Monday, July 20, 2009

Edge of America (2003) *****


Three Nations Lady Warriors

Based on a true story, a black teacher is hired to educate the students of Three Nations High. Initially in English, he is quick to catch on to the lackluster girls' basketball team. Soon enough, he begins coaching them. And of course, they begin shaping up. Otherwise, why make this movie?

But Edge of America, another great film by Chris Eyre, is not about basketball but about unity and harmony. Nobody says it better than Cuch (Wes Studi):

"The Creator scattered us to the four winds so we could prove that we're human by finding our way home."

It is a testament of the great ongoing experiment that is the U.S. of A. Could people of all colors, cultures, and creeds live amongst each other? Eyre certainly believes so. But to get there, it may make a man or two go crazy.

But this coach is just the right coach to make it happen - one way or the other. Kenny Williams, played by James McDaniel, may not understand native traditions but he knows the struggle. He's been there and he's risen above it. Yet, he holds high standards for others. Standards that disregard the values of others. There, he realizes he has much more to learn.

Tense, yet inspiring, Edge of America is a movie that makes you feel good. And a rarity, it explores black-indian perceptions. How they relate may open eyes, shatter assumptions (like a few I had going in), and even have you laughing. It's nothing new but it never hurts to be reminded: as different as we are, we are all the same.

2 comments:

_Jeri_ said...

I reallllllly want to see this movie
but i cant find it anywhereeeeee
lame..

Teddy Cheong said...

Hi Jeri, sorry, I just got your comment. Do you have Netflix? They have that movie. Otherwise, the only way I could find this movie was through Amazon.