heck" but no "f" words or sexual obscenities) and no profanities; some light fighting and swimmer kicks another swimmer during a swimming race; no sex; upper male nudity; no alcohol use; implied drug sales but no drugs shown or used, and protagonist takes a strong stand against the local drug dealer; and, racial stereotypes rebuked.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
What does real discipline look like when you are starting something difficult? How can you encourage someone who is still learning commitment?
Proverbs 12:1 · 1 Corinthians 9:24–27The film shows a church congregation supporting young people and their coach. What can your church do to strengthen people in your community?
Galatians 6:2 · Hebrews 10:24–25What stereotypes or assumptions can keep people from pursuing their gifts? How does Scripture call us to treat people who are often overlooked?
James 2:1–9 · 1 Samuel 16:7When someone needs a second chance, what kinds of guidance and accountability can help?
Galatians 6:1–2 · Proverbs 27:17The Final Word
PRIDE is an entertaining, compelling sports drama with a strong moral and spiritual center. Its foul language and other limited content concerns call for discernment with younger viewers, but teenagers and adults can find genuine encouragement here. WORTH THE TRIP — TEENS AND ADULTS.
