The Stolen Valley

I was looking for a unique contemporary western drama and happened to see this on Prime tonight - this is one of the best female-led modern westerns that I have ever seen! It's not often you get to see modern takes on the West, but when you combine it with brassy women leads and a Native-Latino protagonist it delivers on an experience that I feel is noteworthy. People who enjoy Yellowstone, Territory, or Landman are sure to like this! I found it refreshing and enjoyable with moments of levity and action that flow well together. The main leads are excellent in their performances, and I loved their individual backstories as it laced together into the central plot!

Honestly I can't begin to understand how anyone would consider this a half decent production. The acting was terrible, story line was disjointed, boring predictable plot, action scenes seemed ridiculous, poor character development, highly unlikely scenario which attempted to make some sort of a social statement, whiny protagonist, morally bankrupt antagonist, bad stunt scenes, poor editing, indecisive characters, and generally a big waste of movie watching time. I must have checked my watch 20 times during the movie before I was pardoned from any further pain and suffering. The only redeeming factor, cinematography was beautiful.

Fun and fast moving with Interesting characters. Two big take-aways:

USA governments, industry and corrupt individuals have cheated and lied to Native Americans to take their land--even land we agreed was theirs through treaties and sales. There is no excuse for this!! The solution is not more government bureaucracy, but fast and fair enforcement of the laws that have been violated.

Families are forever. Trying to "protect" people from their real parents and siblings almost always makes a delayed disaster. It is always better to tell people about all of their biological family at the appropriate age, giving whatever warnings are necessary. Sometimes, later generations make peace out of the worst situations. Young people should give thorough thought to planning out a good marriage, and then stay with it for life. It is the greatest gift they can give their family, and the world!

Went into this film with zero expectations, and walked out thoroughly impressed. I looked online and saw that this was the director, Jesse Edwards', first feature film. He's also the writer.

Loved the two lead actresses, Lupe and Maddie. Strong women with great chemistry. All the bad guys throughout were particularly wicked, especially the main one, Carl. The gunfights were many and staged very well. You can't help but to root for our heroines to overcome the odds and achieve their goals.

There was great action, story and characters. The scenery was beautiful. I'll see this movie again and bring some friends next time.

I enjoyed the movie and the concept it was trying to shed light on! Being partly Native American (Cherokee, Cheyenne and Modoc), I enjoy movies that educate the Nation on the many injustices that have occurred in our American History regarding the Native Americans and the constant stealing of their land. The acting was good and sucked you in to the story line. You hated the main character, Carl (Micah Fitzgerald) and your heart went out for the Native American daughter, Lupe (Briza Covarrubias) and rebel sister counterpart, Maddy (Allee Sutton Hethcoat)! The under scoring themes of family & the preservation of one's culture were also wonderful! It made you want to take action to help those in this situation!! Thank you for being bold enough to step out on faith and tell this story!! Please do a sequel!!