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The Indian Runner (1991)

 -  Drama  -  20 September 1991 (USA)
7.0
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Ratings: 7.0/10 from 5,098 users  
Reviews: 52 user | 19 critic

An intensely sad film about two brothers who cannot overcome their opposite perceptions of life. One brother sees and feels bad in everyone and everything, subsequently he is violent, ... See full summary »

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Title: The Indian Runner (1991)

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
Frank Roberts
...
Maria
...
Dorothy
...
...
Mrs. Roberts
...
Caesar
...
Randall
Enzo Rossi ...
Raffael
Harry Crews ...
Mr. Baker
...
Mrs. Baker
Trevor Endicott ...
Brandon Fleck ...
7-Years-Old Frank Roberts
Kathy Jensen ...
Lady at Carwash
James Devney ...
Deputy #1 (as Jim Devney)
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Storyline

An intensely sad film about two brothers who cannot overcome their opposite perceptions of life. One brother sees and feels bad in everyone and everything, subsequently he is violent, antisocial and unable to appreciate or enjoy the good things which his brother desperately tries to point out to him. Frank understands the atrocities of life as a big picture; Joe does not. Joe is content to enjoy smaller pleasures: children, family, routine. Joe mistakenly believes he can straighten his little brother out and convince him that life is good. Frank is a cursed man. He is cut between his love for his brother and his repulsion at self-indulgent contentment. The result is a painful story of heartbreak, heartache, disappointment, despair, and the tragic side of love. Written by wedgwood

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Genres:

Drama

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence, language, and some drug use | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

|

Language:

Release Date:

20 September 1991 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Indian Runner  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Budget:

$7,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$191,125 (USA)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The box office failure of this film caused its Japanese backers, NHK Enterprises, to cease getting involved in film production. See more »

Goofs

After the chase scene near the end of the film between Joe in the police car and Frank in the Buick, Joe turns off the red police lights, then the car's headlamps and steps out of the car and stands next to it. In the final scene we see Joe still standing next to the police car but the car's headlamps have mysteriously come on again. See more »

Quotes

Frank: [leering at a large-built woman] D'you have a nice walk up here?
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Soundtracks

"CABALLITO CHONTALENO"
Written by Carmino Zapata
Performed by Grupos Rio Rojo
Courtesy of Aid to the Arts of Nicaragua
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User Reviews

Best movie iv'e ever seen
5 May 2004 | by (Melbourne Australia) – See all my reviews

This film has deeply affected me. The first time I saw it I had tears pouring down my face throughout. The second time I found myself really getting into it. Sure, you know what it's about from the other reviews. We ask ourselves why Frank isn't content with life. Most of us would feel closer to Joe, but Penn enables us to sympathise with this wretched character of Frank. He's not a nice guy. Myself; I am happy that this film is not necessarily a period piece. It takes a while for you to understand in what context the film is set. What makes this movie so good is that is underlining message remains ambiguous. This is certainly a film that will stand the test of time. It's not about the nation of America during the 70's. It's about the relationship of two brothers, and one just so happens to have come back from Vietnam. It could have been set in 2003 and the underlying message would remain the same. The talent of Penn is in that he never once blames Frank's actions on the Vietnam War. He was a bad kid before the War. I urge everyone to see this movie. You will either sympathise with the characters and understand the underlying message or you will not. I also urge you to open your mind before you see the movie, and if you don't understand it. Think about it for a while longer.


37 of 42 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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