Tanz mit einem Mörder

This is one of my favourite films. It is both realistic and uplifting and the characters are engaging and interesting.

The film deals with serious issues and problems but the witty dialogue and humour is a breath of fresh air in a weighty world.

I was glad to see "The Rez" as a pilot on CBC (same characters, most of the same actors), however it was short-lived and a bit of a disappointment.

On first watch it's just simply a good movie about an event in the life of two friends. On second watch you notice all the foreshadowing which brilliantly ties in as full circle at the end. I love this movie- it's much better than the show, more entertaining than the book, and probably Adam Beach's best performance.

I had to bid over and over at an online auction to get my copy. I loved everything about the movie. The casting was superb and the humor could be seen even though the plot line was of a dark nature. I am not Native, and can only guess that this is a close approximation of life on a Reservation to some degree. This film has caused me to wonder many evenings what was factual and what was fictional. Obviously, there are still some stereotypes regarding both people, Whites and Natives. What I liked was that the movie showed some real issues without getting too preachy. It pointed out what some of the basic problems facing Natives are and gave the audience a chance to learn through humor, and yes, horror. Since watching this Movie for the first time, I tend to watch for similar movies, such as Smoke Signals and Cowboys and Indians. I have not been disappointed yet.

I had read several of the books by W.P.Kinsella about Silas, Frank, and the other characters living on the reserve in Canada. The books were full of humor, but they addressed some serious issues, so I decided to take a chance on this film. I'm really glad that I did, because it is a gem. The film manages to capture the humor in the books, while still showing the serious problems on the Rez. The actors all do a great job. Adam Beach made me howl with laughter as Frank Fencepost. Michael Greyeyes really captured the anger and the intensity of Gooch. Ryan Rajendra Black was excellent as Silas, the aspiring writer. And Jennifer Podemski was wonderful as a girl on the Rez who wanted more from life. I could go on, but there's no room. The music was perfect for the film; I especially liked NDN Kars by Keith Secola. Bruce McDonald has a reputation as a talented filmmaker, and he certainly stayed on track with this quirky, but impressive film. I thought so much of it that I bought it.

This is a really fine little film that far outshines the much more commented-upon "Smoke Signals". The dialogue rings true, and the characters are more than 2-D stereotypes. Some serious issues about reservation life are dealt with fairly and honestly, without falling back on condescending plot contrivances.