Follow the River

This movie was very pleasing and uplifting. It showed strength and courage. The women in their attempt to get home had to be brave. It also showed the Indian people to be merciful and with big hearts and a sense of humor. Their ways were different from the whites but still they knew that family is the most important thing there is in life.

I really enjoyed the movie. What is the saying? "If fate hands you lemons, make lemonade." Mary Ingles makes the best of her situation, but in the end decides it better to leave her children with the Shawnee and try and make it back to her husband many days travel away. That would be one tough decision. But then she is very STRONG. James Welch Henderson, Arkansas 2/21/2021

This is a family film based on the James Alexander Thom book detailing the real life experiences of Virginia pioneer Mary Ingles, who was taken captive by Shawnees Indians in 1755. Although the film does not follow the book at times, the spirit and courage of Mary Ingles shine through. (At times, the book contained brutality that cannot be included in a family film.) Filmed in the mountains of North Carolina, the scenery is spectacular. Eric Schweig does an excellent job as the Shawnee chief Wildcat who controls Mary's fate. Sheryl Lee plays the indomitable Mary Ingles, and Ellen Burstyn is particularly effective as Gretel. The film is a testament to the courage of early American pioneers; it's hard to believe that anyone could withstand what Mary Ingles went through in trying to return to her beloved husband Will. Those interested in American history, American Indians,and inspiring love stories will enjoy this movie.

James Alexander Thom writes novels that absolutely grip you with their intense realism, authentic settings and sometimes unexpectedly amusing content. His greatest work I believe is Panther in the Sky (a story of the Shawnee brothers Tecumseh and Tenkswatawa the Prophet). Don't miss it! Hopefully it will not be made into a movie as unfeeling as Follow the River.

This movie has the two returning women (on a 1000 mile journey) wearing clothes whose length would never permit them to travel through the woods, let alone do so without being torn to shreds. Everyone is portrayed as being forever clean, looking well-fed and with their hair always in place. The constantly changing relationship between the two women (as shown in the film) is obviously contrived and ultimately became very boring. An excellent adult book was made into a children's fantasy.

Follow the River is a wonderful movie. I understand many reviewers here are upset that it is not faithful to the book , however, if you take it alone as a film, it is filled with an excellent cast, good dialogue, beautiful scenery, and full of human emotion. It is because of this that I decided to purchase the book which I understand has differences and is much more detailed. I heartily recommend this film to anyone whether you've read the book or not. I particularly liked the performance Eric Schweig, who portrayed the Shawnee chief and Ellen Burstyn who portrayed Gretel. This has inspired me to learn more about the French Indian war, and to see more movies of this genre.