Thunderheart

The movie, though considered old because of age, can still hold an audience captive with it's references of the troubled times that beset the Indian Reservations in the 70's. One must understand when they view this movie, that it is just a story, and no other true factors should woven into it's story line. The geography is spectacular if one likes the South Dakota landscape. Val Kilmer and Graham Greene work together very well and for the most part the storyline and diction flowed quite well. The only thing I really didn't like about this movie was the bad language usage. I am not sure how may times the f-word has to be used before it becomes over used. In my book it is once. Really and truly, it was probably my only big disappointment.

Simply wonderfulmovie. A modern classic. The story hides a real dark side of modern america with successful, though despicable supression of the native american indian . All actors,especially richard greene are magnificent.

The Good: The actors are okay, not the best, but not the worst, and something like this really happened on Pine Ridge during the 70s. The Bad: This will appeal to the "wannabe Indian" demographic. In addition, the characters are all one-dimensional stereotypes. The Ugly: Cliché setting. (I thought Pine Ridge went out with Billy Jack.) Special effects were kinda New Agey. It was too paternalistic: white hero, Indian victims.

This movie details true incidents and must be seen. Incident At Ogala is the documentary the movie is based on and it too must be watched. The movie reveals the corruption that occurred in the Tribal governments and the lies the FBI was willing to spread to cover their own corruption. Whether you are Native or not, American or not you should watch this movie. All Indians and all Americans SHOULD watch Thunderheart though. This movie sparked an interest in doing research on events that happened in the 70's and led to a greater understanding of Native American Culture. Please write your congressman and Senator in an effort to FREE LEONARD PELTIER!!!

I have just now seen this movie for the second time, after 6 years, and I find it just as mystical, mysterious, and dream-like as I did originally. The cinematography and panoramic shots of the reservation, the rusting cars, the dilapidated "homes," and the natural beauty of the environment are powerful and exceptionally constructed.

I saw this movie three times in the theatre when it came out. It's that good. Now it is on my "go to" shelf of DVDs. I choose "Thunderheart" when I'm feeling lost and struggling with choosing between Right and Easy. Amazing performances, the cinematography is breathtaking. Wonderful soundtrack. Perfect blend of drama and real events. Kudos for directing and editing that produced a tight, well woven plot. My favorite moments in the film are the subtle nuances that lead Levoy on his path--all of them filled with symbolism. When Grandpa Reaches gets Levoy to take a bite of the fruit and then leave the rest on the plate as offering; when Levoy spills the rest of his milk on the ground and the dog laps it up; when Grandpa Reaches "tricks" Levoy into taking the stone. No matter how many times I've seen it, there is one point that guarantees my tears-- "Run, Thunderheart, run...the soldiers are coming."

This movie should be more popular than it is. Good acting by Kilmer, especially at the last part where he becomes more humble and gives up his watch. His change in mindset throughout to see the real world is what makes this movie worth it. The over use of rifles seemed a bit odd but nothing crazy. Seems realistic and if someone was looking for something more dramatic and fictional then well, this ain't it.

If you want to see a GOOD "Indian Movie", watch "Little Big Man" or "Dances With Wolves". Thunderheart is so full of stereotypes (the "Noble Savages" who are spiritual and smart, versus the evil, ignorant, Redneck White Men), that it literally sinks beneath its cliches. Of course, there is also the typical FBI-conspiracy theme, the "good-cop bad-cop" dichotomy, and the deeply insightful Indian chief, who knows-all, sees-all reveals all. In summary, a good movie for teenagers and other naive persons, who enjoy simplistic themes, and shoot-em-up action films. But for those of us who have actually worked (and lived) with native Americans, the movie is a rather silly, overly preachy, heavy-handed treatment of White-Indian relations.

I saw this movie when it came out on video a while back, and I wish I had seen it in theatres. It draws you into the world of the Sioux on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, and combines mystery and suspense with mysticism. All I can say is, watch it! It's one of my favorites.