I Will Fight No More Forever

Having just purchased a home in the general area of Big Hole, I found myself becoming interested with this piece of American history. I've seen the documentary at the Big Hole State Park, read some of the different publications and as of now, I've seen this movie.

Obviously the "Hollywood" production falls flat compared to facts and figures. However, I did find that this movie makes it's best effort to depict actual events and timing. I also think that considering the times (1975) that this effort is well worth watching. I'm no 70's movie buff but the effects and dialogue more than met my expectations. I think at the very least, this movie would hopefully motivate others to research the specific plight of this group of native Americans.

At minimum, the Nez Perce fought 10+ battles while being chased by about 10 U.S. divisions and all this with only around 100 warriors. They traveled 1300+ miles in about 108 days (over 12 miles per day) before chief Joseph's famous speech. This also marked the last of the big battles between the U.S. government and the Indian tribes.

"I Will Fight No More Forever" is not your typical shoot em up western. The dialog is interesting and profound. Ned Romero as the Ned Perce Tribe Chief is sorely conflicted about how to best preserve his way of life. Fight, run, or submit to the United Sates Calvary. James Whitmore as the pursuing General is similarly conflicted with his beliefs and his orders. The Indians are not characterized as mere savages, but as human beings whose way of life has been obliterated by the White Man. Sympathies abound and the battle scenes are secondary to the dialog, which is some of the finest in any film. Do not think of "I Will Fight No More Forever" as some liberal propaganda, because it it much too entertaining, to be regarded as merely a message movie. - MERK

Yes, this is a movie. No, it is not an action flic. As they say at the beginning, this is a dramatized story. Yet, they have done a very good job of telling the story of Chief Joseph and his attempt to flee to Canada. He won every engagement against the army. Until he was 40 miles from Canada. Then he ran out of hope. Especially toward the end there are many very find points made about what led to this chasing of Chief Joseph. The movie worth watching just for that. Overall this is really an excellent documentary. A movie can only do so much. There are many excellent books written (I have read some of them) which go into far more detail. If you can't read them you won't go wrong watching this movie.

This was a good movie that can be used in history classes. It focuses in on the struggles between the Nez Perce tribe and the Cavelry, and Chief Joseph in particular. It is as historically accurate as it can be, and the actors' portrayals are astonishing. I loved the "conflict scenes" and the portrayal of Joseph as a great man. It was a terrific movie!

*** out of ****

The story itself is powerful and engrossing on its own merits. The Nez Perce who had signed a treaty with the government to inhabit the Oregon River Valley were given an ultimatum by the US government in 1877 voiding that treaty. They had four days to decide whether to move or fight. General Howard -- after whom Howard University is named -- went to Congress personally to fight against this injustice, but in the end, as a general, felt compelled to execute his orders, even though he knew them to be unjust. He hates doing this because he considers Joseph a great Chief and a friend; his wife even made a doll for Joseph's expectant wife.

Meanwhile, bitter at the sting of more injustices but resigned to reality, Chief Joseph (a breathtakingly great performance by Ned Romero) decides that it is in the best interests of the tribe to acquiese. But a civilian volunteer shoots and kills two of the Nez Perce delegation under a flag of truce, and the tribe fights for its survival. Now, even though General Howard (sympathetically portrayed by James Whitmore) knows the Army's volunteers fired first, he is compelled to attack the Nez Perce to attempt to round them up to the reservation. Too late. The Nez Perce have already left, attempting to find freedom, eventually trying to cross the Canadian border, while every step of the way, the Army tries to hunt them down and capture Chief Joseph.

The movie, wisely, maintains its focus on the this journey and struggle. Gallantly, the tribe scales impossible terrain. Joseph frustrates the Army with false trails, games of cat-and-mouse, and resisting revenge. As the frustration wears on and the newspapers catch wind of the story, General Howard's life becomes a living hell. What was supposed to have been a two-week maneuver has been become a five-month campaign with hundreds of soldiers and Indians killed in the process. The General gets moral support from Colonel Miles (portrayed by Sam Elliott perhaps just a little bit too earnestly and emphatically); he speaks Nez Perce and Sioux and is disgusted by his government's lack of morals. His character will get on the nerve of those viewers who dislike "preachy" films.

Every thing else feels amazingly authentic. The tribal counsels and increasing weariness as the struggles continue are vividly and unforgettably portrayed by a mostly Native American cast. The score and cinematography are quite gripping. Some of the technical support and cuts however do reflect the film's made-for-TV roots.

This is one of the best historical movies I have ever seen, made-for-TV, or otherwise. I strongly recommend it to all readers of this review.