Dance Me Outside

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.

At the risk of sounding like an advocate, "Dance Me Outside" was an intriguing and important film. In an age of entertainment bombarded by white culture, and white values, and white people, it becomes increasingly necessary for people of color to be in film. This movie, although romantic in its interpretation of reservation life, shows the very real problem plaguing the non-white people of Canada in their efforts to attend post secondary institutions, as well as prejudices surrounding inter-racial relationships. More than this, the film makes a statement about consequences of imposing white values on the aboriginal people-- or any communities of color for that matter, and stereotyping. It does all this, and its entertaining, with a dark humor. As for the acting, performances by Adam Beach and Ryan Black were outstanding. This was a very good film. 4/5

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 purchased the movie a week ago and finally saw it last night. Unfortunately it is not something that blockbuster carries on a large scale. It was excellent, unlike another viewers comment I did not find it boring at all. The movie is very unique and different which is refreshing from the big Hollywood cookie cutter movies. Adam Beach, Ryan Black, and Michael Greyeyes did an awesome job. As somber as the story line is, there were many funny parts which really made the movie as well. Once you get into the movie you'll be hooked to see what happens to everyone and what happens next. I really recommend it and remember there is not a perfect movie that everyone will like 10 out of 10. I though myself give it a 10 out of 10. Check it out!

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.