He Got Game is a 1998 American sports drama film written and directed by Spike Lee and starring Denzel Washington.
Jake Shuttlesworth (Washington), in prison for killing his wife, is granted parole for one week to persuade his son Jesus (Ray Allen), a top-ranked basketball prospect, to play for the state governor's alma mater.
The cast also includes Milla Jovovich, John Turturro, Rosario Dawson, Jim Brown, Hill Harper, Bill Nunn, and Ned Beatty.
It was released on May 1, 1998.
Tropes for the film:
- Accidental Murder: Jake accidentally killed his wife six years prior to the film and his son is still angry at his father for what had happened.
- Bittersweet Ending: Jesus reconciles with Jake and goes to Big State, just like Jake and the governor wanted. Unfortunately, Jesus did not sign the letter of intent that would allow Jake to be released from prison early, so Jake goes back to prison as a result.
- Cradle of Loneliness: When Jake is paroled from prison, he makes a stop at the cemetery to visit and then embrace the grave of his wife, whom he accidentally killed years ago.
- You're Not My Father: Jesus repeatedly tells Jake this throughout the film, showing his resentment toward his father for having accidentally killed his mother.