Rez Ball Movie Review: A Deep Dive into Basketball, Grief, and Celebrating Navajo Pride

The film follows the high school basketball team, the Chuska Warriors, as they navigate the challenges of vying for the state championship. Along their journey, they face not only the pressures of competitive sports but also the heavy burdens of personal loss and cultural expectations.

Inspired by the book Canyon Dreams: A Basketball Season on the Navajo Nation by Michael Powell, this film blends sports action with heartfelt drama, exploring themes of resilience and community through the lens of Native American life.

From the outset, the film distinguishes itself from typical sports dramas. Rather than solely focusing on the highs and lows of basketball, it delves deeply into the emotional journeys of its characters.

The tragic death of star player Nataanii (Kusem Goodwind) reverberates through the team, shifting the narrative to his best friend, Jimmy (Kauchani Bratt), who must navigate the aftermath both on and off the court. While basketball serves as the backdrop, Rez Ball excels in depicting the challenges of life on a reservation and the unique issues faced by Native American youth.

Disclaimer: This article includes spoilers for Rez Ball and reflects the writer’s opinions.

Rez Ball Explores a Different Kind of Sports Drama

At its core, Rez Ball is not solely about basketball. While it includes the typical elements of a sports movie—such as the team coming together after experiencing losses, moments of triumph, and failure—the real focus is on the characters and their personal journeys. Jimmy struggles with the loss of his best friend Nataanii and grapples with finding his role as a leader within the team.

His home life compounds his struggles, as his mother battles alcoholism and financial issues. Nevertheless, Jimmy’s journey is marked by self-discovery and resilience.

Freeland and Harjo’s screenplay skillfully avoids dwelling too long on the sporting aspects, often accelerating through game scenes to emphasize their significance to the characters. This unique angle gives the film a fresh perspective, as it builds tension through character development rather than nail-biting matches.

By redirecting the focus away from the games, the film allows the audience to witness the strength of community, culture, and personal perseverance.

The Impact of Rez Ball

One of the most significant aspects of the film is its treatment of grief and loss. Nataanii’s death by suicide, while devastating, does not linger excessively in the narrative. Instead, it serves as a catalyst for the emotional challenges faced by those left behind. Jimmy is deeply affected; his grief is palpable but integral to his character’s growth, demonstrating how Rez Ball balances themes of loss and hope.

The coach, Heather (played by Jessica Matten), plays an essential role in steering the team through this uncertain period. Her leadership centers around imparting life lessons, rather than merely securing victories. She utilizes the Navajo language to inspire her team, and her connection to the reservation’s culture aids the players in discovering strength in their identities.

Rez Ball Embraces Culture and Identity

A standout feature of Rez Ball is its rich celebration of local culture. The team employs the Navajo language during games, spotlighting the significance of tradition and community. This cultural pride is reflected in Jimmy’s growing recognition of his heritage. With guidance from his co-worker Krista (Zoey Reyes), who teaches him Navajo, Jimmy learns that his cultural identity is a source of strength, not a burden.

The reservation is depicted not solely as a site of hardship but as a home filled with opportunities and beauty. Initially, Jimmy’s desire to escape mirrors Nataanii’s, but as the story unfolds, he begins to appreciate his community. This shift in perspective deepens his character and reinforces the film’s message of embracing one’s identity, even amidst a confining environment.

While Rez Ball follows various traditional tropes of sports films, it distinguishes itself by not centering basketball as its sole focus. Instead, the film reflects life on the Navajo reservation, showcasing its struggles, triumphs, and, most importantly, its lasting sense of community.

The film’s capacity to interweave themes of grief, identity, and culture into a familiar sports narrative makes it a compelling and thought-provoking story.

Rez Ball transcends being just another underdog sports film. It is a poignant examination of how personal loss, cultural pride, and the strength of community can profoundly influence the lives of young athletes. Interested viewers can watch the movie on Netflix.

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