The Bicycle Thief as a AA ball pitcher.

The directors capture the incredible pressure of life in the minors, and combine it with a shrewdly observed depiction of the inevitable culture clash that comes from leaping from the Caribbean to the heart of Iowa. The performances in the film, including that by Soto in the title role, are determinedly unstudied. This is part of the film's charm, even if it also blunts the impact since none of the actors have the command of craft necessary to get at the inner emotions of their characters.

"An immigrant's saga more than "a baseball movie," Sugar ultimately runs headlong away from the clichés that mar formula sports-related narrative films." - Bill Weber

Such indie banality -- linked to liberal message-mongering -- proves Fleck-Boden go into a slump long before rookie Miguel.

One of the few sports films to not ram sentimentality or sweetness down throat. Hardly a cliche to be found, very refreshing.

This is certainly not one of those dreary and overdone inspirational sports flick. It is so much more. The filmmakers chose to tell this story the way it happens in the real world. That oftentimes, we lose more than we win and that dreams seldom turn into reality, if at all. And it is amidst this cruel realization that the protagonist must learn to carry on through life. The film manages to be poignant without being gooey or overly sentimental. This is exactly how it should be done.

Finally, a baseball movie that doesnt end in athletic triumph (just cinematic triumph)

very good film about what dominican baseball players go through to try to make it to the majors. very touching story and you get to see just how cut throat the majors can. even though the film is depressing there is some hope for the main character.

This movie made my antlers hurt

Complex drama surprises those expecting a by-the-book, "underdog-beats-the-odds" story by finding bigger ideas, and smaller, more personal moments.

Well acted, expertly paced story of a young Dominican who gets his "big break" when a Major League squad invites him to training camp in the U.S. "Sugar" hits many of the notes that you would expect from a story like this, and ends in the only way it probably could have, but I enjoyed the journey, especially the small moments ("french toast") and slight detours from the main story. Soto is great in the lead role, and not at all the "aww shucks" character movies like this would have him portray.

Awesome baseball movie depicting the tough road that international ballplayers have to take to try to make the major leagues along with trying to learn a new culture, while leaving your family at home. It is amazing all the obstacles this guy has to face but it is for the chance of a lifetime (that was what my brain struggled with as I watched the film). The scenes in the Iowa home were great. It took a weird twist near the end, but I think I got it, and more importantly accepted it.

Completely different than what you probably expect. That makes it good for the most part, even though the investment put into the movie makes the ending all the more affecting.

The cinematography looks beautiful and throughout we get these scenes or shots each about five seconds long that provide subtle yet invaluable bits of insight in to what Sugar is going through and what is running through his mind. Its a sports movie which goes against all the cliches, doesn't care whether the games are won but instead what Sugar is experiencing during them, and takes its time to let us in to Sugar's world and the end result is a moving, visually rich, great piece of filmmaking.

Unexpected, which is impressive for the genre. I like how the film manages to delve into what it means to be out of place without setting fire to its objectivity. Soto has a winsome charm that helps the film retain its levity and wonder, and some wonderful camera work transforms the sleepy backwaters of the farm teams into a setting worthy of the characters. My one complaint is that, for all the hardship on the screen, the film never really goes to a low place, emotionally. Worth checking out.

nice portrait ... but where was the ending ?!

To call it a sports movie would be very unfair, because baseball in this film is just a backdrop for realistic story that deal with subjects of isolation in foreign land and uncertainty about the future. Acting, script, cinematography - everything is nearly flawless. The only thing I didn't like is that some parts dragged for too long. Not a feel-good movie, but a realistic, honest look at life. Another winner from Fleck/Boden.

An enjoyable watch, though a step down for Fleck and Boden from the greatness of Half Nelson. We still have the culture clash theme here, but with only a single developed character, the film's narrative struggles to sustain momentum throughout. There's one fantastic shot about halfway through that formally brings Sugar's plight to life, some comedy, and a few nice dramatic moments. But the film misses opportunities for poetry and reflection, and the final shot feels too self-conscious.