Song of Hiawatha (1997) User Reviews

A good film with an all round Native cast...

[LaxFan94 · 7/10 · 15 March 2006]

I found this film to be historically accurate enough in terms of what Hiawatha went through to save his folks from disaster. But I found it very interesting in what the cast was wearing in the film. Although the setting was in the Eastern Woodlands, I noticed that some of the clothing resembled a little bit like the Plains style. But then again buffalo hides and deerskin/doeskin hides do look similar to each other. So I suppose that's why the resemblance. The important thing is that it's not just another Hollywoodish kind of film where you see the romanticized "noble savage" garbage in the way that Hollywood has pretty much always seen them. Fortunately enough, ever since "Dances with Wolves" came out in 1990, the overall view of the First Nations has drastically changed from the Hollywoodish type of portrayal of Natives to the more realistic, concrete and abstract views.

Anyways ... this films deserves a 7 out of 10.

It's a fairytale...

[jsb-41 · 3/10 · 2 December 2007]

I guess it held to Longfellow's imaginative poem okay, but the real story of the REAL Hiawatha, it is not.

Fortunately, the story of Hiawatha's journey along with the Peacemaker will be told in the series First Nation's on the Discovery Channel sometime in 2009.

The Truth is always more fascinating than fiction.

I am not affiliated in anyway with the Discovery Channel or the First Nation's Series.

I do know some of the actors and the historical consultant, however.

I don't believe I offered any spoilers in this post. My apologies if there is one.

Wonderful Retelling of The Legend

[commandamanda · 10/10 · 10 December 2006]

Lite Foot does a wonderful job as Hiawatha and Adam Beach is amusing as Chibiabos. Both show that they are capable of far more than this legend, however, it should not be taken lightly. This film was both beautiful and carefully filmed. None of it appears childish, as one might think upon stumbling over it during regular daytime TV. Rather, it is a humbling tale of suffering and searching for the salvation of the Indian Nation. It is well acted and well outfitted. I was troubled at first by the use of so many differing Indians from so many tribes; this would only occur to someone who can trace tribal characteristics. It's a heck of a lot better than allowing Whites to play Indians. In fact, it's so chock-a-block full of talented people that you can't tear your eyes from it. I too, was at first a little troubled by the lack of woodland costuming, but this would have been expensive and time-consuming to create. Woodland Flower beading and designs are intricate and lovely, but they were not missed after a few minutes of viewing. The splendid acting grabs a hold of you. I enjoyed it immensely. Recommended- however, there is some violence which my not be appropriate for viewers under 10 or 12 years of age. Adults may want to explain some of the ritual and religious implications with their children after viewing.

Excellent movie!

[hmflashgordon · 10/10 · 25 March 2010]

Thoroughly enjoyed this presentation of an epic poem. The actors were well-chosen and presented the characters in a believable manner. Each of the characters were portrayed with realism and first-class acting skill. The photography was outstanding and added quality and realism to the movie. The scenery was spectacular and added so much more to the presentation. I recognized many of the actors and appreciated their cultural background being used in a favourable manner for this movie. I would like to see more movies of this quality being produced instead of what is being offered in the current market. This movie is well worth watching a second, third and more times as one sees subtle inferences that one misses upon first viewing.

An unforgettable treat for the ears and the eyes.

[mark.waltz · 8/10 · 23 September 2021]

Litefoot, the amazingly talented star of "Indian in the Cupboard", surpasses the use of photographic effects to triumph in this detailed retelling of the Longfellow poem narrated by Graham Greene that shows his journey as a young idealistic warrior fighting his demons and winning the heart of the beautiful Minnehaha (Irene Bedard). On his journey, he encounters the father who abandoned his mother and various friends and foes, growing up along the way and becoming even more brave and idealistic.

With photography that resembles a naturalistic 3-D like atmosphere and a stunning musical score, this is a must for cinema students and students of native American culture. Sheila Tousey is touching and beautiful as Hiawatha's maternal grandmother who looks on proudly when intruduced to Minnehaha. Bedard is a combination of feistiness, strength and vulnerability, a native squaw far advanced in independence but still a young lady that any young man would be proud to call his wife.

There are some scenes here that show the spiritual beliefs in a dark light, and the narrative by the gentle Greene manages to make every moment profound and often tear inducing. The struggles from the elements are dealt with as are the demonic forces struggling to destroy Hiawatha and Minnehaha's happiness. You can't help but root for them, especially as their compassion towards each other and acceptance of strangers (even the white men not out to conquer them) is eventually revealed. This is probably the most spiritual in nature of all the films I've seen about indigenous people's, one definitely worth seeking out.