Edge of America (2003)

Based on a true story, a black educator takes a job teaching high-school English at the Three Nations Reservation, and is coaxed into coaching the girls basketball team.

Director:

Chris Eyre

Writer:

Willy Holtzman

Stars:

James McDaniel, Irene Bedard, Delanna Studi

5 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
James McDaniel	...	Kenny Williams
Irene Bedard	...	Annie Shorty
Delanna Studi	...	Carla McKinney
Misty Upham	...	Shirleen
Eddie Spears	...	Franklin
Cody Lightning	...	Dwayne
Geraldine Keams	...	Mother Tsosie
Michael Flynn	...	Homer Horton
Fraya Aspaas-Montoya	...	Francie
Trini King	...	Alvina 'Baby' Tsosie
Deanna Taushi Allison	...	Marissa (as Deanna Allison)
Tim Daly	...	Leroy McKinney
Wes Studi	...	Cuch
Reb Fleming	...	Stellar Dodge (as Reb Flemming)
Lyle Bahazoni	...	Jasper

Storyline

Based on a true story, a black educator takes a job teaching high-school English at the Three Nations Reservation, and is coaxed into coaching the girls basketball team.

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Plot Keywords:

high school | basketball | native american

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Taglines:

Live. Dream. Believe.

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 December 2003 (Netherlands)

Also Known As:

On the Edge

Filming Locations:

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Showtime Networks, Red House Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min 105 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Goofs

In the radio broadcasting room, when Mr. William's asks the class if they're all in to participate on the radio, Shirleen, then her boyfriend are the first to raise their hands. But then, after the camera pans to the other students and back to them, his arm is around her shoulders and she has to prompt him to raise his hand.

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Quotes

Kenny Williams: So, you're a mechanic too?
Cuch: You know, I thought about a more traditional line of work like bingo. But, I didn't like the hours.

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Soundtracks

"Good Medicine"
Written by B C Smithl and Anne Humphrey
Performed by Annie Humphrey

User Reviews

Winner Warriors

This film came out of nowhere the other night when it showed on cable. The movie directed by Chris Eyre and written by William Holtzman, is one of the most uplifting stories about how a teacher that cares to get involved makes all the difference in the world of the young basket ball team.

It's obvious the women's basket ball team of the Three Nations high sucks big time; they play badly and are not coordinated at all. The new black teacher, Kenny Wwilliams, who comes to the school to teach, realizes the young women show potential. Basically, these kids show little self esteem and insecurity in the basket ball court. Kenny, in trying to help the girls, steps into a lot of toes, making him a not well liked figure in the school.

All that changes when he gets Baby, a girl that is not attending the school, but who has potential, to join the team. Carla, the rebel girl who lives with her alcoholic father, comes around to join the others in a sport where she obviously excels. The high school goes from being a joke into the state finals thanks to what the coach Williams does for the team.

The film is inspirational and has a positive message. In fact, this is one of the best sports films ever made. The movie works because of the great performance by James McDaniel, who as Kenny Williams is the spark that ignites the teen agers to realize their potential. Tim Daly makes a appearance as Carla's father. Delanna Studi plays the rebel Carla with conviction.

"Edge of America", which is based on a true story shows how one person can turn around a bunch of losers into winners by making them believe in themselves.