L'ultime combat

This is a historic film that I watched in grade school, about Chief Joseph (Ned Romero) of the Nez Perce Tribe, who leads his army to fight General Howard and his army for the Wallowa Valley.

It's a powerful film about action, drama, and struggles for the West, and great acting that showed Chief Joseph's battle against his adversaries and his plight for peace.

Grade B

Yes, this is a movie. No, it is not an action flic. As they say at the beginning, this is a dramatized story. Yet, they have done a very good job of telling the story of Chief Joseph and his attempt to flee to Canada. He won every engagement against the army. Until he was 40 miles from Canada. Then he ran out of hope. Especially toward the end there are many very find points made about what led to this chasing of Chief Joseph. The movie worth watching just for that. Overall this is really an excellent documentary. A movie can only do so much. There are many excellent books written (I have read some of them) which go into far more detail. If you can't read them you won't go wrong watching this movie.

This movie is one of my favorites because Chief Joseph is one of my favorite men in history. Here was a man possessed with great intelligence and character. He led his people and suffered great loss. This film shows the inhumanity of man to his fellow man and how one truly great man can rise the the occasion of greatness in the middle of great danger. An excellent film to watch.

"I Will Fight No More Forever" is not your typical shoot em up western. The dialog is interesting and profound. Ned Romero as the Ned Perce Tribe Chief is sorely conflicted about how to best preserve his way of life. Fight, run, or submit to the United Sates Calvary. James Whitmore as the pursuing General is similarly conflicted with his beliefs and his orders. The Indians are not characterized as mere savages, but as human beings whose way of life has been obliterated by the White Man. Sympathies abound and the battle scenes are secondary to the dialog, which is some of the finest in any film. Do not think of "I Will Fight No More Forever" as some liberal propaganda, because it it much too entertaining, to be regarded as merely a message movie. - MERK

Having just purchased a home in the general area of Big Hole, I found myself becoming interested with this piece of American history. I've seen the documentary at the Big Hole State Park, read some of the different publications and as of now, I've seen this movie.

Obviously the "Hollywood" production falls flat compared to facts and figures. However, I did find that this movie makes it's best effort to depict actual events and timing. I also think that considering the times (1975) that this effort is well worth watching. I'm no 70's movie buff but the effects and dialogue more than met my expectations. I think at the very least, this movie would hopefully motivate others to research the specific plight of this group of native Americans.

At minimum, the Nez Perce fought 10+ battles while being chased by about 10 U.S. divisions and all this with only around 100 warriors. They traveled 1300+ miles in about 108 days (over 12 miles per day) before chief Joseph's famous speech. This also marked the last of the big battles between the U.S. government and the Indian tribes.