Back in February 2008, I mentioned the buzz that was bubbling up around the film “Sugar.” Unfortunately, I never had a chance to see it in the theaters. But, in July of this year, I found out that it was coming to DVD on September 1st. At that time, I promised a review on “Sugar” once I saw it. And, now that I’ve seen a review copy of the DVD, I can share that review.

First, I’ll cut to the chase and say that “Sugar” is a film that every baseball fan over the age of 16 should view – and I only provide that age cut-off due to some of the storyline not being completely suitable for young children. That said, the film was rated PG-13, and, if you’re comfortable with your young teenager watching a movie containing some mature language and mild sexual themes, then you can lower that age bar from 16 to 13 here.

Why should baseball fans watch “Sugar“? Well, it tells the story of how baseball propsects from Latin America – and, specifically, in the case of this story, the Dominican Republic – have to deal with the “systems” in their hometown as well as having to deal with the cultural and language issues, racism, and isolation/home-sickness once they make it to America to play professional baseball. “Sugar” also does a through job painting the picture of life as a minor league baseball player, in general.

Now, erudite baseball fans may think, here, “I already know all that stuff – so, what’s this flick going to tell me that I don’t already know?” And, my answer to that is simple: Thanks to the outstanding acting in “Sugar,” we get to witness and absorb some emotion around that “story” which some already know…and, thanks to warmth derived from watching “Sugar,” it enables those familar with this type of story to acquire additional perception via the stimulation of viewing this film.

Actually, that’s a good lead into my second point on this matter – while I feel that “Sugar” is a film that every baseball fan over the age of 16 should view, I can also share that this is a film that any adult should give consideration towards watching…because it’s a story told beautifully, and with compassion, that many will find satisfying.

I was very pleased to be able to watch “Sugar” on DVD – and I highly recommend checking this one out.