The true story of tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams, who
​became world champions thanks to their father's coaching and life lessons.

BIOPIC/DRAMA/SPORT

King Richard (2021)

Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green

Written by Zach Baylin

Starring Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis, Saniyya Sidney,
Demi Singleton, Jon Bernthal, Tony Goldwyn

Oscar Wins - Best Actor (Will Smith)

Oscar Nominations - Best Picture, ​Best Supporting Actress (Aunjanue Ellis), Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing,
​Best Original Song (Be Alive)

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Connor Eyzaguirre

December 4, 2021

8/10

Even if you don't follow tennis, odds are you have heard the names Venus and Serena Williams. They're some of the most decorated athletes of all time, but with a humility that few athletes possess. According to this film, which the Williams Sisters both produced, the life lessons they exhibit on and off the tennis court were instilled in them by their parents, particularly their father Richard Williams. This film is half Richard's story and half Venus and Serena's, but it's entirely inspirational.

In the early 90's, there had never been any famous black tennis players, let alone any black women. Richard Williams (Smith) was dedicated to ensuring his tennis prodigy daughters became the very best at the sport. However, the way he did it was entirely unconventional. He pulled them out of junior tournaments because he saw how other tennis kids were treated by their sometimes psychotic parents, who ended up burning the kids out. Richard wanted his kids to be good people and good athletes, and he pulled it off. One could argue that Richard was a bit overbearing, and the film certainly makes you decide whether it was too much. The kids who play Venus and Serena are fantastic, and Will Smith delivers one of his best performances in years.

King Richard shows how champions are made. It takes the right people at the right time, and an incalculable amount of courage and belief. It's no wonder Venus and Serena became the greatest tennis players of all time, and continue to be inspirations to this day. This film is a great biopic and an even better drama, with some incredible tennis scenes that will make your heart skip a beat.