Skins
|
List Price: Our Price: $4.81 You Save: $5.13 (51%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $3.95 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of Skins
Movie Review: Powerfully affecting without preaching
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a middle-aged white woman who works daily with the tribes in the Northern Plains, but I live nearest the Pine Ridge Reservation, home to the Oglala Lakota nation. I've written and photographed for several Native American newspapers and magazines. Originally from Detroit, via Cleveland, San Diego and Indianapolis, I find that most people in this country, particularly from east of the Mississippi, have little or no clue about what life is like for the modern-day Native American, and I increasingly suspect they don't WANT to know because their conscience might actually prod them to do something toward change.
If that resembles you, beware of watching this great film. Chris Eyre has created a remarkable movie that looks with a balanced heart at what life on most Indian reservations is like. He shows the truth: there is both deep pain and dysfunction, but there is also great love and quiet, sly humor. There is the stress of adapting to the dominant culture's expectations while trying to hold on to cultural perspectives and wisdom that are ancient.
Not everyone on the Pine Ridge, or other, reservations is an alcoholic. But enough are that pretty much everyone who isn't has a family member or friend who is. It's not a moral failing or weakness specific only to Native Americans, despite some pretty condescending comments in some of these reviews.
This story will move you and entertain you, all while letting you see a quite realistic depiction of a marvellous, yet frustrating way of life most folks in America don't get a chance to experience much of.
Movie Review: Eric Schweig's best!
Summary: 5 Stars
Skins is a compelling movie about the troubles that face reservations in the Dakotas, this movie centering around two brothers that grew up around an angry an abusive father who later grow up taking diffrent paths. Graham Greene is the eldest brother who spiralled into alcoholism his marriage has fractured and though he cares for his teenage son his addiction has fractured their relationship. Eric Schweig is a deditcated Reservation cop who is longsuffering but fed up with his brother's self destructive behavior. Eric has some time to have a relationship with one of the ladies involved in the community but his anger at forces that tear into his people push him toward being a masked vigilante, feeling that as a policeman that his ability to make a difference is hamstrung by regulations and ever increasing threats to the well being of those he protects. Eric is no supercop, there is a humorous scene where he trips and knocks himself out on a rock which shows he's vulnerable and human, as well as his greif over his brother. In my opinion Eric Schweig who has played everything from a hero in THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS to a murderous witch in THE MISSING gives an show of force as an actor in SKINS portraying a beliveable troubled brother and lawman who wishes to stop the destructive influnences that plague his community.Movie Review: 99% Real, Honest Portrayal of Pine Ridge
Summary: 5 Stars
Those are the word of my 78 year old grandmother who was born and raised on the Pine Ridge Rez. This film reminds me of the place where I learned so much about my culture, and had so much fun with my cousins. This exploration into the community, should be seen by those who desire a glimpse into modern rez life. Wounded Knee happened only a little over a hundred years ago, and genocide did not end with the massacre. White Clay sets the example as this town is filthy rich, dependent on alcoholics for profit. They do not care how many Indians die, just like Lincoln did not care when he mass-hanged the Sioux. Carved into Paha Sapa, Mount Rushmore, is the ghosts of 4 presidents (including Ol' Abe) who face the east over the land of the Oglala Lakota. Some people see this as "mockery", would the Jewish appreciate a huge stone carving of Hitler staring down over Tel-Aviv? Each president has contributed more of less to exterminating the NDN. This movie will hopefully inspire some to see past their 9th grade politics class and learn more about multi-dimensions of U.S. History.Movie Review: A Masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie is certain to be one of the most enduring examples of Native American cinema throughout history. The acting is great, and the story is magnificent. While it may be hard for a non-native to fully understand and appreciate the subject matter and story itself, repeated viewings are a must, and will open up a new level of conciousness to those open to it. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone, but prehaps especially to people who are just getting into native culture and want to understand it.
As for the actors, Graham Greene is fantastic, and this is the movie that got me started on Eric Schweig. The supporting cast is phenomenal too, with Zahn McClarnon, Gil Birmingham, Nathaniel Arcand, and more!
PS Remember this movie is not for kids, I've seen too many negative reviews from people that somehow think this is a family movie. It's rated R for a reason, and I admit that its stark reality may be almost hurtful at first.
Movie Review: Great movie and great music
Summary: 5 Stars
If you want to get an idea how American Indians portray themselves today, watch Chris Eyre's films. They are not documentaries, yet I am left with the feeling that despite poverty, alcoholism, drug abuse, unemployment, and other problems, reservations are tight-knit communities which are normally closed to whites. Chris Eyre lifts the curtain a bit, lets us catch a glimpse of what holds them together, and he does this with a wonderful sense of humor, tenderness, and poetry.
ETA: I just finished reading the book and must say Eric Schweig and Graham Greene did outstanding jobs portraying Rudy and Mogie. Fortunately, the movie is a "sanitized" version of the book (whose pubertal language I found annoying at times), and especially Rudy is much more mature than his literary model.