Monkey Beach

What a journey. Monkey Beach is so deep and profound. So many movies from Canada are not very cinematic. Not Monkey Beach. It is rich in story - of course, because of the book it is based on. But also because how the actors are so epic in their roles. Not to compare to other films, but so many are about despair and stereotypes. No stereotypes here. Adapting a novel is always a challenge. So much has to be left out. But here you feel like you are part of a story that builds and builds and moves like the ocean and the tides. If you loved the novel, you will love the movie. And it will appeal to so many people - young and mature, literary and someone who just wants to be entertained. The music is amazing. And the special effects. And the camera. And the directing. It was all so amazing. And village where they filmed and the land around is so beautiful.

I don't agree with the other reviewers here. Monkey Beach is magical realism. The movie doesn't deal with an urban native girl learning about her culture. She is like a superhero, like one reviewer in the media said. No melodrama here. And choppy dialogue. I read the book a few times and I think some of the dialogue is right from the book. Didn't think the book's dialogue was choppy.

Unless you're spiritual or unless you believe in mysticism, I'd take a pass on Monkey Beach. I was persuaded to watch it based on the generous reviews it has garnered on this website. I can report that it wasn't my cup of tea.

There is no doubt for some that we (Indigenous) still have connections with our ancestors, but for others it will take a vision of sorts to make it easier to understand. I feel that this movie was created with the intention to beckon our spirits into remembering how to listen for the teachings that will help us navigate through two worlds. My hands go up in gratitude for all who made it possible - I am so proud of the good work you've done for many. Thank you Loretta Todd for generously providing my family & many dear ones the opportunity to witness this beautiful creation \('o')/

Loretta Todd did an amazing job of directing a particularly complex script. A young Haisla woman with the ability to perceive spirits and future events, returns home to reconnect with her family and community. While grappling with the darkness that is so common in Indigenous communities, she finds her power from the interactions with her people and through ceremony and spiritual journeying, the magic of her spirit powers are fully realized. The spirit world reveals her shamanic ancestral roots. The imagery is breathtaking and captures the natural beauty of northern BC. What better way to the oppressors than to find your own power.

I saw this film at the Vancouver International Film festival. This film is very beautifully shot portraying the area in and around Kitimat. The beauty of the natural landscape is one aspect but generally the the cinematography throughout the film is in line with the natural beauty of the area, especially the shots on the water. The performances by all of the indigenous actors are great some of the best in recent memory. The supernatural scenes are so powerful, I had chills! The post credit scene brought tears to my eyes, this film is not to be missed and as an indigenous person it was so nice to feel the sense of community in the film. GO SEE THIS FILM!