Film Summary: The Medicine Game

Medicine Game is a fascinating documentary film about lacrosse players, Jeremy and Hiana Thompson. The Thompson brothers are living in Upstate New York with their parents and siblings and belong to the Onondaga Nation. Since they were little, they have dream to play for the Syracuse University lacrosse team. This film in short is a documentation of their struggles to achieve their dreams. I, personally, really like the way Jeremy perceives lacrosse game. He says that they should respect the game, treat it good, and play it in order to make the Creator happy. It is more like ceremony; to happily play for the Creator, and praise Him through lacrosse. It is understandable when an athlete is very passionate about their own sports, but to put spirituality essence in it, I think not many athletes do.
We can see Jeremy’s perception about his playing lacrosse which is seen as a way of worshipping the Creator.
He also emphasizes that it is what makes Native lacrosse players are different from other, say the white people. Since lacrosse is invented by the Native people, it becomes clear how these Native people treat lacrosse differently compared to other lacrosse players. It is not only about playing a certain sport but also about keeping the faith. At least such perception is exemplified in Jeremy’s case. The Thompson family is so into lacrosse. Not only Jeremy and Hiana, both Lyle and Miles also take lacrosse seriously. A full support from their father, in a way, makes thing different. From the documentary, it is noted that the father provides thing which is priceless; it is time. Jerome Thompson Sr. considers that money and other material things are nothing compared to time spent with his
children.
However, to reach their dream, the Thompson brothers have to work extra hard. Jeremy, for example, has multiple learning disabilities. Still, it does not necessarily impede him to achieve his dream. Both Jeremy and Hiana also have their own personal problems. One big fight between them results in Hiana’s absent in the Senior game. Their team also lost the game. It was such a hard time for the Thompsons. In addition, Jeremy himself also has drinking problem. Nonetheless, he comes to his senses and tries to fix the problem by going to the rehab center. Conducting healing ceremony, Jeremy believes that he can go back to lacrosse. He admits that everyone has a break point in their lives.
The long and winding road to be able to play for Syracuse University Lacrosse Team is finally paid off. One simple lesson taken from this documentary is that a-never-give-up spirit will lead people to their dreams no matter how hard it may take. Such spirit is certainly accompanied by a real hard work. Dedication, self-motivation, and support from family prove that these Thompson brothers are able to achieve their childhood dream. Success does not come easy and it is well illustrated in this Medicine Game documentary film.