Thunderheart
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Movie Reviews of Thunderheart
Movie Review: Perfect blend of crime, mysticism, and discovery
Summary: 5 Stars
The DVD transfer is very good to excellent.
In a movie that could have become an incoherent, confused mix of multiple storylines, screenwriter John Fusco and director Michael Apted have brilliantly assembled a provoctive film which never fails to keep the viewer thoroughly involved. The story begins with an FBI agent sent to North Dakota to help solve a murder on an Indian reservation. Val Kilmer is the agent whose Sioux heritage is the motivation for the assignment. His partner, Agent Frank Coutelle (Sam Shepard), seems to be all business. The conflict on the reservation seems to be a political situation. The murder of an Indian involved with ARM (Aboriginal Rights Movement) seems to be just another case of politics carried to the extreme.
As the story unfolds, we see Agent Ray Levoi (Kilmer) being pulled into a deeper look at his own life and heritage through an old Indian medicine man played by Granpa Sam Reaches. The FBI begins to look a little less like the protectors and more like a bureaucratic agency willing to sweep the truth away in the name of expediency. Look for a superb performance from Graham Greene (as Walter Crow Horse) as a Reseveration policeman trying to get at the truth but struggling with the Feds and the Indian group aligned with them at every turn. The blending of Indian Religion into the story is skillfuly done so as not to overwhelm the movie with its influence. That religion is given just the right impact to motivate the protagonist in his personal search for himself. The assemble cast is perfect.
If you haven't seen this film, do yourselves a favor and watch it. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Highly recommended for teens and up, especially those who like: Crime dramas, journeys of personal discovery, and a symphatic look at the American Indian in modern America. Easily 5 stars.
Movie Review: EXTRAORDINARILY MOVING
Summary: 5 Stars
Thunderheart is an extraordinary film inspired by true events that occurred on various Native American Reservations during the 1970's. The film focuses on a specific incident involving the murder of a tribal council member in the Dakotas. Consequently, the FBI is called in to conduct the investigation, which they thought would be a quick "three day in and out" affair. Director Michael Apted casted a talented group of actors for Thunderheart including Native American Graham Greene, who's actually from Canada. Greene is persuasively convincing portraying the role of Walter Crow Horse, a local sheriff in the Badlands of South Dakota. Walter Crow Horse eventually conducts his own investigation, which goes ignored by everyone except FBI agent Ray Levoi. Levoi, who's father was half Sioux, is brilliantly depicted by Val Kilmer. It's Levoi's role that assumes the lead in this film, and Kilmer's performance is provocative and absorbing. Finally, we have veteran actor Sam Shepard depicting the role of FBI agent Frank Catelle, who thinks the Native Americans are "a conquered people." This film was poignatly produced by Robert De Niro and it's a very compelling picture that successfully links Native Americans and their history to their present day challenges with the federal government of the United States. "Driving through here is like driving through a third world country smack dab in the middle of America," says agent Frank Catelle. It's observations like those that I think make the film so fascinating. Ultimately, Michael Apted uses those scenes to challenge white America's position towards Native Americans both in the past and in the present. I think this is truly a magnificent movie about Native Americans and their challenging struggle to maintain cultural indentity in a narrow minded white dominated society.Movie Review: A Look Into A World We Seldom See
Summary: 5 Stars
'Thunderheart' has a personal spot in my heart because I was adopted by Chief Ted Thin Elk (Grandpa Reaches) shortly after this film came out. When I met him in SD I had not seen it, so when he said he was in the film I thought perhaps he was an extra. I was stunned to see he WAS the film. He told me the people involved with the film came to his humble home on The Rez one day and asked if he'd like to be in the movie. He, too, thought he'd have a small part. The film not only made him numerous fans all over the world, but it gave him a new lease on life. He was able to use the royalties to help his family and friends. In the years I was with him I learned so much about the Lakota people and their history. He had only kind words for Val Kilmer and there was always a photo of the two of them in his living room. I was able to tell Val Kilmer in person how much the Chief admired him. I'm not sure how many people are aware Mr. Kilmer has Native American heritage in his family. Johnny Depp is another Native American actor. It is painful for me to watch this film when it comes on Cable because it reminds me of the happiest years of my life. Chief Thin Elk passed away in January of 1997. I have numerous photos from the movie in my apartment as well as numerous photos I took of him. His last film, 'Walking Thunder' was also his co-star John Denver's last film. They died within months of each other. It's a wonderful film with a sad story to tell. Unfortunately, the plight of the Lakota people in SD has not changed that much from when the film was made. They are a proud, intelligent, strong and wonderful people. I felt honored every day I lived with them. I miss them every day and probably always will.Movie Review: "THEIR LAND IS NOT FOR SALE"
Summary: 5 Stars
Thunderheart is an immensely impassioned film inspired by true events that occurred on the Pine Ridge indian reservation, an Oglala Sioux reservation, in the Badlands of South Dakota in 1975. It focuses on the murder of a tribal council member and features an impressive cast of veteran actors including native american Graham Greene. Greene portrays Walter Crow Horse, a tribal sheriff from the reservation where the murder occurred. The FBI is called in to conduct an investigation that they thought would be a quick "three day in and out" affair. Sam Shepard depicts FBI agent Frank Catelle, who thinks the Sioux are a "conquered people." Finally, there's Val Kilmer, who portrays FBI agent Ray Levoi, whose father was half Sioux. Incidentally, because of his father's heritage, Levoi is specifically chosen to aid Catelle in the investigation. Despite the fact that the FBI had jurisdiction over the case, Crow Horse takes it upon himself to launch his own investigation and makes some clever discoveries. FBI jealousy ensues, and an intense rivalry unfolds between them and Crow Horse to see who can crack the crime quicker. Poignantly produced by Robert De Niro, Thunderheart is a very compelling film, successfully linking native american history to modern day challenges the Sioux Nation faces in maintaining their cultural identity. At one point, while navigating his way through the reservation, Catelle says, "Driving through here is like driving through a third world country smack dab in the middle of America." Truly, a most rewarding film seen through the eyes of people who were "conquered," in the hope it will awaken something in those of us who did the conquering.Movie Review: On the rez, FBI means a whole lot different things than it does on the outside
Summary: 5 Stars
Full Blood Indian, just for one. "Thunderheart" was released in 1992 and based on several incidents on reservations.
FBI Agent Ray Levoi (Kilmer) was called in to the Oglala Sioux Reservation on special assignment because he's part Sioux Indian himself and the Bureau figured he'd fit in. No further from the truth, Ray quickly learns there's a big difference between a city Indian and a rez one -- and the rez is definitely a whole different world.
The issue is civil war on the Sioux Reservation. A fight's been brewing the last 100 years over traditional Indians versus US Government supporting Indians. When Levoi first arrives, he believes the troublemakers are the traditionals who are deemed rebels by his bosses at the FBI, but as he delves deeper into Sioux culture and his own past, he begins to realize the issues are far deeper than he ever imagined.
Along the way, he teams up with rez cop, Walter Crow Horse (Graham Greene) and Grandpa Sam Reaches (Ted Thin Elk) to learn more about his past and his culture.
Overall, the performances on "Thunderheart" are excellent. The story really keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. This is one of the best Val Kilmer movies I've ever seen and Graham Greene is always stellar.
"Thunderheart" is a film I keep going back to. I've rented this movie several times to show to friends and I'm getting a Blu-Ray version for myself. It's well worth watching every few years.
Rebecca Kyle, July 2008