Rocks with Wings (2001 TV Movie) User Reviews

Culture shock and emphasis on girls high school sports

[boatierra · 10/10 · 27 December 2002]

This is a fantastic documentary. It was exciting to watch these players develop a real sense of aggressive competition, a concept not normally associated with (female) Navajo culture. You get to see each Lady Chieftian talk about how they felt about themselves as a person and as a basketball player. So often media attention is placed on boys high school sports, it is refreshing to see a film about girls experiences.

The discussion of the evolution that they went through with their new coach was very insightful. It is rare to hear and see about the meshing of two such diverse minorities. They discovered they had a lot more in common than they would have thought so in the beginning of their coach/player relationship. It was also great to hear about the culture shock that Coach Richardson went through.

By the end, you are so proud of how everyone worked together, and achieved their goals.

Native American "Hoop Dreams"

[turkam · 9/10 · 21 January 2003]

This is an exceptional and moving documentary. I just watched it on the local PBS here in Roanoke tonight and i can't stop thinking about the story. Like "Hoop Dreams" and the feature film "Hoosiers," this story grabs you because of the emotion and the people involved. In "Hoop Dreams," inner city african American teenagers from Chicago find hope in their lives through basketball though life on the courts is often as riveting as what happens in the gym. Similarly, in "Hooisers" the underdog previals over indescribable odds. Here, we have an African-American coach who strives to make a N.Mexico high school girls' basketball team winners even though they have never tasted winning at any level. The film is also made more riveting by its' shocking ending. A very strong film. PBS should show it again!

Excellent film

[fpocoroba · 10/10 · 16 February 2005]

I first viewed Rocks with Wings a few years ago while watching the local PBS station. It was shown at some god-awful time, probably just to fill station time. This is a great disservice since the film's content and presentation warrant a much broader viewing by the general public.

Rocks with Wings is a film not just about Native Americans, Black Americans, or any particular group of people. The movie skillfully weaves a story about people and the day-to- day obstacles faced by all people. It could document any cross section of people in America.

For me personally the fact that the filmmaker, Rick Derby, spent over twelve years in the making of Rocks with Wings demonstrates a commitment and a belief that the story about a Native American high school girls' basketball team in some small corner of New Mexico speaks volumes.

Rocks with Wings is about people of different races, of different socio-economic backgrounds, and of different cultural heritages learning about each other and overcoming the many negative preconceived notions that all these groups are associated with. The skill and determination of filmmaker Rick Derby makes Rocks with Wings the strong story that it is.

I found Rocks with Wings to be the type of film that can capture a viewer's interest and hold it firmly in its grasp. The film is able to do this with a story about a small section of American society. However, the hopes, dreams, and issues that the coach, players, and residents of Shiprock, New Mexico, have documented in the film are not uncommon to all the people living in our society today.

The film Rocks with Wings is one that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Rocks with Wings is deserving of viewing by all people.

One of the most captivating films I've seen in a long time.

[wmckechnie · 9 December 2004]

This movie initially seemed as though it was going to be moderatly interesting but continued to become more fascinating until its climatic ending. The ability of the documentary to take so many interesting plots and subplots and keep them strung together and not only not loose focus, but intensify its point is remarkable. This is a story that needs to be seen. There is something here for everyone. If you want to inspire yourself or your kids, sit down with them and watch this. If you're interested in modern Native American culture, race relations, motivation, leadership, sports, integrity - you name it, there is a piece of it here. The story itself tells it all in such an entertaining way that you become totally immersed. Why this gem has not got more attention is a mystery. I don't take the time to do stuff like this, but feel this film deserves it. Everyone I've shown this doc to is knocked out by it. I'm telling you, check it out.

It is an excellent movie, very moving.

[williemartinez · 10/10 · 19 November 2004]

I enjoyed the movie because it portrays the Navajos as people not stereotypes, with a sense of humor and determination. It brings together a most unusual combination of characters, a black coach and a Navajo girl's basketball team. The coach with a background of success in athletics is met with a team that enjoys just "playing" and is not really interested in winning. How he ever got to the four corners area to coach is a story within itself. The school thought they were getting a white coach and all of a sudden here appears this black person and they have to accept him although very reluctantly. This is truly a cultural clash, he is pushy and they somehow endure. The movie is well made and with the use of clever editing gives the viewer a sense of being there especially during the games. On top of all this there is a surprise ending. This is not a Walt Disney Mighty Ducks type. A must see movie.

Unbelievable!

[tholly9 · 10/10 · 4 January 2005]

Caught this Documentary on PBS and was completely blown away by the story. Reality TV is so popular and yet somehow this has slipped below the radar. I can only watch so many people eat cockroaches, snakes, and rotten things! This film displays the human spirit in a light that has only been show from a singular perspective, which is more real than any reality show aired or made-for-T.V.-movie. Everyone should see it, but for female athletes, coaches, and those that want to see a different perspective....this is it! I'm making it mandatory viewing for my History classes and sports teams.

This film should be aired (and advertised in time) for more viewers to see it.

One of the most moving and powerful documentaries I've seen..

[scwolff · 10/10 · 20 October 2004]

I had the pleasure of seeing 'Rocks With Wings' documentary on PBS

sometime back and have never forgotten it. It was one of the most moving and

wonderfully produced documentaries I have ever seen. I have given this film much thought and what makes it so impressive to me is that it address many issues at the same time and does it in a very entertaining and thoughtful way. Anytime a director can address the issues of race relations, class, and the spirit of a sports team that well, I say hats off to them. Furtermore, this film had some of the best game sequences I have ever seen. I found myself yelling and rooting for the Lady Chieftens with the same enthusiasm I have for the Carolina Tarheels. This movie is a must see for the documentary lover and for anyone interested in issues facing Native Americans and/or the role of sports in shaping young people. I can't say enough about this film.

An inspiring, humbling story of what happens when different cultures come together.

[walterbarron · 10/10 · 13 December 2004]

My wife and I happened upon "Rocks with Wings" by accident one night while flipping channels. We caught it on PBS, and it sucked us in immediately because my brother is also a women's basketball coach. There's an interesting dynamic between a male leading a group of femalesk, but we were also intrigued by the union of African American and Navajo cultures. Here's this coach, who grew up in a tough, competitive, driven environment, trying to teach toughness, aggression and competitiveness to a group of girls who frankly couldn't have cared less about it. But at the same time, they tought him their values of peace, calmness and spirituality which he couldn't have cared less about either. Beware, men - it will make you cry, and don't be ashamed of it. If it doesn't make you cry, then something is wrong. But that isn't the real point - the real point is that success isn't evaluated just by what's on the scoreboard; rather, it's a heightened level of awareness of self and of your environment that comes from struggle, discomfort and patience. Every school in the United States should require its students to watch it, and every adult should feel lucky for the opportunity to watch it.

See It!

[foucaultmr · 10/10 · 21 January 2003]

Exceptional, sad in many ways but in the end, you feel there need be no limits in life. Jerry Richardson was very inspiring but so were the girls he encountered on the court. I would have liked to find out more of what the girls are doing now and if they have children and if basketball is still important to them.

Suspenseful and fascinating

[valky · 9/10 · 16 December 2002]

It is excellent to know that not every documentary is about something illicit or made to laugh at. I was up late last night and I was watching PBS, and there were these native american girls talking to the camera. They were recreating an event that had taken place in the past, and I started thinking, "Oh, no. It's going to be about someone who died as a result of ___ (fill in the blank)." But in an interesting turn, the argument between the girls of the basketball team and their coach turns into a segway for better things.

The interviews lead up to an highly charged confrontation between the basketball team and the coach. You find yourself holding your breath while you wait to see how the different people will react to each other. Then we see the state championship game. I am not a sports fan, particularly basketball, but I couldn't tear myself away from watching the game. I held tightly to the remote control in my excitement.

And the rest of the movie is "wonderful and more wonderful" in that it holds the energy from the first part of the movie and increases enjoyment. We see how unexpectedly positive human nature is. In a hardly corny way, this movie renews our faith in humanity. We can expect some more promising work from Rick Derby, but if he didn't make anymore documentaries or movies, we can all be happy with this flawless effort.

A great film

[josangel15 · 10/10 · 6 January 2004]

Ever since I saw this film on PBS last year (2003), I have spoken about it to friends always with the highest of praise. I am amazed that this motion picture is not more well known, and that it has not found a wider distribution. One of the most inspirational and moving films that I have ever seen.

Weaving the Elements of Drama Into a Documentary Film

[ozziealive · 10/10 · 22 April 2003]

"Rocks With Wings" is a powerful documentary that touches on many important challenges facing teachers, students, community, and in particular, young Native Americans. Mr. Derby has woven his ideas, interviews, music and images together as beautifully as a Navajo blanket. He develops an image system using the "Spirit Line" which appears in Navajo art and the circle...Native American culture is more circular than linear. These images are handled so carefully. Never pushed, never obvious, they are just there at the right time. The story centers on the Shiprock, N.M., Girls H.S. Basketball Team and their young, Black male coach. But the film can be appreciated on so many different levels. As an educator, I especially liked the way Mr. Derby handled the tension between the coaches and how adult ego was getting in the way of the important goal...the best for the girls. This film is an excellent tool for teaching and coaching seminars. Finally, I was most impressed with the film's sense of drama. Yes, it is a documentary about a group of talented reservation girls striving to be the best they can, but the choices Mr. Derby made in telling his story brought it to me, the viewer, as literature. He has created a masterful work of art.

East coast black teacher takes job on Indian reservation in New Mexico and is recruited to coach girls basketball.

[rotsmovie · 6/10 · 21 September 2006]

"Edge" is a pretty weak adaptation of a documentary by Rick Derby called "Rocks with Wings." I caught Derby's documentary at the Hawaii International Film Festival a few years ago and I recently rented "Edge" because I enjoyed Derby's work so much and was excited to see that a movie seemed to have been made based on it. After watching it, however, I thought it unfortunate that movie makers couldn't make a great adaptation without turning it into a syrupy "Remember the Titans" formula or ratcheting away the true humanity and beauty of a work like "Rocks" by throwing in stereotyped Native-American problems of teen delinquency (teen pregnancy and alcoholism, which is nowhere in the documentary) and a poor excuse for a sports climax (when basketball was only half of the story in the documentary). "Edge" also only gave a brief patronization of the whole idea of the Navajo art philosophy central to the documentary, and outright ridiculed the "rocks with wings" mythology ("No, it's just a big rock"). The characters were flat and stereotyped and the story arc plain implausible and rushed. It's a shame that a better movie couldn't have been made that would be true to the cultural lessons and conflicts and in posthumous honor of Jerry (the African-American coach who comes from the east coast to teach/coach in Shiprock, New Mexico). Aside from the obvious, none of the important conflicts of the documentary could be found in the movie; i.e. the cultural clash between African-American individual achievement in the face of adversity (of which Jerry was a great example) vs. the Navajo cultural ethos of taking things as they come; or the real and interesting spiritual dichotomy between traditional Navajo mythology and the newer ideas of Christianity—both important to the native community; the triumph of unity that the team's success brought to the community was also missing; also, the metaphor of Navajo art and expression compared to the real life drama unfolding in the lives of the girls, the coaches and the team mother, as these conflicts and the "imperfection" of their lives and humanness that led them to ultimately learn to "win the right way." "Edge" will let you kill a couple hours with an almost-well done formula movie about a conflict of cultures within the context of a high school girls basketball team, but for a much richer look at a real life drama that comes from a clash of cultures and coaching styles, the injustice of discrimination and triumph of human desire, the connections between life and art, the heroism within competitive sports and a myriad of human motives that play out among a cast of characters that are a universal microcosm of the people we meet everyday, check out Derby's documentary.

this is a special not to be forgotten film

[mofjord · 26 November 2003]

Rick Derby has made a very special film, one that can be analyzed in many ways. I was very very moved by the film and Mr. Derby was able to capture the essence of all the people involved in this story of a team of Native American Girls coached by a young African American male that goes on to capture the girls State Championship. One of the things Derby does so well is to make it personal and sociocultural at the same time. So you can feel it or analyze it on many levels, which is always what good art does, in my view. For me, I felt as though I knew the girls on the team and I feel I knew where the coach was coming from. The actual footage of the games was fantastic and showed how exciting and close the games were. Most interesting and fascinating to me was that both cultures had something to learn from the other, a major important lesson we all can and need to learn in order to appreciate ours and other's cultures. It is my understanding that Mr. Derby had more footage to make this into a series before his money ran out. PBS would do well to make this into a series-it is in line with what they do best and Mr. Derby obviously has the talent and passion to make great movies.

An exceptional film in so many ways

[gulfport-1 · 10/10 · 23 May 2008]

It's been said that a great film maker can carry a bad story, or conversely, a great story can carry a bad film maker. This seems to be about par with the lions share of documentaries made today; more often than not, it's either "one or the other".

Rocks With Wings is one of those rare examples where the two dynamics that are essential for a truly good film- quality film making and a quality story- find a natural confluence. The result is the greatest documentary film I've ever, ever seen (yes, including Hoop Dreams or Salesman) and I say this without the slightest pause.

It just does everything right.

What bothers me (and it should bother you too) is that this extraordinary film isn't being regularly re-shown, or that there isn't a commercial avenue to purchase the DVD. We absolutely cannot let this film slip away into that most unfortunate dustbin of great things left unacknowledged. It's been six years since PBS first showed Rocks With Wings- it's about high time for it to be shown again.

Rocks with Wings is one of those artistic gems that often don't see much of the light of day. It's a treasure that deserves to be discovered and shared with as many of your friends as possible.

[nickhomer-1 · 10/10 · 16 November 2004]

Rocks with Wings has been compared, and rightly so, to movies and documentaries like Rudy, Hoop Dreams and Hoosiers. One could add others like Radio and In Search of Bobby Fisher to that list. We make these comparisons so others will get a quick sense of the type and quality of the movie. Okay, we've done that.

This is one of those stories that all Americans should see - it would make us a better country. I, like others, saw it by chance on a Michigan PBS station in late 2002 or early 2003. I couldn't stop watching. It's an awesome and moving story and beautifully told. I spent much of the next few days trying to locate the movie. Four years later, I found it on the Internet and just received the DVD a couple of days ago.

It's one of those artistic gems that often don't see much of the light of day. It's a treasure that deserves to be discovered and shared with as many of your friends as possible. That such a story was documented is amazing and our good fortune.

A True Reality Film

[rhenry426 · 10/10 · 14 May 2003]

In "Rocks With Wings", Rick Derby captures the essence of reality through human emotion. There is nothing fabricated in this film. The pure emotion felt after watching this documentary, is a reminder that there is nothing more captivating than the drama of human relationship and the dream of going from the bottom, to the top.

I would strongly encourage PBS to air the remainder of this film during a time frame when most people are awake. It's an important story that many of us would like to see.

See It!

[foucaultmr · 10/10 · 21 January 2003]

Exceptional, sad in many ways but in the end, you feel there need be no limits in life. Jerry Richardson was very inspiring but so were the girls he encountered on the court. I would have liked to know find out more of what the girls are doing now and if they have children and if basketball still important to them.

Even my daughters (7 & 9) had to admit they liked it

[lx29000 · 8/10 · 13 February 2008]

I remember watching this film several years back on PBS and was really moved by it. Now (2008) that my daughters are older, I thought this would be a good film for them to see because of its educational and inspirational content. And if they happened to develop an interest in basketball as a result, then all the better.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a copy through the local public libraries, not even through interlibrary loan. I also wasn't able to find a copy to buy it anywhere. As a last resort, I contacted Rick Derby by e-mail. Fortunately, I was able to buy a copy from him.

After it arrived, we didn't watch it right away. Eventually, Martin Luther King day came and I was home with the kids. I thought the time couldn't be more appropriate so we watched it then. I was just as moved the 2nd time, including getting teary-eyed again. The kids thought it was a little slow for about the 1st half, but they eventually got captivated by it also, especially during the footage of the basketball games. My wife told me I must have really liked it because I kept discussing events/issues from the film days after watching it.

I still can't believe this film isn't available through the public library system. Unfortunately, it also appears PBS might not be doing anything more with it 'cause Rick said their license ended. That's a real shame on both counts because this film has too much to offer to not be seen by more viewers.

excellent

[louiseflanagan100 · 10/10 · 25 July 2009]

I grew up in the Southwest U.S., and traveled through Shiprock many times. Watching this documentary took me back in time, and it rang true on so many levels - I was pleasantly surprised. I became totally caught up in the story, and near the end I had decided to look up Coach Richardson and find out where he was now, and what he was doing; then on reading the dedication and realizing he had died in an accident, I literally gasped with surprise and some sadness. I watched this story with 2 family members, and we all commented on how it had really caught us up and carried us along. We think that Rick Derby produced a real gem, and plan to spread the word to friends and relatives to be sure and watch it.

LOVE this film.

[ssewell1 · 10/10 · 21 March 2010]

Rocks with Wings is a documentary that is not to be missed! The film is entertaining, informational, and moving.

As an anthropologist studying Native basketball on a reservation in Wyoming, I knew this was a movie that I had to see, so I purchased a copy of my own and it did not disappoint! Rocks with Wings captures the events of a Navajo girls basketball team and the Shiprock community at large, situating their experience within the traditional Navajo culture. This combination makes Rocks with Wings accessible to a wide variety of audiences from the sports enthusiast to the anthropologist (and those such as myself who wear both hats). I have shown the film to the anthropology class I teach, as well as to the patrons of my weekly poker night, and both audiences showed equal enthusiasm for this incredible documentary.

Vital commentary on women, sports and diverse culture in the US

[Leslie-Yates · 10/10 · 28 February 2006]

This is a great film! Absolutely riveting! It left me wanting more and more of these real life characters. If you get a chance to see this, please don't pass it up! These are the stories of all of our lives. If you love sports, you will love this documentary. It will also provide vital information on the lives of young women living on Native American Indian reservations. This is a side of the United States that we do not get to see very often. As is true of all Native Americans, there is a unreported history that mainstream America does not know about. We address many issues of race in this country, but rarely the issues concerning Native Americans. I work for a community college and we use this film in our Elementary Education program. Not only is this an entertaining, funny, sad and interesting film, it is also a valuable teaching tool for students today. Thanks for reading.

DVD IS available!

[wygit · 26 September 2009]

And after a lot of searching, I found you can get the DVD of the movie.

The team has a Facebook page, and the admin posted:

---

I've had several inquiries regarding the documentary, "Rocks with Wings" in regards to availability and purchase. I've contacted Rick Derby before and this is the information that he sent:

--------

As the DVD is not mass produced, I ask $40 per DVD from individuals. The institutional rate is much, much higher. The Shiprock price is $20 per DVD.

Send your check to:

Shiprock Productions 107 West 75th Street, #3B New York, NY 10023

Contact Info: Mr. Rick Derby, [e-mail]

---

I've emailed to confirm the price, and a check is going out as soon I get a reply.

the Facebook page for the actual team is:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=116141710750

Edit, Sept 27th: Just got a reply from Rick Derby, confirming the above.

A must see documentary

[rickryan · 10/10 · 5 November 2008]

One of my all-time favorite movies. The realness cuts right through you, and you realize what drama lies in an area that you would never think about before this movie. It's obvious how much time and thought went into the making of this documentary, and the end result is a gem. One of the wonderful things about "Rocks with wings" is that you glance at it, then you sit down, then you become part of it. It gets better as it goes and you are drawn into how it will finish. I highly recommend this documentary.

This movie needs to be more available! It's not easy to find one, and Rick Derby's work needs to be seen and shared.

A powerful movie and a story well told

[beardenjanet · 10/10 · 22 August 2009]

Rocks with Wings contains everything I want from a movie; drama, excitement, location, and a powerful story line, to name a few. Rick captured the essence of a place and its people; the history, culture, dreams and aspirations of Jerry Richardson and the young women on and off court and of the Shiprock community. I felt their frustrations, their pride, their pain, and their joy. I was on the edge of my seat during the games, drying my eyes more than once as the story unfolded, empathizing with each in turn, and filled with pride at their victories. I could not have asked for more from this movie, and look forward to more of Rick's work.