Edge of America (2003) (TV)

User Rating:

7.0/10   

Director:

Chris Eyre

Writer (WGA):

Willy Holtzman (written by)

Release Date:

10 December 2003 (Netherlands)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

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. |

Plot Keywords:

High School | Basketball | Native American

Awards:

5 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

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

Also Known As:

On the Edge (Europe: English title)

Runtime:

USA:105 min (Sundance Film Festival)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Australia:PG

Filming Locations:

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

Company:

Showtime

Goofs:

Continuity: 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.

Quotes:

Kenny Williams: Okay Cuch, why'd you bring me all the way up here?
Cuch: You're standing at the center of two worlds.
Kenny Williams: Yeah, well, I thought I left that other world behind.
Cuch: Well don't look through their eyes, look through your eyes. From here you can see forever - the past, the present, the future. See, the Creator scattered us to the four winds so we could prove that we're human by finding our way home.
Kenny Williams: Well, always trying to find your way home can make a man crazy.
Cuch: Hmmh, sometimes you have to go all the way around the world to find your way, and sometimes you've got to put pride aside to get there. Me, I'm home.
Kenny Williams: This is like, what, a sacred site or something?
Cuch: This?
[chuckles]
Cuch: This is just a big rock.
[...]

another fine effort from Chris Eyre

This fine film has been shown on Showtime and has finally been released on DVD. The previous documentary on the subject, Rocks With Wings, is not available on video or DVD, to my knowledge. If you enjoyed Eyre's Smoke Signals, you will likely love this one. Great characters, a lovely story, much humor, and some pathos are present with a large dose of Navajo wisdom and custom. A highlight was Coach's realization of the irony of being called "white man", a highly derogatory term, when he was behaving badly. The acting was consistently fine from both the professionals and the young amateurs. The director's deft touch had us constantly on the verge of tears and laughter. Highly recommended.