Released in late 1980, "Windwalker" is an unconventional Western in that there are no white people (cowboys, cavalry, etc.) and all the dialogue is spoken in Native languages with English subtitles; the story takes place in what later became Utah in 1797 with flashbacks to 50 years earlier. Trevor Howard plays an aged Cheyenne who's about to die and James Remar plays the younger version of the same man. The plot revolves around the Cheyenne's family and their skirmishes with a small band of Crow warriors. Nick Ramus, Serene Hedin and Dusty McCrea also have significant roles.
This is a beautiful and well-intentioned film, but it's not without some weaknesses. The Utah wilderness locations are picturesque and the score is pleasant, albeit dated; it sounds exactly like what it is: early 80s New Age music made for an historical fantasy film about Native Americans. And whereas the Cheyenne and Crow characters look generally authentic, they somehow appear too clean, like they put on their brand-new Native clothing a few hours before filming; in other words, it smacks of fantasy more than reality. The depiction of Natives in "Jeremiah Johnson" eight years earlier was noticeably superior. Another negative is the usage of white dudes in major Native roles and Asian boys as Indian children, but I guess they had to do what they had to do to get the film made. And, besides, Howard has Indian-looking facial features despite the color of his eyes and I wouldn't be surprised if Remar had Native blood in his veins. As far as the Asian boys goes, didn't Native Americans originate from Asia in the first place? In other words, they're acceptable substitutes to genuine Native Americans.
Despite the negatives, this is definitely a beautiful film; I just wish the story was more realistic and interesting, like the depiction of 17th century Natives in 1991's excellent "Black Robe," one of my all-time favorite movies. Although a lot of the story in "Windwalker" is good, there are a lot of comic book elements and it's at times fantastical. Moreover, the story raises questions, like how does this elderly man, just risen from death or near death, kill and skin a bear? And how long does it take him to tan the hide? It looked like a day.
Still, the movie's worth seeking out if the positives trip your trigger. A lot of people love "Windwalker."
The film runs 108 minutes.
GRADE: C+
This is a beautiful and well-intentioned film, but it's not without some weaknesses. The Utah wilderness locations are picturesque and the score is pleasant, albeit dated; it sounds exactly like what it is: early 80s New Age music made for an historical fantasy film about Native Americans. And whereas the Cheyenne and Crow characters look generally authentic, they somehow appear too clean, like they put on their brand-new Native clothing a few hours before filming; in other words, it smacks of fantasy more than reality. The depiction of Natives in "Jeremiah Johnson" eight years earlier was noticeably superior. Another negative is the usage of white dudes in major Native roles and Asian boys as Indian children, but I guess they had to do what they had to do to get the film made. And, besides, Howard has Indian-looking facial features despite the color of his eyes and I wouldn't be surprised if Remar had Native blood in his veins. As far as the Asian boys goes, didn't Native Americans originate from Asia in the first place? In other words, they're acceptable substitutes to genuine Native Americans.
Despite the negatives, this is definitely a beautiful film; I just wish the story was more realistic and interesting, like the depiction of 17th century Natives in 1991's excellent "Black Robe," one of my all-time favorite movies. Although a lot of the story in "Windwalker" is good, there are a lot of comic book elements and it's at times fantastical. Moreover, the story raises questions, like how does this elderly man, just risen from death or near death, kill and skin a bear? And how long does it take him to tan the hide? It looked like a day.
Still, the movie's worth seeking out if the positives trip your trigger. A lot of people love "Windwalker."
The film runs 108 minutes.
GRADE: C+