Sugar

Sugar

Year: 2009

Runtime: 120 min

Language: English

Directors: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck

DramaSport

In this stirring drama, Miguel "Sugar" Santos, a young Dominican pitcher from poverty-stricken San Pedro De Macorís, chases the elusive dream of making it to the big leagues, driven by the hope of transforming his family's fate. As he navigates the cutthroat world of professional baseball, Sugar must confront the dark side of ambition and reevaluate what truly matters in life.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Sugar (2009)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Sugar (2009). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film takes place in the contemporary era, portraying the struggles of an immigrant athlete in the modern American sports landscape. This setting highlights the challenges faced by aspiring baseball players from the Dominican Republic in the quest for success in Major League Baseball.

Location

San Pedro de Macoris, Iowa, New York City

San Pedro de Macoris is a notable city in the Dominican Republic, famous for producing talented baseball players. In Iowa, Miguel experiences life in a small town, where he faces cultural and linguistic challenges while trying to pursue his baseball dreams. New York City represents the culmination of his journey, a vibrant metropolis where he seeks to redefine his identity and community.

🏙️ City 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic 🇺🇸 United States

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:28

Main Characters – Sugar (2009)
Meet the key characters of Sugar (2009), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Miguel "Sugar" Santos

Miguel is a talented young pitcher determined to make it in Major League Baseball. He embodies hope for his family back home, but struggles with the pressures of performance and cultural adaptation. As his journey unfolds, he becomes introspective, questioning his identity and ambitions in a world far from home.

⚾ Baseball 🇩🇴 Dominican 🚶‍♂️ Immigrant

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:28

Major Themes – Sugar (2009)
Explore the central themes of Sugar (2009), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚾ Dreams

The pursuit of dreams is a central theme, as Miguel strives to break into Major League Baseball to support his family. His journey reflects the hope and aspirations of many immigrants who seek a better life through sports and hard work. However, as obstacles arise, Miguel's definition of success evolves, illustrating the complexity of chasing one's dreams.

🤝 Community

Community plays a vital role in Miguel's journey, both in his hometown and in Iowa. He grapples with acceptance and belonging, facing cultural barriers that challenge his sense of identity. The kindness of the Higgins family contrasts with the isolation he feels, emphasizing the importance of connection and support in a foreign environment.

🌍 Identity

The theme of identity is explored as Miguel navigates his place within two cultures. As he faces adversity and injury, he reevaluates what it means to be a successful athlete and the pressures that come with it. Ultimately, his quest leads to a deeper understanding of self as he seeks a new community in New York City.

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:28

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