Dance Me Outside

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 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.

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 thought that this was an excellent film, and that it really addressed some very important issues. The description given here does this film NO justice at all, nor does the trailer. I first saw this movie about six years ago and hadn't seen it since until recently. I am currently doing research of native lifestyles and the politics of reservationist systems and this movie suddenly came to mind, from six years prior. It really stuck with me through what has been six years of pretty regular movie watching and it and I am glad that it did. It is MOST definitely work a watch at least once! Its the only movie that i can recall seeing that has any sort of good representation for use in my research.

i loved this movie so much (it's descendant television series THE REZ is also wonderful was well)...Ryan Rajendra Black as Silas Crow was wondering and Jennifer Podemski embodies the strong native woman as Sadie Miracle...and Frank Fencepost...what can i say? Adam Beach was BRILLANT! My favorite lines of his are "There's a truck full of ugly" and when he is introduced to Sila's sister's white husband he says "HOW" and how could you not love them singing "Half Breed" in the truck after giving McVee his "indian name" this movie was wonderfully funny, and yet strikingly poignant as it touched on the injustice of Native Americans in the US and Canada. Tamara Podemski was a wonderful Little Margaret which made it horrible to see her white killer only get 2 years in prison for manslaughter...while his murderer would be charge with murder-1. It really makes you think...