Windwalker

This exceptional movie is now in the long-awaited dvd format. It was a pity about the vhs original being poor quality--this "little gem" didn't deserve that sort of treatment--evidently the video was recorded on long-play to keep costs down and the clarity suffered. Now that this film is on dvd,it should be even popular than before.

A native Indian family fleeing from an area struck by disease, is forced to be on the move during winter, and grandfather is sick. With the last of his strength the old patriarch ascends to his death platform to join his ancestors. In these hard times resources are dear, and a sick and dying old man with nothing more to contribute to the family must do the noble thing and not be a burden to his kin. He would slow them down and consume food, blankets, space and warmth that should nurture those who will carry on his line. He must go with dignity and walk on the wind. It is his time.

But as it happens this old man's greatest adventure and finest moments are yet before him, and as we shall see, he will not only contribute a much greater boon to his family than they or he could ever imagine, but he will ultimately find closure to a great tragedy he suffered in his own youth.

Windwalker is a refreshingly different film. All dialogue is spoken in authentic native dialects, with subtitles where necessary to aid the telling. The story unfolds through the use of the sparing English narration and wonderful visuals.

Also refreshing is the absence of any caucasian/native interaction and angst. All characters are native North American Indian. Good guys, bad guys, those whom the viewer decides himself/herself are good bad or otherwise, all are seen in a setting that predates the arrival of Europeans on the scene.

Too, it can be seen that the indigenous way of life really wasn't idyllic just because Caucasians had yet to come along and 'ruin' it! There is disease, famine, rapacious attacks from neighboring rival bands... Sort of like Europe in a way, wasn't it?

Free of heroic 'indian fighter' themes such as early cowboy movies had, Windwalker is also free of the latest theme in which the 'white men' are portrayed as having destroyed the native's presumed blissful former lifestyle. It is a blessing to be able to watch and share a movie with a North American native setting that is completely free of any political leanings one way or another. No racial tension or posture exists because it's all native. Bravo!

The story unfolds with enthralling straightforward simplicity, and spiced with occasional dry humour, reaches a satisfying conclusion. Suitable for all ages, this is a movie well worth watching.

Srt in 1797 Utah, an aged Cheyenne (Trevor Howard) patriarch helps his kin to fight off a raiding party of rival Crow warriors and while he tells his grandchildren the story of their family. Along the way hee must risk his own life by passing a hard proof . Narrated by a voice-over , Smiling Wolf (Nick Ramus) , telling the perilous life of the starring Windwalker from his youthful (James Remar) falling in love for Tashina (Serene Hedine) and while suffering several dangers from a raiding party of enemy Indians . He conquered love and death...now he walks the winds of eternity!

Simple and plain Western with breathtaking outdoors filmed in naturals parks , being an independent project filmed in the Crow and Cheyennes Indian languages and subtitled in English throughout . An unique tale of 'Indians without a single cowboy' with great cinematography , splendid landscapes and rousing musical score . Including fantastic inspiration in the Native habits , showing spiritual apparitions and weird dreams, as well as the spectacular outdoors fom Diamond Fork Canyon, Utah, Smith & Moorehouse Reservoir, Uinta Mountains, Utah, Uinta Mountains, and interior shots on sound stage : Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah. Stars the classic actor Trevor Howard who gives a nice acting playing an ancient Indian warrior who has reached the end of his life is brought back from his 'death' to save his family , as he's the only cast member who isn't a Native American . Being well accompanied by a decent cast, such as : James Remar , Nick Ramus , Serene Hedin , Rudy Diaz and brief appearance by Billy Drago.

Here stands out the gorgeous cinematography , though being really necessary a perfect remastering because of the film copy is washed-up. Nicely financed by Arthur R Dubbs , an expert producer of nature films such as : Robinson Family , Across the Great Divide , The Mountain of the Robinson Family , Wilderness , Wonder of It All , American Wilderness . The motion picture was well directed by Kieth Merril . He is a good professional , a nice director and producer, known for The Great American Cowboy (1974), Amazon (1997) and 12 Dogs of Christmas: Great Puppy Rescue (2012) , among others . Rating : 6.5/10. The flick will appeal to Indian Westerns enthusiasts . Well worth watching .

If you have never seen this movie, you are truly missing a Gem of the Best Native American Films Ever. It is Authentic for all the actors, languages, costumes and the way of the Native American. It is the most enjoyable Family movie and everyone will learn something. It's poignant, touching, dramatic and humorous. It has all the ear marks of an award winner that you will want to see again and again. One you hate to see end and wish it had another sequel and a prequel. It is one of the most outstanding movies of it's time to shed some truth on the much ridiculed Native Americans. It shows how intuitive they are and with tons of ingenuity with a love and respect of this beautiful country we call America. I hope one day you all get to see it.

..or if I dreamed this. I remember my older brother taking me to see this film when I was six years old. I was captivated by it then, and over the years, I forgot the name of the film and nobody knew what I was talking about when I would describe it. Not even my brother remembers.

Well, thanks to the wonders of the internet, I was finally able to remember the name and I ordered it not really expecting it to be as enchanting as when I was six. But I still find it to be an amazing film. Very well done with some great camera work. It is refreshing to see a Native American film without the indians merely being a catalyst for the heroism of some cowboy.

A great story and I love that it is done in Native Language and subtitled English. I noticed that they gave the "If you like this movie, you will like 'Dances with Wolves'" recommendation. Well, this is a much better movie. If only because we don't have to see Kevin Costners bare a**e. This film stands on it's own without the marquee names or the white actors with the wig and tanning cream. Check it out.