Off the Rez (2011) User Reviews

Great Movie

[oaksee · 8/10 · 18 May 2011]

I have a large number of Native American friends many of whom are terrific athletes. I see them face the same issues that are represented in this movie. The sense of family and reluctance to leave their motherland are all too real as are the the often misunderstood hesitation on the part of natives to trust the white man. It is a result of many, many years of broken promises. It is a poignant but all to real story of a minority amongst us. The movie was well written and acted and stayed with me for quite a while. I would recommend all native athletes watch it. I have shared my thoughts on it with friends and hope that it will be re-aired sometime in the very near future.

"Inspirational!"

[lakotasilk6767 · 10/10 · 18 May 2011]

Off the Rez is one of the best documentaries I have seen by far, as there are not many inspirational films which do not only document the negative but the positive side of being Native American. I am so over joyed for Shoni and her family, as well as Indians everywhere whom can say Hey, I can do this,I am not limited, these dreams can be that of all. I Loved it! Need more programming like this desperately!This type of film will definitely encourage and give hope to Indian youth on every reservation nation wide, as well as bring the "Rich" culture to those whom really do not have any idea of the day to day struggles of such a beautiful people whom have overcome so many issues since the Europeans inhabited this land. I salute the writers and all involved in this fantastically breathtaking event on T.V. A special nod to Shoni, her family and all who love and have encourage this young woman to succeed.Go Shoni..Keep up the great works and always reach for the stars, as you are one!

2013 and 2022 Updates

[vilj-1 · 11 April 2013]

As of April 2013, 5'10" Shoni Schimmel along with her sister 5'5" Jude Schimmel are playing basketball for the University of Louisville. Shoni is a Junior and Jude a sophomore. They, along with their teammates, led Louisville into the Championship Game of the 2013 Women's NCAA Tournament where they lost to UCONN, but they upset defending champion and the number one ranked team in the nation at that time Baylor which had a record of 34-1 when they played Louisville. They also upset #2 seed TENN and #2 seed California. Louisville ended the season at 29-9. Both Schimmel's sister will return to play again next season for Louisville university. 2022 UPDATE: Two-time WNBA All-Star Shoni Schimmel has pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from allegations of assault against her former partner, the U. S. Department of Justice announced Friday.

The 29-year-old Schimmel faces charges of assault by strangulation of an intimate dating partner and assault resulting in substantial bodily injury. She faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison, three years' supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

Schimmel was arrested, arraigned and released on Friday, with a two-day jury trial scheduled for June 14, 2022, in Oregon.