Uproar: How one prejudice protest can trigger another prejudice protest

 "Uproar" (2023) is from New Zealand and takes place during a time of racial protests in the memory of one writer who felt some of the same emotional elements of the lead charatcer.  The protests spurred others to realize they have been the victims of prejudice, the native Maoris.  The film debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival.

We are introduced to Josh a half Maori student at a private school.  He is not particularly interested in sports, but has a brother who had been a local rugby hero and finds himself pulled in that direction.  A teacher sees something else in him and encourages him to check out acting.  The school principle is against protests ruining the rugby tour.

The Springboks rugby team from South Africa had agreed to a tour of New Zealand in 1981.  This aroused an anti -apartheid protest among some European descendants.  In turn some Maori activists decided that they had been discriminated enough and thought to piggy back on the protests.  Josh felt pulled in two directions and did not want to get involved in protests.

Josh's older brother had been a star rugby player before an injury ended that, but he was wanted as a coach.   His mother, born in England was reluctant but made a deal that if they wanted her older son to coach they would have to accept her younger less athletic son for the team and it was agreed.  She felt awkward in New Zealand, but her Maori husband had felt unwanted in England and she felt unwanted by Maoris.

Josh really felt out of place, but one of his friends, Grace wanted him to take part in the protests and Mr. Slane was vehemently against the protests.  He had helped his brother to recover from his serious injury.  

The movie is mostly from Josh's perspective struggling to please others and assert his own identity.

History provided the material, but the cast and crew have given life to the story.  Here are some contributors.  

Paul Middleditch was a director, writer and executive producer.  He had lived as a young boy during the Springbok tournament.  He is well known for tv. commercials in Australia.  Paul has 10 directors credits and 3 for writing and 1 for editing.

Hamish Bennett was the other director and one of the writers.  He was a full time primary school teacher.  He has 6 writing credits and 5 for directing.

Sonia Whiteman was another writer.  She has 5 writing credits, 4 for directing and 1 for producing.

Mario Gaoa was another writer.  He was part of the Naked Samoan Comedy Group.  He has 12 acting credits, 8 for writing and 3 for producing including "What We Do in The Shadows" (2014) and "We are Still Here" (2022).  see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/10/indigenous-perspective-illustrated-with.html

Rachel House was still another writer.  She got experience directing in theatre and went to study directing at the Prague Film School in the Czech Republic.  She has also been an acting coach.  Rachel has 62 acting credits, 7 for additional crew and 2 as director including.  "Whale Rider" (2002), "Eagle vs. Shark" (2007), "Moana" (2012), "Hunt for the Wilder People" (2016) and "Thor: Ragnarok" (2017).

Karl Solve Steven was the music composer.  He has 64 composer credits, 18 for the music department and 6 for soundtrack including "800 Words" (2015) and "The Sounds" (2020).  For a section on "800 words see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/12/tv-series-from-down-under.html

Maria Ines Manchego was the cinematographer.  Known for music videos and tv. commercials.  She has 22 cinematography credits.

Carly Turner was the editor.  She has 25 editor credits, 17 for the editorial department and 4 for the sound department including "Hacksaw Ridge" (2016), "Adrift" (2018) and "The Legend of Baron To'a" (2020).

Julian Dennison played Josh and was quite a contrast to what we saw in "Hunt for the Wilder People" (2016) where he played a rambunctious youngster.  After two previous films he was offered that role without an audition.  He has attracted attention from Australian and American film makers.  Julian has 16 acting credits and 1 for soundtrack. 

James Rolleston played Josh's older brother.  In July of 2016 he was in a very serious car accident that resulted in brain and lower body damage that required extensive rehabilitation to talk and walk.  He has 14  acting credits including "Boy" (2010), "The Dead Lands" (2014) and "The Dark Horse" (2014).

Minne Driver played Shirley, Josh's mother.  She has been a successful singer with 3 solo albums and written songs.  She has 98 acting credits, 2 for producing and 18 for soundtrack including "Good Will Hunting" (1988 in which she was nominated for an Oscar),"Big Night" (1991), "Owning Mahowny" (2003), "Barney's Version" (2010), "Return to Zero" (2014), "Beyond the Light" (2014) and "The Red Tent" (2014).

Rhys Darby played Madigan, the teacher trying to steer Josh to acting.  He has been a standup comedian and performed as such in the United Kingdom along with radio and film.  He has been a climate ambassador for Greenpeace and once took part with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with a tourism video.  Rhys has 114 acting credits, 10 for writing and 1 for directing including "What We Do in The Shadows" (2024) and "Hunt for The Wilder People" (2016).

Mark Mitchinson played Mr. Slane, the principle.  He acted in one of the Hobbitt films shot in New Zealand.  He has 90 acting credits including "Tracker" (2010).

Jada Fa'atui played Grace.  She had done a few podcasts, but this was her first film.

I caught the film by PVR.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  Some of them are among my favorite films.  If you follow the links you should be able to determine if any film is worth following up.

Sisyphus

Science Fiction is a tool.  It can point the way to a future and/or deal with moral dilemmas.  Good ones do a little of both.  One criticism of this film brought to my attention was that the explanations for time travel were inconsistent.  To me belief in time travel is ridiculous, but it is still very useful as a tool, that is illustrated with "Sisyphus:  The Myth" (2021).

From Greek myth Sisyphus was punished by rolling a stone up hill until it reverses and the process begins again, symbolizing unending labor

The key problem is a nuclear war that will kill everyone.  From the future  Seo-Hae is sent to disrupt an invention that would precipitate such a civilization ending event.  The key scientist Tae Sul is arrogant, very smart and loose with women.  Seo-Hae, exceptionally beautiful, but focused convinces him to take action.  Her father had strongly advised her to avoid him, but she needed to talk to persuade him.  They are attracted to each other and others try to take advantage of that.  At one point he seems forced to make a decision between her and the war.  There are endless complications where several characters act in different futures.  

Of course this provides a great platform for action.  Explosions, gunfire and martial arts.

The creative team voice some thoughts about the future.   At one point the hero, Tae-sul asks Seo-Hae why she seems so slick fighting, but can't drive a car and speculates because cars in the future are all self-driven.

With many ups and downs fighting and some romancing we arrive at the ending, but you really should sit through all 16 episodes to really appreciate it.  

 A lot of people have a a rosy or lackadaisical view of the future, while many others have great fear.  The creative behind this series can foresee great danger.  Technology is churning out innovations, but some of them might not be totally beneficial. A strong belief of many science fiction lovers is that there are many other civilizations in the universe, but Carl Sagan concluded the reason we have no contacts is that any civilization that advances to a high enough technology to communicate with other planets blows themselves up.  Check :http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2012/10/carl-sagan-and-our-future.html

A lot of talented people make this worth viewing.  Listed below are some.

 Jin Hyuk was the director with 12 directing credits.

Lee Je-in and Jeon Chan-Ho are listed as script writers, but neither has any other credits.  They obviously exhibit professionalism that sooner or later will be revealed.

Chung Yeakyoung wrote the music.  At age 11 she won a national song contest that has remained popular.  She has 8 composing credits and 8 for the music department including "Chocolate" (2019).

Cho Seung-woo played Tae Sul.  He has been a top musical theatre star which surprises me as he doesn't get to sing in any films I have seen.  He has 24 film acting credits and one for soundtrack including "Chunhyang" (200), "Tazza:  The High Rollers" (2006), "Stranger" (2017) and "Divorce Attorney Shin" (2023).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/04/divorce-attorney-shin.html

Park Shin-hye plays Seo Hae.  She is gifted in Tae Kwon Do, performing her fight scenes in this series.  She has also been a backup singer in Korean films.  She is popular in Japan, China, Taiwon and other Asian countries.  She has been a generous philantrophist and has done volunteer work in Korea, Nepal and Ghans.  Shin-hye has 31 acting credits including "The Beauty Inside" (2015), "My Annoying Brother" (2016), "Memories of the Alhambra" (2018) and "Doctor Slump" (2024).  See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/03/doctor-slump.html

 Kim Jong-Tae plays Seo-Hae's father.  He has 38 acting credits including "Something in the Rain" (2018) and "Daily Dose of Sunshine" (2023).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/11/daily-dose-of-sunshine.html

 Sung Dong-il played Mr. Park, sort of a villain, but sometime ally.  He started in the theatre and now has 86 film acting credit including "200 Pounds Beauty" (2006) and "Miss Granny" (2014).   See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2014/04/a-slice-of-korean-cinema.html

 Kim Byung-chul played Sigma, a definite villain.  He has 26 acting credits including "Doctor Cha" (2023).   See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/06/doctor-cha.html

 Jeon Gook-hwan played an early investor with Tae-sul.  He has 55 acting credits including "My Mister" (2018) and the very popular "Crash Landing on You" (2019).   See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/02/crash-landing-on-you-very-addicting.html

Available on Netflix subtitled or dubbed.

Another Korean science fiction:   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/02/when-stars-gossip.html

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  Some of them are among my favorite Korean films and a big part of my Korean obsession.  If you follow the links you should be able to determine if any film is worth following up.

Fredrik Backman comes up with another worthy read

Fredrik Backman is a favorite author and I go for his books even when the description does not fit my normal reading.  He has proved to be worth the effort.  As the last words of his acknowledgements "Telling stories is the only time I really feel like myself.  Thanks for following along."

This story seems to begin when a 17 year old independent girl comes across an apparently homeless man who is about to die.  Another man approaches  and assures the man he got the painting.  In the short time Louisa is known she makes such a strong impression that his last request is to give the painting to her.  There is a little back story of Louisa and lot about the painting and four friends.

There were four 14 year old friends that enjoyed each other so much despite some differences.  They offer the view of some youngsters who mostly do not know what they want out of life.

 There is a lot of humor, but also references to dying and the dead.  The dialogue is clever.  The plot is about a lot of back stories plus the adventures of the painting and Louisa.  There are interesting views on the art world and subtleties. 

There are lots of interesting thoughts, but I picked out three quotes that had some meaning for me. 

"Surely taking life for granted is the whole point of being here."

"My friend, all opera, all about love."  Reminded me how I came to love opera.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2011/06/why-i-love-opera-wayne-gretzky.html

"It's art that helps me cope.  Because art is a fragile magic, like love, and that's humanity's only defense against death."

Fredrik Backman hails from Sweden, but his books are found in over 40 countries.  He writes about a variety of topics and setups.  Highly recommend all his books.

 Here are some previous posts, but the first one is of a movie he inspired.

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2017/07/a-man-called-ove.html 

 http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/06/beartown.html

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/04/anxious-people-by-fredrik-backman.html 

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/11/the-winners.html 

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/08/us-against-you.html 

Our Unwritten Seoul

Another Korean romance.  If you are in to them they are among the best.  In "Our Unwritten Seoul" as a tool they use identical twins so similar their mother can't tell the difference.  In addition another tool for romances is the misunderstandings that here are compounded by identical twins.  First reaction might be to expect a comedy, but it is more dramatic.

Looking at the photo to the left all the apparent differences are cosmetic--they are the same actress.

The two women, Mi-Ji and Mi-Rae are in different circumstances and have different personalities.  Mi-rae is in a big corporation in Seoul and feels uncomfortable with corruption.  Mi-ji is more at loose ends, but staying with her mother so she could help her grandmother.  Getting together they both cook up a scheme to switch roles.  They do have only a rough outline of the other's situation.  They cover it up, but leave a little wondering doubt.

The romance comes from their new job situations.  Mi-ji working in the corporate environment deals with an old acquaintance, Ho-su, a company lawyer she went to high school with.  Ironically he had a fixation on Mi-ji, but pretending to be the sister she is truly surprised.  They both are upset with a move to push out small businesses for a new shopping mall.  One lady resists and she at first is suspicious of both of them and all feel caught in the middle.  This dilemma has more complications and a few twists.  

Mi-Rae moves back home and her mother thinks she is strange, but still accepts her as Mi-ji.  The grandmother is the one not fooled, but keeps it quiet.  Mi-rae takes a job at a strawberry farm.  Eventually we learn that the owner, Se Jin had once been a financier, but gave it up because he was upset about corruption.  They rub each other the wrong way.  When he reveals his background he is surprised she even recognizes his name and she has to lie to not reveal how she knows it.

Both men are lied to, but gradually the truth comes out.  Most romance followers can anticipate sparks, but there really is more to the story.  The two sisters are quite different, although at times the viewer will be confused.  

The quality of the series is top notch.  Here are some of the contributors.

Park Shin-woo is the director.  He has 10 directing credits including "It's Okay Not To Be Okay" (2020) and "When The Stars Gossip" (2025).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/03/its-okay-not-to-be-okay.html and  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/02/when-stars-gossip.html

Lee Kang was the writer.  She has 5 writing credits.

Nam Hye-Seung was the music director.  She is noted as a multi instrumentalist.  In the early days she was involved with children's programs, but was careful to not to copy Disney that was common at the time.  She has 20 composing credits and 49 for the Music Department including "Crash Landing on You" (2019), "It's Okay Not to be Okay" (2020), "Queen of Tears" (2024) and "When the Stars Gossip" (2025). see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/05/queen-of-tears.html and  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/02/crash-landing-on-you-very-addicting.html

A quote that perhaps other composers would also feel and illustrates her dedication to music in films: "All scenes deserves a touch up or entirely new music because different scene might need more detailed music work. Audiences might not catch it all the time but it is needed to deliver the message to their heart as close as I can do because I know the importance and how much minor things can do to the whole picture." 

Park Bo-young had the difficult role of playing identical twins Mi-ji and Mi-rae.  While in middle school she was in a short film.  At high school she had done a tv. commercial.  She has 25 acting credit including "A Werewolf Boy" (2012) and "Daily Dose of Sunshine" (2023).     See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/11/daily-dose-of-sunshine.html

Park Jin-young played the lawyer Ho-Su.  An early interest was dancing and later was part of a boy group.  Jin-Young came to this role after his army release.  He has 62 acting credits and 2 for soundtrack.  

 Kim Sun-young played Ho-su's step mother who had stepped in despite contrary advice when her husband killed in auto accident that also seriously injured Ho-soo.  She has had an extensive career in theatre.  She has 47 acting credits including "When The Camellia Blooms" (2019),  "Crash Landing on You" (2019), "Broker" (2022) and "Queenmaker" (2023).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/05/queenmaker.html

Jang Young-nam played the mother of the twins.  She has a strong background in theatre that includes the solo role in "Vagina Monologues" (2006).  She has 85 film acting credits including "A Werewolf Boy" (2012), "It's Okay Not To Be Okay" (2020) and "Love Next Door" (2024).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/10/love-next-door.html

Im Chul-so played a handicapped and corrupt lawyer.  He has 19 acting credits including "Signal" (2016) "Crash Landing on You" (2019), "Vincenzo" (2021), "Queen of Tears" (2024) and "When the Phone Rings" (2024).   See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/01/when-phone-rings.html

Ryu Kyung-soo played the former fund manager turned to strawberry farmer.  He has 19 acting credits including "Itaewon Class" (2020) and "Broker" (2022).  See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/07/broker-japanese-korean-collaboration.html  

Kim Mi-kyung played the elderly restaurant owner.  she has 80 acting credits including "Secret Sunshine" (2007), "Glove" (2011), "It's Okay not to be Okay" (2021), "Trolley" (2022- 2023), "Doctor Cha" (2023) and "Agency" (2023),  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/06/agency.html 

"Our Unwritten Seoul" is available on Netflix subtitled and dubbed.  A brilliant series.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  Some of them are among my favorite Korean films and a big part of my Korean obsession.  If you follow the links you should be able to determine if any film is worth following up.

Pintu-Pintu Surga stretching my vision of the world

"Pintu-Pintu Surga" (2025) is another example of what you learn when you watch foreign movies--something that is different and something familiar.  The different is that three consenting adults can agree to a marriage with two wives.  The back story is one of frustrated love and concern for children with western society having lots of variations to handle these difficulties.  

We are introduced first to Latifah who loves her husband and is soon left behind when he dies.  He left his son from a previous marriage, money and the top position at an educational institute.  A year or so later she is visited by two men from a co-operating institute and quickly we learn one of the two men had been a boyfriend some ten years before.  Gradually he feels compelled to help with her autistic son Gandhi.  After that we learn that he is married with a daughter he loves.  

Things cool down for awhile, but he realizes he still loves her and has become fond of her son.  He discusses his feelings with his mother who remembers Latifah and does not approve of continuing the relationship.  Partly because of gossip Latifah is resistant and after he finally tells his wife Widya she is furious and even takes off with her daughter for awhile.  Aman does not want a divorce, but he wants to take care of Latifah and Gandhi.  He persuades his wife to talk with Latifah with both women feeling awkward and just as the conversation is winding down Latifah gets a phone call about her son having a fit.  Aman insists he drive her and Widya decides to come along, stays in the vehicle, but is soon aware of yelling and investigates.  Gandhi, upset about his mother and "uncle" Aman is difficult to control.  We then learn Widya had a similar mentally challenged brother and feels guilty she did not help and eventually her father and brother died in an accident she blames herself for.

The key thing is that the three adults all agree to this second marriage and their two children are also part of the decision.  That is more plot than I usually want to reveal, but there is a little detail left out.

The story moves along smoothly and the three adults are all very likeable.  The two children are cute.

One producer was Arya Saloka with his first producing credit.  He plays Aman, one of the leading characters.  He has 11 acting credits including "Cigarette Girl" (2023).  See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/11/cigarette-girl.html

Adis Kayl Yurahmah was the director  with this being her one directing credit.

Dewi Fita was a writer with 3 writing credits.

Tya Subiakto Satrio was the music director.  She has 11 credits for composing and 11 for the music  department.

Gunung Nusa Pelita was the cinematographer with 30 cinematography 2 credits for directing.

Susan Sameh plays Latifah.  She has 15 acting credits and1 each for the music department and soundtrack.

Agla Artalidia plays Widya.  Before getting into films she was a flight attendant for Singapore Airlines.  She has 12 acting credits including "2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7" (2024).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/04/2nd-miracle-in-cell-no-7.html

Unique Priscilla played Aman's mother.  She  had graduated from the University of Kansas with a journalism degree.  She got into modelling and that led to 48 acting credits.

It is already highly rated on Netflix where it can seen subtitled.  An insight to another way of looking at life and love.

I had previously seen two films from Indonesia that got my attention with a man marrying two women, but there was no three way discussion.  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/01/surga-yang-tak-dirindukan-heaven-none.htm

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  They are not necessarily a recommendation, but generally I found them worthy of my time.  If you follow the links you might be able to determine if a particular film is worth following up.

The Anxious Generation

Today's youth is undergoing a dramatic change that has future repercussions. for all of us.   Jonathan Haidt, a psychologist pinpoints 2012 as a critical time, but the challenge had been building up from the 1970's.  We have gone from a play-based childhood to a phone-based childhood.  Everyone is affected by rapid technology changes, but Generation Z, born after 1995 is the first generation to go through puberty when the tech companies greatly expanded. 

There is a technical aspect, but a critical role was society's attitude toward children had already been changing.  Parents became more protective for their children, restricting their unsupervised activities.  

 Technology has been moving forward for centuries, but in recent decades innovations have accelerated.  Gradually people had gotten used to computers as they became more user friendly.  Laptops increased accessibility.  Smart phone started about 2007 and soon allowed one to take photos of themselves.  All in a pocket (even more mobile and can be hidden).

Starting in 2012 there was an increase in depression measured for teenagers, well before Covid.  Stats appeared similar in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and the Nordic countries.  Anxiety appeared differently for girls who tend to internalize it while boys tended to externalize it.  Suicide increased for both sexes, but boys at a higher rate.

Pornography is very common and distorts reality.  Some boys have become afraid of asking a girl out on a date that used to be a normal risk of growing up.  Over decades service jobs have taken over from factory jobs and as a result females have done better in the new job market.  They are also getting better educated than males. 

Video games can become very addictive.  One boy commented "I wish I had gotten to know my grandfather better before he died, instead of always playing video games when he visited."

Sleep deprivation was aggravated by smart phones linked to anxiety.  Humans cannot really multi-task, instead shift attention back and forth resulting in fragmented attention.  

Before the age of 2 it is best to minimize screen time as it will over stimulate.

What can be done?  Haidt has many thoughts and suggestions that cannot be done full justice is this blog. First he thinks we need to give our children less restrictions and trust them more.  I remember on family outings the four of us would pack into our car, but it seemed my young son was always the last one.  I was annoyed and had to go back to check if the door was locked.  He complained about that lack of trust and finally I trusted him.  

It is natural to think of ways to minimize the use of smart phones in many situations such as school.  We need to co-operate with teachers and as importantly with other parents.  Children complain all their friends have easy access to social media and not wanting them to be ostracized we give them what they want. 

Nature offers a chance to recharge.  On one successful effort Haidt mentions students being allowed to groom horses.  From that brief mention here is a more expanded version of how horses might help.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2016/05/the-power-of-horses-to-heal-riding-home.html

In this busy world one helpful tradition would be for the whole family to eat a meal together--without a smart phone.

 The whole world is trying to adjust to the takeover by smart phones and we are still learning.  Haidt has much more to say and suggest than I have been able to convey.  "The Anxious Generation" is well worth reading.

 Here are two other posts regarding ideas of Jonathan Haidt that really opened up my mind.

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/02/the-righteous-mind.html 

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2017/10/are-you-interested-in-happiness.html

2025 NBA Playoffs

Most years after my home team, the Toronto Raptors ended their season I didn't bother watching the playoffs.  This year there was a special incentive.  Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from my home base of Hamilton, Ontario was already the top scorer and whose team had the best record was a focus of attention.

In general a lot of Canadians were key players.  Foreign players are drawing attention, but Canada supplies the most foreign players.

 The Indiana Pacers were not the favorite in any of their playoff series, but they knocked off more established teams including Boston Celtics and New York Knicks.  A lot of the games were come from behind.  Tyrese Haliburton was outstanding, particularly at the end of games when he shot the winning basket.  One upsetting time for me was when the Oklahoma City team led pretty much for the entire game and even built up substantial margins, but Tyrese kept his cool and shot the winning basket with only 0.3 seconds left.  Unfortunately with the 7th game Tyrese had a severe ankle problem and was lost for the second half.  Another outstanding Pacer was Pascal Siamkim who had been a key player for the Toronto Raptors.  Caitlin Clark was a fan at Indiana home games and they won each one.  Indiana had the top Raptor fan who cheered Pascal.

In the finals it was pointed out a Montreal connection, but split between the two teams.  One story showed the two mothers had become friends watching their sons play in high school.  Lou Dort came from Haiti and took to basketball.  He was a starter for the Oklahoma City Thunder noted for his defense, but also came through with a number of unexpected 3 point plays.  Indiana had Benedict Malthurin who developed his talent in Montreal and in one finals game was the leading scorer.  Another Canadian was Andrew Nembhard from Aurora, Ontario.  He was a starter and often used to keep Shai, a fellow National team member under check.  

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander developed his talent in Hamilton at Sir Allan MacNab High School.  This season he was the highest scorer which lead to the MVP for the season and from there he went on to be the MVP in each of the playoff series including the finals.  Indiana really ganged up on him, but he scored big and just as important worked with team mates to win. 

One change that has been developing has been a greater emphasis on defense.  From my high school days hands on was not allowed, but it is normal in the NBA.  The referees have a lot of discretion in deciding how much contact was allowed and it was frequently stated that if there was no wind-up the defense action was acceptable or at least not considered fragrant.  Bill Russell once described basketball was a "contact sport" and admitting hat football was a "collision sport."

The playoffs were as dramatic as any sports. It probably surprised fans that it was two small market teams made it to the finals, but good for the game.  I am glad I allowed Shai to lure me into watching the playoffs.

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/06/my-60-year-love-affair-with-basketball.html