Even with out the title of the doc being “Bill Russell: Legend,” there’s no denying that NBA icon Bill Russell is an absolute legend within the minds of sports activities followers all over the world. As a participant, he gained 5 MVP trophies and 11 NBA Championships. Then, he transitioned into the function of coach, the place he earned two championships. Oh, did I point out he was additionally taking part in at the moment, as nicely?
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And as seen within the trailer for “Bill Russell: Legend,” there’s a lot extra to the story of one of many biggest basketball gamers of all time. Not solely did he have a ton of success on the court docket, however he additionally was a well-known humanitarian and activist, having marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. and main boycotts in opposition to the NBA for its practices many years in the past.
The movie is directed by acclaimed filmmaker, Sam Pollard. Previously, Pollard directed docs similar to “Sammy Davis: I Gotta Be Me,” “MLK/FBI,” and “Mr. Soul.” He additionally earned an Oscar nomination because the producer on Spike Lee’s doc, “Four Little Girls,” which was launched in 1998. So, even in case you’re not a fan of NBA basketball, you would possibly wish to take a look at ‘Legend,’ as Pollard is likely one of the finest doc filmmakers working as we speak.
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“Bill Russell: Legend” is ready to debut on Netflix on February 8. You can watch the primary trailer beneath.
Here’s the synopsis:
The outstanding life and legacy of an NBA famous person and civil rights icon is captured within the documentary Bill Russell: Legend. This two-part movie from award-winning director Sam Pollard (MLK/FBI, Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power) options the final interview with Bill previous to his passing in 2022 in addition to entry to his sprawling private archives. On the court docket, Russell went on to guide every certainly one of his basketball groups to championships — two back-to-back NCAA titles, a gold medal on the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games, and 11 championship titles in his thirteen-year profession as a Boston Celtic (his final two as the primary Black head coach in NBA historical past). Off the court docket Russell was a drive within the battle for human rights — marching with Martin Luther King Jr., main boycotts within the NBA over racist practices and talking out in opposition to segregation — efforts which earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Narrated by actors Jeffrey Wright and Corey Stoll and that includes unique interviews with the icon’s household and buddies in addition to Steph Curry, Chris Paul, “Magic” Johnson, Larry Bird, Jim Brown and extra, Bill Russell: Legend illuminates the methods during which Russell stood tall in each sense of the phrase.