The Doe Boy

Rating:
Summary: soon to be some kind of classic
Review:

This carefully crafted drama is about Hunter, a Cherokee teenager in Oklahoma. His name is ironic-- he longs to be a good hunter and win the approval of his white father, but his first shot as a child brought about humiliation. He mistakenly kills a doe, earning him the childhood nickname, Doe Boy. Set in the 80's, Hunter is caught between many worlds-- the white world and the Indian world, childhood and manhood, the old red road and newly paved road.

Symbolism abounds but is never cheesy or overt; for example, Hunter has hemophilia, a disease that keeps his blood from clotting-- a "white disease." This affliction is closely tied into many things in his life-- his struggle to belong, his fear of vulnerability, his inner strength, the tension in his relationship with his father.

The story is subtle but incredibly strong and emotionally-charged. It's about the struggles of self-identity, father-son relationships, reconciliation, and healing. There is no melodrama or cliche in this film-- it's entirely refreshing. The dialogue is terrific-- often hilarious, never trite. James Duval totally possesses his character and draws you into Hunter's story-- his performance is really beautiful. I'd like to say that anyone at all who's mixed-blood in some way can strongly relate to this story, but I think its detailed uniqueness actually reaches that point of being universally accessible. I don't think anyone can see this film without relating with Hunter or caring immensely what happens. This is one of those 'must-see/must-have' films for anyone who values good stories.

Rating:
Summary: beautiful, haunting film
Review: From what I was told, the novel from which this film was based was quite beautiful and moving. If it is anything like this movie, I would definitely read it. The performances were strong, the story was engaging, and the struggles that Hunter, the main character, must go through, living between two worlds--the world of the Whites and the world of the Natives--is noble and heartwrenching to watch. How can he possibly "become a man" in the way his White father sees fit--through becoming a fine hunter (hence, the name)--when he can only shoot a doe? This also crosses over to his mother's culture, where shooting does is the ultimate sin because they symbolize fertility. Hence, the death of the doe is also the death of the generations. Hunter's generations may also be at risk for hemophilia, the disease he acquires--the White man's disease.

This film tackles everything--breaking away from family, self definition, first love and the epidemic of HIV.
I definitely reccomend it. It is a fine film, and be sure to have Kleenex handy when you watch it. It is a real tearjerker.

Rating:
Summary: beautiful, haunting film
Review: From what I was told, the novel from which this film was based was quite beautiful and moving. If it is anything like this movie, I would definitely read it. The performances were strong, the story was engaging, and the struggles that Hunter, the main character, must go through, living between two worlds--the world of the Whites and the world of the Natives--is noble and heartwrenching to watch. How can he possibly "become a man" in the way his White father sees fit--through becoming a fine hunter (hence, the name)--when he can only shoot a doe? This also crosses over to his mother's culture, where shooting does is the ultimate sin because they symbolize fertility. Hence, the death of the doe is also the death of the generations. Hunter's generations may also be at risk for hemophilia, the disease he acquires--the White man's disease.

This film tackles everything--breaking away from family, self definition, first love and the epidemic of HIV.
I definitely reccomend it. It is a fine film, and be sure to have Kleenex handy when you watch it. It is a real tearjerker.

Rating:
Summary: Well-acted, thought-provoking movie
Review: I won't attempt to summarize the plot because as the editorial reviewer notes, it is difficult to do so without the movie sounding cheesy or trite. But suffice it to say that the acting is top-notch and the actors do not force their performances like some do in indie films. The direction by Randy Redroad is outstanding; he doesn't resort to gimmicky angle shots to highlight the mystical elements of the story. And finally, the musical score and songs are quite moving and will have you rewinding just to hear them again. Highly recommend you use 85 minutes of your life and watch this film.

Rating:
Summary: Well-acted, thought-provoking movie
Review: I won't attempt to summarize the plot because as the editorial reviewer notes, it is difficult to do so without the movie sounding cheesy or trite. But suffice it to say that the acting is top-notch and the actors do not force their performances like some do in indie films. The direction by Randy Redroad is outstanding; he doesn't resort to gimmicky angle shots to highlight the mystical elements of the story. And finally, the musical score and songs are quite moving and will have you rewinding just to hear them again. Highly recommend you use 85 minutes of your life and watch this film.

Rating:
Summary: soon to be some kind of classic
Review: This carefully crafted drama is about Hunter, a Cherokee teenager in Oklahoma. His name is ironic-- he longs to be a good hunter and win the approval of his white father, but his first shot as a child brought about humiliation. He mistakenly kills a doe, earning him the childhood nickname, Doe Boy. Set in the 80's, Hunter is caught between many worlds-- the white world and the Indian world, childhood and manhood, the old red road and newly paved road.

Symbolism abounds but is never cheesy or overt; for example, Hunter has hemophilia, a disease that keeps his blood from clotting-- a "white disease." This affliction is closely tied into many things in his life-- his struggle to belong, his fear of vulnerability, his inner strength, the tension in his relationship with his father.

The story is subtle but incredibly strong and emotionally-charged. It's about the struggles of self-identity, father-son relationships, reconciliation, and healing. There is no melodrama or cliche in this film-- it's entirely refreshing. The dialogue is terrific-- often hilarious, never trite. James Duval totally possesses his character and draws you into Hunter's story-- his performance is really beautiful. I'd like to say that anyone at all who's mixed-blood in some way can strongly relate to this story, but I think its detailed uniqueness actually reaches that point of being universally accessible. I don't think anyone can see this film without relating with Hunter or caring immensely what happens. This is one of those 'must-see/must-have' films for anyone who values good stories.

Rating:
Summary: The Doe Boy
Review: This is a well-acted movie about a boy growing into a young man who is half Native American, half Caucasian living in Oklahoma, probably on a reservation.

The story focuses on conflicts the young man, Hunter or Doe Boy, has with his father, culture and dealing with a "white man's disease," hemophilia.

The characters are realistically portrayed in the sense of having good and bad characteristics, no one is either saintly or evil. His father loves him, yet is bitter about the disease preventing their closeness in shared activities. His grandfather, who lives in the same community, is understanding and very supportive. Some experiences the grandfather has had and the grandfathers Native American roots are important in enriching the story.

The boy becomes 18 and moves out and has some experiences that are essential to his growing up. There is the possibility that he has Aids, due to blood products he received for medical treatment, and he has some other unique experiences and develops relationships that add to his personal growth. The story ends when he is still 18 and at an unresolved crisis in his life.

This would be especially enjoyable for a person with an interest in Native American culture, conflicts of an inter-racial background or just enjoys the "coming-of-age" genre.