Skins (2002)

User Rating:

6.9/10   

Director:

Chris Eyre

Writers:

Adrian C. Louis (novel)
Jennifer D. Lyne (writer)

Genre:

Crime | Drama

Tagline:

The Other American Heroes.

Plot:

An inspirational tale about the relationship between two Sioux Indian brothers living on the Pine Ridge Indian reservation.

Plot Keywords:

Alcoholism | Beer | Liquor Store | Police | Sioux

Awards:

2 wins & 2 nominations

Cast

Eric Schweig	...	Rudy Yellow Lodge
Graham Greene	...	Mogie Yellow Lodge
Gary Farmer	...	Verdell Weasel Tail
Noah Watts	...	Herbie Yellow Lodge
Lois Red Elk	...	Aunt Helen
Michelle Thrush	...	Stella
Nathaniel Arcand	...	Teen Mogie
Chaske Spencer	...	Teen Rudy
Joseph American Horse	...	Panhandler
Wilda Asimont	...	Neighbor
Dave Bald Eagle	...	Old Soldier
Bruce Bennett	...	Medical Examiner
Robert A. Bennett	...	Officer Comes Running
Gil Birmingham	...	Sonny Yellow Lodge
Joe Black Elk	...	Drill Team Member #1

MPAA:

Rated R for language and violence.

Runtime:

84 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:R (certificate #38550) | Singapore:NC-16

Filming Locations:

Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA

Company:

First Look International

Quotes:

Mogie Yellow Lodge: Well, maybe there is one thing you can do for me.
Rudy Yellow Lodge: What?
Mogie Yellow Lodge: Help me blow the nose off George Washington at Rushmore.

Movie Connections:

Featured in The 2003 IFP Independent Spirit Awards (2003) (TV)

Soundtrack:

THE HERON SMILED

Humanizes a Stereotype...

Caught the premiere of "Skins" at the Sundance Film Festival on Monday, Jan. 14, 2002. This is an excellent film and a fine sophomore effort from director Chris Eyre. Graham Greene gives a multi-layered performance as the tragic Mokie... a drunken Indian humanized maybe on film for the first time. Eyre said afterwards that every drunk is someone's uncle, someone's father, someone's brother. He isn't into victimology but puts the issues out there for all of us to own... and be responsible for. The other lead actor is Eric Schweig, who gives a brilliant performance as Mokie's younger brother, a rez cop who turns vigilante. There were one or two performers who were a little wooden (no pun intended). At one point the pipe carrier climbs on his soapbox and he sounds amateurish and rehearsed. But overall, the performances are solid. Also... its important to note that this is a film with Indians in most, if not all, of the major creative positions and it stands tall on its own merits. Many laughs and a few tears. Genuinely moving film. Highly recommended. Washtay do! Pidamayah, Chris!