Slam Dunk Inspiration

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Rez Ball, co-written and directed by Sydney Freeland (Drunktown’s Finest, Echo), co-written by Sterlin Harjo (co-creator of Reservation Dogs), and based on the nonfiction novel Canyon Dreams by Michael Powell, is a sports film that hits the same notes we’ve come to expect from the genre, yet it’s also a movie that, for better or worse, isn’t all that interested in being a sports film. Rather, Freeland and Harjo prioritize the beauty and struggle that comes with living on a reservation and the community that naturally grows out of that, but also the inescapable nature of that type of community. Even though Rez Ball is going through the process of a fairly standard sports film, it’s the details in the fringes that make it such a compelling story.

The Chuska Warriors seem well on their way to the state championships with their star player Nataanii Jackson (Kusem Goodwind) leading the way. While celebrating their first win of the season, Nataanii and his teammate Jimmy sit and talk as they look over the reservation, and Nataanii refers to trying to “escape” some way. Even at the height of his success and popularity, Nataanii has a weight on his back he can’t avoid. At their game the next day, Nataanii is nowhere to be found, and in the locker rooms after their loss, the team learns that their star player has taken his own life.

Jimmy is hit particularly hard by the loss of his friend, which isn’t made easier by his troubles at home, where his mother still struggles with alcoholism and asks him to take shifts at a local burger place to help with money. Yet Jimmy’s coach, Heather (Jessica Matten), sees something in Jimmy as a potential leader and makes him the team captain after the loss of Nataanii. Meanwhile, Heather is also trying to escape her position as coach, but the end of her long-distance relationship and her inability to get hired by any other team keeps her stuck in her current location. Together, Jimmy, Heather, and the rest of the Chuska Warriors try to succeed without their star by embracing who they are and what makes them unique among all the other teams competing to go to the state championship.

What makes Rez Ball such an interesting example of a sports film is its exploration of embracing who you are and using what makes you unique to succeed. Again, this is primarily shown through Jimmy, who had the potential to leave the reservation when he was working in conjunction with Nataanii, but now, it seems as though he’ll be stuck here like his mother. While Nataanii might have seen the reservation as a prison, Jimmy discovers the possibilities that his home still offers. He gets closer to his coworker Krista (Zoey Reyes) at the burger shop, and she teaches him how to speak Navajo, which the team can use to call plays during the game that their competitors won’t understand. At one point, Jimmy is bummed out by working at the restaurant, but Krista shows Jimmy the positives, stating that while she doesn’t want to be here forever, she also gets to see everyone in the town and create friendships that she wouldn’t have without this job. Even though one might feel trapped by their situation, there’s always a silver lining, and things that might seem like weaknesses are actually strengths.

Rez Ball is now available to stream on Netflix in the U.S.

Watch on Netflix

Conclusion:

Rez Ball is a unique sports film that prioritizes the beauty and struggle of living on a reservation, rather than just the competition on the court. By embracing their unique qualities, the Chuska Warriors are able to overcome adversity and find success in their own way.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is Rez Ball about?
  • Rez Ball is a sports film that tells the story of the Chuska Warriors, a team of Native American basketball players competing in the state championships.
• Who directed and co-wrote Rez Ball?
  • Sydney Freeland and Sterlin Harjo co-wrote and directed the film, which is based on the nonfiction novel Canyon Dreams by Michael Powell.
• Where is Rez Ball available to stream?
  • Rez Ball is available to stream on Netflix in the U.S.