Through Black Spruce

Having been raised in Northern Ontario and now living in Toronto I am a tad biased towards this plot, nevertheless felt inclined to review because I was touched by this film and it's success in addressing very delicate issues regarding indigenous peoples (isolation/otherization, culture/tradition preservation, substance abuse, missing/murdered women, etc.). I really appreciated the directing and depiction of northern life. This piece of Canadiana featuring beautiful NWO covered all bases for me; heartfelt missing-sister drama turns thriller with the introduction of the fashion industry's dark side. There are laughs, there is love and moments you'll be holding your breathe. Just wanted to mention Toronto is a very friendly city :) I watched this on an AirCanada flight and there are a few scenes with subtitles.

I thought this movie was very good. The way they ran two stories at once was interesting. As much as I love Tanaya Beaty, the part with her uncle Will dealing with a bunch of thugs for something he didn't do was done well. I wish Annie's journey had a better outcome, but the ending was satisfying never the less. Regardless how you feel about the story line, the acting is superb.

Through Black Spruce is a sinister drama shot in northern Ontario in and around Moosonee and in and around Canada's biggest city Toronto. The movie presents two story lines that are closely connected. After a young Cree model disappeared with her criminal lover in Toronto, gang members who want money from them put pressure on her resilient uncle in remote but beautiful Moosonee as they believe he might know more about their mysterious disappearance. Meanwhile, the model's twin sister travels to Toronto to find out what really happened and soon realizes that the vanished couple had a volatile relationship and got into trouble with criminals.

Based upon an award-winning novel, the most fascinating thing about Through Black Spruce is that the story is particularly realistic and honest. Many First Nations women get involved into drug trafficking and prostitution and end up getting caught in a vicious circle of addiction, isolation and violence. This movie shows one such case and portrays the desperate situation with bleak atmosphere, slow precision and cold realism. The locations meandering between the small town of Moosonee which only connects to the rest of the province via the railway and the gigantic city of Toronto where people with numerous backgrounds meet are facsinating to watch. The acting performances by lead actor Brandon Oakes and lead actress Tanaya Beatty are excellent as they rely more on body language and facial expressions than lengthy dialogues and extravagant clothing or make-up. The award-winning soundtrack underlines the movie's sinister atmosphere perfectly.

The movie might have got several negative reviews because of its slow pace but this approach actually adds to the increasingly frightening atmosphere. Some reviewers criticized the story in general and the film's ending in particular but both focus on realism rather than satisfaction and blend in very well with the rest of the movie. There are some gloomy action scenes here and there to spice things up but they are fittingly integrated. If you are expecting a fast-paced movie with a twisted plot and vivid special effects, then this movie simply isn't for you. The unique style of this crime drama however makes it a memorable experience and should particularly please those interested in First Nations cultures.

Thoroughly enjoyed the book and the movie did it justice. Pretty much love anything by Don Mckellar so...

Tanaya Beatty in the lead role as a Cree Native Indian is very impressive. Though the film, based on a novel, is a thriller, the film is impressive because it empathizes with the Native Indian community and their real life woes. Ms Beatty is an eye candy with a strong voice to boot. Also impressive are Native Indian actors Brandon Oakes and Graham Greene. All in all--an above average film. My first Don McKellar film and I shall look out for his other directed films.