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Racing the Rez

Where to Watch Racing the Rez

PG
2012

Racing the Rez from 2012 is a fascinating and moving documentary that delves into the world of high school cross-country running in the Indian reservations of South Arizona. Directed and produced by Brian Truglio, the film challenges the conventional narrative of competitive sports, weaving a complex tale of inter-tribal rivalry, personal growth, and the tension between cultural preservation and modernization.

The storyline follows the multiracial teams from two high schools, Chinle and Tuba City, both located in the Navajo and Hopi reservations. The teams' primary ambition is to emerge as victors in the Arizona State Championship, a revered competitive event where only the best taste success. However, underlying this passionate pursuit of victory are personal battles, shared endeavors, and the struggle to reconcile traditional values with contemporary American ideology.

The main characters are Billy Orman, a white runner from Tuba City, and Thomas Martinez, a Native American from Chinle. Both are incredibly talented athletes with the shared dream of not just winning but also escaping the limitations of the arid desert reservations they call home. While Orman strives to counter the isolation of being an outsider, Martinez grapples with the pressures of poverty and family expectations. Their individual stories tell a larger narrative about the complexities of identity, heritage, competition, and ambition within the intertwined Native American communities.

With cross-country running as the background, Racing the Rez creates a vivid portrait of life on the reservations. The dry, rugged landscapes serve as the grueling practice fields for the high school runners, testing their endurance and resilience every day. Conversely, the landscape also stands as a symbol of cultural heritage and tradition, which the athletes navigate with their day-to-day lives.

Director Brian Truglio provides an insightful perspective on Native American tribes and their culture through his comprehensive compilation of the runners' personal journeys, candid interviews, families, and community interactions. We get glimpses of the everyday struggles and hopes that these students encounter in their lives, from dealing with academic stress to managing family responsibilities, all while negotiating their cultural identities within the vast scope of the American tapestry.

One of the fascinating aspects of Racing the Rez is the study of the rivalry between the two teams representing the Navajo and Hopi tribes. The competition serves as a microcosm of the historical animosities and shared histories between these tribes, with the border town of Tuba City standing as the contentious land in the middle. Such a nuanced depiction of inter-tribal dynamics beneath the surface of high school sports rivalry creates a compelling narrative for the viewers.

The documentary shines not just in its landscape and cultural depiction but also as a universal human story. It is a tale of young individuals who battle physical and mental obstacles daily, chasing dreams that lie beyond the reservation boundaries. The riveting narrative keeps viewers on edge, showcasing a mix of competition, cultural dynamics, and human resilience.

The film also presents relevant socio-cultural issues. Themes of poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity on the reservations are highlighted, pressing viewers to reflect on the broader landscape of American society and its perceivable gaps. The film underscores the importance of athletics in providing an avenue for escape and ambitious pursuit for these runners.

The cinematography in Racing the Rez is top-notch. The raw, panoramic shots of the desert landscape, creating a magnificent backdrop, mirror the arduous journey of the young runners. The use of cinema verite style and intimate shots bring viewers closer to the main characters’ triumphs, challenges, and transformation - crafting a realm that is as breathtaking as it is thought-provoking.

Racing the Rez jogs the boundary lines between sports film and cultural documentary, excelling in both genres. It underscores the transformative power of sports, the enduring spirit of young athletes, and the intricate interplays of cultural identity, traditional heritage, and modern ambitions. It is a deeply human story – inspiring, heartbreaking, and truly stirring.

Racing the Rez is a Documentary movie released in 2012. It has a runtime of 58 Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 7.8..

How to Watch Racing the Rez

Where can I stream Racing the Rez movie online? Racing the Rez is available to watch and stream, buy on demand, download at Amazon, Kanopy. Some platforms allow you to rent Racing the Rez for a limited time or purchase the movie for downloading.

7.8/10
Director
Brian Truglio