Smoke Signals

Rating:
Summary: Not enough stars ;)
Review: Excellent Video.. Definately recommended... rent it at your local video store like I did and save some money :) GET THE SOUNDTRACK TOO!!!

Rating:
Summary: Fresh, witty, ripping, and realistic.
Review: Sherman Alexie (screenwriter) is my favorite author. What a delight to see Thomas and Victor come to life. The cinematography is superb, seamlessly switching from childhood to adulthood, allowing us a glimpse into our characters history. I have watched this several times in one day (having rented it more than once)!!! Some of the funniest moments in the film were the ones that poked fun at Indian stereotypes. "A fine example of the oral tradition." or "We're Indians, we barter you know." I'm just waiting for the price to go down so I can own it myself.

Rating:
Summary: A lot of pain and a lot of fun.
Review: Extremely enjoyable movie. Excellent choices for the cast, Gary Farmer and Tantoo Cardinal being two of my favorites. Whoever came up with the 'young' Thomas and the grown-up Thomas should get an award for casting. All I have to say to my friends is, "Thomas and his Grandmother" and we all fall down laughing. The only problem I had with this movie is Mr. Alexie 'soapboxed' more than was necessary. Other than that it is an extremely well done story and it is so nice to see that the People can be portrayed as everyday human beings with faults, goodness and all of the emotions that come with being Human Beings.

Rating:
Summary: Honest portrayal of father/son conflicts and resolution
Review: A sleeper movie that surprises you with its freshness and accurate portrayals. Places the traditional father/son conflict among native americans, which weaves in indian culture past and present. The viewers involvement with the characters catches you by surprise. One of the more honest depictions of reservation life and the challenges facing our native americans.

Rating:
Summary: An Unpretentious and Honest Winner.
Review: This movie was one of the best I have ever seen. All the performances are very well acted and the plot is both entertaining and insightful. I also highly recommend getting the offical soundtrack, as some of the music is more easily appreciated without the images. HOWEVER, the images (direction, acting, cinematography, etc) are outstanding. If you want a movie that's funny, 'feel good' and highly original, click on the shopping cart logo!!

Rating:
Summary: The absolute best movie of 1998
Review: I laughed so hard I almost fell out of my seat. This is by far the best portrayal of rez life ever put on film for the public. I urge everyone native and non-native to see this movie.

Rating:
Summary: This is the most amazing Indian movie I've seen!
Review: Although I think anyone can enjoy this movie thoroughly for it's humor and every other emotion it extracts from you, it touched me in a very personal way. I remember running after my own father as he rode away on his horse from our house on the rez. This movie causes you to look to the future and think about what could be.

Rating:
Summary: Pure genius!
Review: This is absolutely one of my favorite movies. I came out of the theater aching from laughing so hard. It is by far the most brilliant portrayal of rez life I've ever seen. I would encourage all Indians and non-Indians alike to see this film.

Rating:
Summary: By Indians, About Indians, for Indians
Review: Not that others won't get something out of it, but at the end I sat there weeping and realized that as Indian men must come to terms with their fathers, so Indian women have to come to terms with their mothers. It is not easy. This film transcends reservations and hits the heart of the Indian experience no matter where we live. Sherman Alexie is a true artist to be able to capture that in one film.

Rating:
Summary: Refreshing and unique!
Review: "Smoke Signals" is the most honest, original movie I've seen in years. I loved seeing Indians portrayed as real people, not noble savages or wise sages. I left the theater smiling each of the three times I saw it. This movie is the perfect antidote to overhyped, underwhelming "Hollywood" movies.