Basketball or Nothing

Basketball or Nothing is a 2019 Netflix original, a docu-series that offers an intimate and emotion-fueled journey into the lives of a group of passionate high school basketball players. The series consists of six episodes, each 30-40 minutes long, carved with an honest portrayal of challenges, triumphs, community spirit, and of course, nail-bitingly intense basketball action.

The series is set in a place far removed from the typical glitz and glamour associated with high-school basketball in the United States. Located in the heart of the Navajo Nation lies the reservation town of Chinle, Arizona, which is home to Chinle High School. The high school's basketball team, the Wildcats, serve as the center of attention for this compelling documentary series.

Chinle isn't just any high school, and the Wildcats aren't just any team. For the people of Chinle, basketball is more than just a game - it's akin to a religion, a beacon of hope in an area marked by economic hardship and limited opportunities. Basketball games take on a life of their own, with the Wildcats' exploits on the court filling up people's lives and hearts with fervor and spirit as well as being the focus of communal joy, pride, and aspiration.

The series starts out with the arrival of Raul Mendoza, an experienced, inspirational basketball coach with multiple state champions under his belt. The advent of Mendoza heralds the dream of winning a State Championship for the Wildcats and his arrival stirs the hopes of not just the players, but the entire Chinle community.

Basketball or Nothing doesn't just confine itself to the court action, it offers so much more by dissecting various aspects of Navajo culture and way of life. As we delve deeper into the lives of the Wildcats, we unearth the issues that plague the players off the court,-racial discrimination, poverty, lack of basic amenities, and the pressures of living up to the tradition and the expectations of people believing in them.

Taking a deep and personal approach to its subjects, the series beautifully weaves stories of individual players. We see their struggles, passions, dreams, and the multitude of challenges they face both on and off the court. The individual stories are heart-tugging and inspiring, and the power and resilience of the human spirit shine through in every scene.

An important element of this series is the exploration of Navajo culture and the bond of community. Throughout the series, the respect for Navajo traditions and an intrinsic sense of belonging in the community come across, distinctly shaping the narrative. The beauty of the Arizona landscape acts as a character of its own, majestic, resilient, and integral to the narrative fabric.

Basketball or Nothing manages to capture the raw and real emotions that come from the heart and soul of the Navajo community, the coach, and the players. It is a skilful amalgamation of sports, culture, and determination that captures the spirit of the community as they rally around their high-school basketball team in their quest for victory.

The documentary, directed by Matt Howley, Josh Navarro, and Scott McGrath, is an inspiring, heartfelt, and engrossing spectacle that showcases human spirit, resilience, and unyielding passion. It makes us realize the importance of dreams and the impact they can have on individuals and a community as a whole.

To sum up, the 2019 docu-series Basketball or Nothing isn't just about the game. It's a profound exploration into the lives of the Wildcats, their coach, the Chinle community, their hopes, dreams, trials, and tribulations centered around the honorable pursuit of a State Championship. On a broader level, the series serves as an eye-opener into the lives of the Navajo people, their passion for basketball, and the unity, excitement, and purpose the game brings to their lives. This is a must-watch for basketball fans, culture enthusiasts, and everyone who appreciates a good, uplifting real-life story.