Crooked Arrows

Crooked Arrows is a 2012 sports drama film that centers around the sport of lacrosse. Featuring comic book hero and Superman Returns star, Brandon Routh, veteran actor Gil Birmingham, renowned for his work in the Twilight saga, and the talented and dynamic Crystal Allen, the movie seeks to shed light on native American teachings and the origin of lacrosse.

Directed by Steve Rash, the film portrays an engaging narrative that is set against the backdrop of a Native American reservation and an elite prep school. It is an exhilarating mix of traditional customs and modern-day challenges, shaping up into a compelling drama about finding one's cultural identity and rooting for the underdog.

The film follows Joe Logan, played by Brandon Routh, who is a mixed-blood Native American. He is also the successful manager of a casino on his tribe's reservation, but to the dismay of his father, Ben Logan (played by Gil Birmingham), Joe has drifted away from his cultural roots. As a businessman, he is looking forward to expanding his casino, but the tribal council would only agree if he redeems his selfish behavior. They condition his approval upon his help to rejuvenate the tribe's high-school lacrosse team, the Crooked Arrows.

Despite initially having reservations about coaching the team, Joe, who was once a star lacrosse player, accepts the challenge. He's equipped with plenty of knowledge about the sport but struggles to motivate the team. For the players, their high school team was seen as nothing more than a joke in comparison with the polished prep-school team they often face - the battalion-like Coventry Academy.

Joe's journey is not easy. The team lacks direction, cohesion, and motivation. Joe must not only train them in the technicalities of Lacrosse but also inculcate in them the spirit to fight, to compete, and to win. He resorts to traditional Native American wisdom to instill in them the warrior’s spirit.

Crystal Allen plays the part of Julie Gifford, a history teacher at the reservation’s school and Joe's former girlfriend. She provides a supportive presence, functioning as both an ally to Joe and a link between the school and the reservation. She also provides a romantic sub-plot, reminding Joe of his responsibilities towards his people.

An integral part of Crooked Arrows is its exploration of Native American culture. Lacrosse, a sport with Native American origins, serves as the metaphorical battlefield where tradition meets progress. The sport is celebrated in this film as the "creator's game," entwined deeply with spirituality and cultural heritage of the Native American people. Moreover, the tribal council, their customs, and way of life depicted in the film give us a glimpse of the modern-day Native American lifestyle, providing authenticity and richness to the narrative.

The Crooked Arrows team is unpolished and seemingly incompetent, a stark contrast to the well-oiled machinery that the Coventry Academy team appears to be. However, as the story unfolds, we see how their common cause provides the foundation for genuine bonding. This motley crew of misfits, throw-ins, and overlooked players transforms into a unified athletic force under Joe's guidance and the teachings embedded in their cultural heritage.

Crooked Arrows showcases the underdog overcoming adversity in a transformative journey of self-discovery, reminding us that strength and victory come from acknowledging one's roots, embracing one's identity, and pushing through regardless of the odds. Coupled with exciting lacrosse action sequences, the movie provides a unique blend of culture, drama, and sports that is entertaining and inspiring.

In essence, Crooked Arrows is more than just a sports-themed film. It is a tribute to the origin of lacrosse, a reflection of one's struggle to reconcile with their roots, and a celebration of the human spirit's triumph. Complete with engaging performances from the star cast, Crooked Arrows offers a heartfelt depiction of cultural identity and the incredible power of sports as a means to bring about unity and change.