Edge of America

Chris Eyre has done a wonderful job of presenting Indian life in America today. The reality of the reservation was presented in a wonderful way - not as victims or heros but as real people just trying to live their lives.

I especially liked the fact that this movie avoided typical Pan Indian Images that plague so much of what is presented in the media about Native Americans and their culture.

Bravo!

I saw this movie at Sundance. I am not a basketball fan, nor am I particularly interested in Native American affairs. But I LOVED this movie, and it seemed as if everyone else in the theater did too. It was by far the best film I saw at the festival this year. There are a few flaws you have to overlook - James McDaniels' character is remarkably insensitive to Indian culture, and says some things that no kind intelligent person would, though the character is supposed to be both kind and intelligent. But forget that - McDaniel still makes you believe he's real, and the girls who play the losers-turned-winners on his team are marvelous. For whatever issues of believability you may have, how can you knock a movie that makes people stand up and cheer? And gives us a conclusion that may not be the easy predictable one? The world needs more movies like this. Go see it. You won't be sorry!

This story is too negative. It starts nice but later on the coach yells too much. My guess is that the real-life coach did not yell as much.

I especially doubt that the real-life coach got so upset about words.

The movie leads people to believe that yelling is a good way to get people to succeed.

Many people won't understand that there are better ways to get success, but I am sure that the real coach understands.

I hope that someone some day makes a better version of the story that shows more of the caring that created the successful team.

I am now curious about the documentaries to see their version of the story.

The premise is reasonable. Basketball is big on many reservations, and there are black basketball players (e.g., Kareem Abdul-Jabaar) who have volunteer on reservations. Sure, there are a lot of clichés from other Indian movies. But overall, the acting is good (especially Wes Studi), though the black coach's performance is a bit stiff at times. The most surprisingly thing about the film to me is that it never got any kind of commercial release. But then again, it is about Indians. And who is the Uwhited States of America cares about Indians? Not many people. Fortunately in my town there are several outlets to see non-commercial movies ("Christmas in the Clouds" is another good, Native-American-theme movie that you probably won't see unless you live in a similar town). Anyway, thanks, Mr. Eyre, for a good show. Maybe not your best pic, but still a good one.

The only name I recognize is tim daly, and he's waaaaaay down in the cast list as leroy. This is a true story of a high school teacher who is persuaded to coach the basketball team.... the girls team. On a reservation. Challenging. James mcdaniel plays the new coach, but is probably best known for nine years of nypd blue. Can coach and the girls learn from each other? And can the team win? Some jokes as the various groups throw jabs at each other. It's mostly a good story. Some weirdness ... the coach arrives in town with high standards and understanding, but loses his cool later and doesn't respect the indian ways. Everyone has flaws, but it didn't feel consistent. Like mother tsosie says, our flaws keep our feet on the earth. Directed by chris eyre. Written by willy holtzman. Cute story! Good to see first americans telling their story.