This well done action movie was inspired by true events from the mid 70s and is marked by authentic characters, engaging action sequences and above average dialog which drives a formulaic, but interesting, story. Michael Apted deserves credit for casting North American Indians in several key roles, instead of slipping in unconvincing impostors (Fred Ward, notwithstanding). Both Tousey and Thin Elk were on screen for the first time in this movie and did very well. Both Kilmer and Greene give wonderful performances, as usual, and are backed up by the comfortable professional, Sam Shepard. The ending is clichéd, but not bad. All in all, this is a solid action choice.
FBI agent, Ray Lavoie (Val Kilmer) has managed to suppress the Indian side of his heritage, but is forced to confront it, when he is chosen to join a murder investigation on a South Dakota Indian Reservation. His local supervisor in the area is Frank Coutelle (Shepard), who explains that there is internal strife between two factions on the reserve and armed men are everywhere. Along the way, Lavoie meets a sarcastic, but savvy, local lawman, Walter Crow Horse (Greene) and a fiery, pacifistic activist in Maggie Eagle Bear (Tousey). The area is a powder keg of brewing violence and Lavoie has to both solve the mystery on the reserve, and the mystery in his own heart about his own background.
I like this movie very much and have seen it several times. On top of being an enjoyable action film it has a little to say about the plight of those whose story it tells. Kilmer is solid, as always and both Green and Thin Elk's characters are worth seeing. If you have not caught this one, check it out.
This work was first posted on realmoviereview.com
FBI agent, Ray Lavoie (Val Kilmer) has managed to suppress the Indian side of his heritage, but is forced to confront it, when he is chosen to join a murder investigation on a South Dakota Indian Reservation. His local supervisor in the area is Frank Coutelle (Shepard), who explains that there is internal strife between two factions on the reserve and armed men are everywhere. Along the way, Lavoie meets a sarcastic, but savvy, local lawman, Walter Crow Horse (Greene) and a fiery, pacifistic activist in Maggie Eagle Bear (Tousey). The area is a powder keg of brewing violence and Lavoie has to both solve the mystery on the reserve, and the mystery in his own heart about his own background.
I like this movie very much and have seen it several times. On top of being an enjoyable action film it has a little to say about the plight of those whose story it tells. Kilmer is solid, as always and both Green and Thin Elk's characters are worth seeing. If you have not caught this one, check it out.
This work was first posted on realmoviereview.com