Crooked Arrows 2012

Late in the film, a white woman unfamiliar with the sport’s history asks, “When did Indians start playing lacrosse?” Although the viewers may not receive a clear answer to this inquiry, the opening sequences reveal the Haudenosaunee people engaging in what the narrator refers to as the “medicine game,” said to have occurred roughly 800 years ago. This ancient game, played to entertain The Creator, unfolds not on a typical field but rather in a vast wooded landscape. An aerial view captures what resembles a field.

Fast forward to today, and Ben Logan is diligently attempting to coach the high school lacrosse team of the Sunaquot Nation. Based on the overhead shots, it becomes evident that they compete on the same ground depicted in those opening scenes. However, they face tough competition from Coventry, a prep school that consistently dominates the New York state championship, having only missed a title in 1998 (a detail to be unpacked later). Ben receives enthusiastic assistance from his daughter, Nadie, while Julie, a supportive white teacher at the high school, serves as the scorekeeper. Notably, her son Toby is the only non-Sunaquot player on the team. When a crucial player gets injured, Toby finds himself on the field despite his limited skills. An illegal hit occurs, resulting in a serious injury. When the mask is removed, it reveals that Nadie has suffered a broken ankle, jeopardizing her future in the sport.

Meanwhile, at a nearby casino, where the portrayal of Indians leans towards mockery rather than respect, Joe Logan, Ben’s son, is in charge. Clueless about the significance of a feather he’s wearing, Joe later learns its true meaning. He faces Mr. Geyer, a developer with plans that hinge on obtaining permission from the Sunaquot for expansion. Having distanced himself from his heritage for years, Joe is the child of Ben and a white woman who passed away when Nadie was little. A former standout at Coventry, he endured derision from wealthy classmates who valued only his skills. However, Julie remained an exception to this dynamic, having dated him in high school.

Joe must now secure the Sunaquot’s approval to allow the casino to widen its scope. While the tribal council is open to the idea, Ben is resolute in opposing it. He insists that Joe reconnect with his roots, starting by coaching the struggling lacrosse team, the Jackpots. The tribal council consents to this plan, provided Joe completes his cultural journey. With the hope that the season will conclude by Memorial Day, Joe asks Mr. Geyer to postpone any actions.

Going through the motions initially yields no improvement in the team’s performance. With expectations from his spiritual leader, his grandmother, Joe yearns to rekindle his relationship with Julie, who remains hesitant unless he genuinely embraces his heritage.

One significant challenge the team faces is losing their balls in the woods, which they cannot search for because of fears surrounding Sasquatch. Amidst all this, tribal elder Crooked Arrow encourages Joe, leading him to invite Crooked Arrow to share lessons about Sunaquot culture with the team. Disturbingly, some players lack proficiency in their own language. Initially, Joe views this linguistic aspect as a competitive advantage, but he soon realizes the deeper connection to their roots.

In time, after hearing Crooked Arrow’s story about his name’s significance, the team receives new uniforms and equipment, rebranding themselves as the Crooked Arrows. They also welcome a new teammate, Maug, who emerges from the woods. Eager to play, Maug is also an engaged student and surprisingly articulate, shattering the initial perception of a frightening Sasquatch—a notion contradicted by his vegan lifestyle.

The Crooked Arrows finally have a fighting chance. Though Toby is inserted into the game at a pivotal moment, they ultimately fall short, yet Joe recognizes their commendable effort. During several dinners at a steakhouse, he honors each player who has significantly contributed with a feather, coming to understand their profound meaning.

While the Crooked Arrows don’t appear in action during certain parts, their fortunes begin to shift, leading to victories over several prep schools. The Onondaga, credited for their crucial involvement in the film’s production, are among their adversaries. On the last day of the season, they face Coventry. When Jimmy gets hurt, Nadie is ready to step in, but Jimmy insists on playing through pain to protect her from future injuries. Although they strive valiantly, it’s Coventry that secures a playoff spot; however, fortunes shift once again with news of an upset, giving the Crooked Arrows a second chance.

Tragically, the Sunaquot suffer a loss as Mr. Geyer’s crews destroy their revered lacrosse field. Confronting Mr. Geyer, Joe’s ire simmers as he demands an explanation. Geyer dismissively shrugs off the disrespect towards the Sunaquot, emboldened by a desire for grander plans. Joe places his job on the line, asserting that other developers would relish the opportunity to build a casino on Sunaquot land. Eventually, the lacrosse field is restored, albeit using the same sod as the Yankees, much to Grandma’s dismay.

Thus, this once downtrodden team evolves into a remarkable story in sports. The Crooked Arrows gain momentum, and ESPN covers the state title match against Coventry. By now, the audience understands the weight of Coventry’s storied championship legacy. Joe reveals to Nadie a video capturing his intentional misplay in the 1998 title game, a moment born of frustration over the treatment he received.

As the climactic game unfolds, it’s an intense battle, with Coventry’s coach obsessed with victory at any cost. The Crooked Arrows, however, persist, with Toby stepping up to make a game-winning play. They emerge as state champions in lacrosse, capturing respect even from Coventry’s #15, who criticizes his teammates’ unsportsmanlike behavior.