Powwow Highway

The opening shot of Reservation poverty cuts right to the problem of a land that should belong to a race of people here before any of us. Its depressing and funny as anything to watch, overall, an independent masterpeice. Anyone researching native Americans should see this film. The question at hand, is whether to think of it as a comedy or drama.

Jimbo

This film sank into obscurity, and it shouldn't have. An understated and subtle story of personal growth along the quest--it's a standard story, but this film tells it with stark dialogue, cinematography, and characters. Gary Farmer is absolutely convincing, disappearing into his role as the gentle giant completely. A Martinez's Buddy Red Bow is fiery, up to *here* with government treatment of American Indians and closed to sentiment or tenderness. Robbie Robertson's soundtrack is almost a character itself--it's suited to the landscape very well, and its native tones seem to reinforce the spareness of the story and the reservation.

Finding a copy will be really hard, but well worth it.

This movie was part of a special I saw on a German channel! Not expecting much I was completely surprised how good this drama was! The story is not that difficult or special but the way it is presented you just have to love it! It is a mix of drama and humor! Like other reviewers I praise the performance of Gary Farmer! But I also want to mention the role A. Martinez is playing! The way he shows his frustration and anger and at the same time be sympathetic is difficult to do! But he pulls it off! There are a lot of matters that don't get the attention when it comes to the United States! The native Americans (indians) ore one of them! As an European I don't know much about their situation! This movie gave me insight in a very entertaining way! From what I have seen on the screen concerning Native Americans (indians) they posses a great sense of humor! Considering what they have been through and what is happening to them now that is simply amazing! I love these kind of stories because they are down to earth and in this case also very funny!

One of the great disappointments about most of the films that predate this one and revolve around anything purporting to be about "Native Americans" or "Indians," is the stereotypical nature of the characters (mostly, "noble" and "stoic"). This was one of the first and still is one of the best films that captures the humor that is intrinsic to the culture(s) of most of the Native Americans that I've ever been around. Without this film, "Smoke Signals" might never have been possible, since it broke some much needed ground, helping to end the still prevalent practice of using non-Indians to play Indians.

The great thing about this film is that, like Smoke Signals, it has themes that transcend the merely cultural. Most of the elders I know teach with humor, and this movie captures that beautifully.

It's a movie not to be missed!

Lovely movie. Pow Wow Highway is the story of A Montana Cheyenne who takes off in a 1964 Buick to find enlightenment. Joining him is the reservation's political activist, who sets out to rescue his sister from an unjust imprisonment.

Pow Wow Highway is the story of their journey, and in one sense it's a road movie and a buddy movie, but in another sense it's a meditation on the way we understand the world we live in. Philbert Bono doesn't think of a trip to Santa Fe in terms of hours or miles, but in terms of the places he must visit between here and there to make it into a journey of discovery -- to gather Medicine or Spirit Power.

Each character, in the film, looks at life from a different perspective. To Philbert the trip to Santa Fe is his Vision Quest, his coming of age as a man and a Cheyenne Warrior. His vision is clear and uncontaminated by the world, consequently, he is able to achieve communion with the Great Spirit and be transformed into Whirlwind Dreamer, mighty Cheyenne warrior. He does this by being open, honest, and sincere, thereby tapping the potential that always existed within him.

Remarkable movie, and a must see. Gary Farmer is terrific.

Winner of the Filmmaker's Trophy at the Sundance Film Festival.