The Rez: The Complete Series

(Think Northern Exposure but on an Indian reservation.) One sign of a good TV series is whether or not you actually come to care about the characters. On that score, at least for me, this show succeeds. "The Rez" is based loosely on the 1994 movie "Dance Me Outside" which came out about two years before the series (the movie and series are old news already, but I only learned about them in the last year). The role of Frank Fencepost, originally played by Adam Beach, is here played by Darrell Dennis. However, Beach joins the series for a few episodes (playing a different character) during the latter half of this short-lived show -- there were only 19 episodes. There are some other changes too from the movie, but two of the main characters, played by Ryan Black and Jennifer Podemski, remain the same. Okay, enough on that. The show started off not taking itself too seriously, just a (silly) good time. But as it progressed, some of the story-lines took on a more serious tone (without, thankfully, ever taking itself too seriously). I think the acting was very good, particularly Ryan Black, who really shines here (but everyone was really good, just a little something extra good about Ryan). Listen, I'm just a white guy from the city, and have no idea what it is like to live on an Indian reservation in Canada (or anywhere), so I can't speak to its authenticity, but the show certainly kept me entertained. I not only recommend the series, but the movie, Dance Me Outside, too. The way the series ended, I get the feeling that the writers and actors knew it was over (of course, that's just a guess on my part). I would love to see a followup TV movie to learn what became of these characters as some of them had dreams they were pursuing. Five stars.

Sweet, heartfelt series. The plots don't always make sense. It's kind of a light drama/gentle comedy. It's not that close to the movie it's based on, Dance Me Outside, other than having a couple of the same actors. The characters have the same names, but they're not really the same as they were in the movie. The movie was darker and had much more biting humor, and was very teen oriented, one of those coming of age stories that stay with you forever if you were 16 when you first saw it. This show is kind of a general family show, welcoming the same familiar characters into your living room with each episode.The DVDs are good quality. It comes in a small cardboard cover, not plastic.

I have heard about this TV series for years and now that I've seen it, wish I'd seen it when it first aired when I was a lot closer in age to the main protagonists. Wonderfully acted by very likable cast of characters, plot lines both humorous and poignant with strong threads of Native wisdom throughout. Very glad I got it. Recommended!

based on 'dance me outside' the movie and play, this is a funny and depressing series. the depressing part is the physical life on 'the rez', the funny part is the spirit of the people! they are making the most of what little they have. (you don't have to have seen the movie for a set-up, but why miss out on a great film? buy it, too!)narrated by and starring ryan black (reprising his role from the movie), he describes his life on, and struggle to get off of, 'the rez'. he has to write a paper for a scholarship to go to school and takes us along for the ride! from a young man who stages his own funeral, cuz it look like it will fun and wants to see it (yes, there is a funny twist at the end, but even his mother gets into the spirit of the event) to dealing with alcholism and the government, each episode is filled with laughs and tears.i thought after all these years, i was going to have to just record it on dvd, from the copies i made off of the cbc on vhs, but i never gave up hope and looked for both the movie and the series every year. my wish was granted!buy this immediately, if not sooner, for a show you will watch over and over. ENJOY!

Like to see more Native made films. This was a good series, unfortunately it lacked a little in depth but it was a fun watch

The company and product were excellent. I would recommend them.

Great show and it paints a very vivid picture of how tough life can be on the rez. Anywhere from being cheated out of treaties for land, reuniting with parents, shortage of jobs *hints why welfare is most commen on Rez, protesting against Native "Inspired" creations intended to fool the gulabble into thinking its "made by Indigenous peoples", ect.Its great to have a little something to show what situations we actually do face that most tend to turn their head away from...maybe it might gain attention to get these things addressed.

Great laughs and but yet dealt with contemporary issues. Great series. Would have loved to have seen more.

Being a "Native"Fan I was looking forward to sitting back and watching this CD,but it was not to my expectations it was more like a "Soap"Series aimed at the Younger Generation and did not really do anything for me...having said that I'm not knocking it,other people would like it...just not me...

My mom loves this show, so I got it for her birthday.The packaging is very rough for paperback. I'd recommend getting sleeves for it put the discs in a CD book from the dollar store. I woulnd't take these in and out of the default case very much.There's no subtitles or closed captioning, so I hope you've spent enough time watching shows with Native Indians to catch on to their accents.Overall, my mom is pleased with the set. Except for the lack of subtitles.

Like to watch

Goos show

Bought the season after watching the movie "Dance Me Outside". Loved watching this show!