Thunderheart

Rating:
Summary: Haunting, beautifully mystical, hypnotic
Review: "Run, run for the Stronghold, Thunderheart.' 'The soldiers are coming." This movie is one of my favorites. I really did not care for Val Kilmer when I found out he played a key role in that idiot of a movie Top Gun but since Thunderheart, he has become one of my favorites. You can actually see the change in Val Kilmer's eyes as his character unfolds into the shaman and guardian of Indian beliefs he becomes at the end and what an ending! I saw this movie at four different theaters and every time the audience gasped at a relieved surprise when both men turn to face The Stronghold. The director lifted a story of one man's journey of a mystical discovery of himself, his heritage, a past life and an adoration of Indian land, into a poetic defiance. All the actors, including the dog, weave a clever, funny, sad and powerful tale into one explosive climax. Even James Horner's music hypnotizes the viewer from the very beginning of the movie. It is as if you can shape shift into a another form and float across the Badlands. I see this movie once a month and when I loan it to friends, they return it with a look of wonder in their eyes. I wish there could had been some kind of sequel. If you watch the ending credits, you will see the name of the individual this movie is dedicated to. On another note, the mystical quality of the movie reminds me of The Last Wave and Never Cry Wolf which are both well done. How I wish for a sequel. Michael Apted, are you listening?

Rating:
Summary: Haunting, beautifully mystical, hypnotic
Review: "Run, run for the Stronghold, Thunderheart.' 'The soldiers are coming." This movie is one of my favorites. I really did not care for Val Kilmer when I found out he played a key role in that idiot of a movie Top Gun but since Thunderheart, he has become one of my favorites. You can actually see the change in Val Kilmer's eyes as his character unfolds into the shaman and guardian of Indian beliefs he becomes at the end and what an ending! I saw this movie at four different theaters and every time the audience gasped at a relieved surprise when both men turn to face The Stronghold. The director lifted a story of one man's journey of a mystical discovery of himself, his heritage, a past life and an adoration of Indian land, into a poetic defiance. All the actors, including the dog, weave a clever, funny, sad and powerful tale into one explosive climax. Even James Horner's music hypnotizes the viewer from the very beginning of the movie. It is as if you can shape shift into a another form and float across the Badlands. I see this movie once a month and when I loan it to friends, they return it with a look of wonder in their eyes. I wish there could had been some kind of sequel. If you watch the ending credits, you will see the name of the individual this movie is dedicated to. On another note, the mystical quality of the movie reminds me of The Last Wave and Never Cry Wolf which are both well done. How I wish for a sequel. Michael Apted, are you listening?

Rating:
Summary: The Proud and The Conquered
Review: A low profile but vicious war is being waged on the Oglala Sioux reservation in South Dakota, on one hand there are the "traditionalists" who are adamant on protecting their culture, on the other are the pro-governement natives led by a particulary nasty man called John Milton (Fred Ward). This war results in a murder of Leo Fast Elk, a native who was also a council member. Due to the sensitivity if the case the FBI does the PC thing and sends a one fourth Indian agent named Roy Levoi (Val Kilmer). The first hint that the this won't be another run of the mill thriller is the Roy Levoi character, he isn't your average hero, infact he is no hero at all. When we first see him he is a "by the book" FBI man, and the film more then anything else is the story of how he wrestles with and discovers his true identity. Kilmer's performance is both subtle and superb.

Good thrillers keep us guessing for the truth, great thrillers like Peter Weir's WITNESS and Jim Mcbride's THE BIG EASY are more concerned with the atmosphere and cultural quirks of the characters. Thunderheart is very nearly a great thriller, more concerned with the thematic and moral implications of the Indian tribal wars then using Indians for atmosphere. There is a real sense of discovery in watching this film, an attention to detail that gives it the credibilty to survive the rules of the thriller. There is also undercurrent supernatural element (actually spiritual would be more accurate) that is handled with subtlety and grace by the director.

Hitchcock said there is no suspense in the boom, only the anticipation of one. As a result most thrillers have to survive their endings. Although on reflection Thunderheart's ending seems improbable, during the film you are carried by its momentum that you don't mind.

The title of this review refers to one character's desciption of the native Indians in the U.S. . This is the most fascinating thing for me about the film, the thin line between cultural protection and xenophobia. The violence the almost certainly errupts when different cultures collide. Although the film is clearly on the Sioux's side (and correctly so), the larger subject is fascinating.

Micheal Apted's recent films always seem to fall short of their alluring premises, both Nell and Extreme Measure were solid but lacking something. But in Thunderheart he has created a fascinating, beautiful and haunting film.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful mystery and great depiction of Sioux culture
Review: Graham Greene gives his best performance since "Dances With Wolves" and Val Kilmer is stunning as a young FBI agent who's doing his best to deny his own Indian heritage in this murder mystery on the Lakota reservation. Viewers get wonderful insight into Lakota culture and a glimpse of what has been lost. The investigation into the deaths of FBI agents and the government coverup is reminiscent of actual events, and a truthful portrayal of just how badly the Native Americans have been treated by a callous federal government. Highly recommend.

Rating:
Summary: What A Find!
Review: Great Movie! Great dialog, characters, plot, and cinematography. James Horner's soundtrack is awesome. I particularly like the Indian cop played by Graham Greene, which is not a surprise. Don't know Val Kimer can be this good. The dvd version got great picture and sound, so don't worry about that it's not a THX or whatever. Get this one before it's too late! Did I mention that the producer is De Niro?

Rating:
Summary: Well made and throughrably enjoyable But Kilmer is a miscast
Review: Great story about a hotshot FBI Agent with native in him is sent out to investigate a murder on an indian reservation. Sam Shepperd as the corrupt agent in charge of the investigation was a good choice, but having Val Kilmer in the lead was a mistake. I think Brad Pitt or maybe even Matt Damon would of been better choices for the role. Val Kilmer is preoccupied with his looks and his personna to actually portray a character full of complex moral integrity. He's not the right choice for the role. And as a result the film look too much of a Val Kilmer movie instead of a well plotted thriller.

Rating:
Summary: Good,but not one of Horner's best
Review: I am a huge fan of film music and James Horner is by far my favorite composer but even I must admit that this is not one of his better works.While the use of native american chants is very effective and enjoyable to listen to the album lacks what James Horner is best at:a theme.That said however,it is quite atmospheric and the relatively short running time makes it easy to listen to.Those seeking better Horner scores try Titanic,Apollo 13,Field Of Dreams,Glory and especially Legends Of The Fall.

Rating:
Summary: best seller in native american culters
Review: I feel this movie is the best that has ever been made in my opinion.It is very heart felt and is in very good detail.It really gives excellent details on how native americans go through things in life.The actors in this movie where excellent!I have recommended this movie to several people.Ive also seen the movie 30 or so times so far!The producers did a fantastic job making this movie and the choices for actors where stupendus!! Thank you. Tracy Shipley

Rating:
Summary: Undiscovered Classis
Review: I first saw this movie on HBO and was left wondering why I hadn't seen this in the theatre.

Val Kilmer is outstanding the FBI agent who finds that everything is not as it seems, not only with the FBI but with his own identity and heritage.

The movie walks a fine line between mysticism and reality and does it well. The script is engaging and Micheal Apted's direction keeps up the pace. All the supporting roles are very well done but Graham Greene was terrific as the Reservation sherrif.

Based on actual events, there's a real sadness to the story as we see how more than once, in most cases, our government really didn't the indians best at heart.

If you read many reviews of this film you will find most people came to see it by accident or some quirk of fate. This is one of those films you stumble on and are thankful you did. Great cinema - an for those that haven't seen it yet, an undiscovered classic.

Rating:
Summary: Michael Apted's finest hour
Review: I first watched this film three years ago. I was in hospital with nothing better to do when it came on the TV. Within minutes, it had drawn me in to its inticate plot, and embroiled me in its characters. It's a film which challenges preconceptions: of native Americans, of the US government, and of yourself. You come to sympathise with Val Kilmer's character because you find yourself going through the same emotions and transformations as him. This film weaves a spell that holds you fast, and lingers long after the final credits have rolled. Although brutal and seemingly hopeless, this story of the life and struggle of the native Americans in the modern world is ultimately life-affirming, and inspiring. The plot is detailed, but watertight; the screenplay superb. There are characters and quotes in this film that have never left my mind, and I hope they never will. In particular, Apted deserves credit for the courage to cast native American non-actors in key roles. They never once betray their inexperience, and lend the film an air of authenticity that serves to reinforce the story's origins in historical fact. Perhaps it was the reflective mood I was in that day in hospital; perhaps it was the feeling that I too, had reached a crossroads in my life. Whatever the reason, this film struck a chord with me, and I have since discovered that I am not alone. I defy you not to like this film. I defy you not to be moved by it. It represents Michael Apted's finest hour as a director, and deserves your attention.