Skins (2002) User Reviews

A good interpretation of the trials of the modern Aboriginal Person, a well thought out film.

[whiteowl_3 · 8/10 · 24 January 2006]

I enjoyed this film a lot. So many times are Aboriginal People shown in the Romantic Period (i.e. prairie bareback horse riding, warriors, etc) It may not be Chris' finest edit, but a well thought out film. The actors did their jobs and the film was made on the Pine Ridge Reserve. It shows both ends of the spectrum when it comes to First Natiosn people. Those effected negatively by the modern world, and those who've overcome it's tragedies.

Chris Eyre is great at getting at the truth, many people find some of the content offensive, because it touches home. People have said "this happened to my family," and this is because it has. This is real life.

Humanizes a Stereotype...

[kberg · 8/10 · 17 January 2002]

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!

Fine film

[pswitzertatum · 8/10 · 17 January 2007]

I think this is an exceptional film, with some fine acting. The acting for the most part is underplayed and complicated by some more subtle nuances than many of us are used to seeing. The characters do not woodenly represent good or evil; they often give many mixed messages, and intentions might be good but are provocative to others as well as the audience in the actions shown. Some of the characters are very clear, and quietly and sensitively played. These are not the typical "noble savages" who crowd some Hollywood portrayals; they represent real and suffering people who, each in his or her own way, struggle with inner demons and addictions, like the rest of us, and for the most part try to do the right thing. The characters portrayed who don't seem to care about doing the "right" thing, or care about the rights of others, seem like they are possessed by hopelessness in their destructive actions. They feel trapped in a bleak and seemingly hopeless environment; this is a third-world cultural inside of our very materialistic, greedy American society. The unusual sense of humor, and enduring familial love, and attention to Native American spiritual practices, that come through despite every obstacle, violence, and frustration are the keys here. This film has a different, but intense, cultural point of view that we might be unfamiliar with, but that makes it stark and compelling. The director's commentary and extra features on the DVD are worth listening to/watching as well.

As realistic as can be

[epevae · 10/10 · 10 June 2003]

The story reflects reservation life as it is: sometimes laughter is the only means of survival the people have. It depicts the conditions as they are, not only on the Pine Ridge reservation but on most of them. Graham Greene has given an excellent performance as did Eric Schweig. The special sense of humor, often only understood by the Natives, does not take away any of the gravity of the plot.

Chris Eyre has once again managed to produce an excellent combination of the spiritual and the down-to-earth life in SKINS, and he has grown to become a synonym for true Native American films.

SKINS is both entertaining and causing the viewer, though mainly those familiar with reservation life, to think about the situation which has been persisting ever since Columbus.

SKINS has revived memories of my own stays at South Dakota reservations. The world needs more films like this one so that people will come to understand that the Natives of this land are not living in teepees anymore nor do they wear bunkskin and feathers all day long.

SKINS gives a critical and true reflection of life on a reservation in the twenty-first century.

Excellent, thought provoking, depiction of Reservation life.

[mgressma · 3 October 2002]

"Skins" is much better than I thought it would be. I was expecting a stereo-typical rendition of life on an Indian Reservation, but instead was treated to an all-American story about a family with problems. It is a very well written story that really moves along. Going in, I thought it would be torture to sit through, but, it was over before I knew it, and was a delight all the way. As a result of seeing "Skins" I see Mt. Rushmore as the period at the end of a long and bloody sentence in the history of man in North America.

Courageous, flawed, fascinating and different

[LouE15 · 7/10 · 21 October 2007]

Seeing stars Graham Greene and Eric Schweig in other, more mainstream films, and, latterly, Schweig excelling in the adorable and brave modern fairy tale that is "Big Eden", combined with an interest in the great hidden shame that is reservation life in North America, to make me get hold of "Skins" on DVD. The story: Rudy Yellow Lodge is a reservation cop who turns vigilante in disgust at the abuses he sees around him. Meanwhile his Viet vet brother is drinking himself into an early grave, and the white town on the border of the reservation gets rich selling him and his friends alcohol. The story is not always skilfully told, but it is punctured by moving and well-done moments. But when a film and its makers take big risks, and overcome huge obstacles to make something with social and historical significance, you make certain allowances.

One of the signs of a successful minority culture thriving within a dominant society, is when its cultural life 'owns' and masters all art forms. A cinema in its infancy doesn't progress by everyone sitting around thinking what kind of films they'd make if someone would only let them – rather, it progresses because someone like Chris Eyre stands up and tries, and even if he doesn't completely succeed, has helped really start something. It's pretty amazing that "Skins" got made at all. Many of the people whose lives it spotlights got to see the film only because of director Chris Eyre's "Rolling Rez" tour, where the film was shown on reservations and in selected cities in an adapted truck. This should tell you starkly enough why it's necessary for films like this, flawed as they are, to be made, and seen.

And yes, it's very flawed indeed. It's so easy to sit in my armchair thousands of miles from the stark brutalities of rez life, and point, remote control in my hand, to the inconsistencies, plot holes, the slightly stiff and unconvincing acting in the minor roles (though I'd point out that they wouldn't seem half so stiff if the script had been sharper). These things do diminish the film as a whole, and I kept thinking, if only they'd had some Hollywood money here – some script editing there – but that's the whole problem. Even if the script had made it to the desk of Hollywood's Junior Vice-President Butcher of Scripts, by the time it emerged, the largely native cast would have been condensed to a single, wryly funny sidekick whilst the hero, a white guy from the local town, takes on the infamous beer sellers single-handedly, with an upbeat message at the end. So ultimately the sheer existence of a Native cinema by, and for, Native Americans (I think I prefer the thinking behind Russell Means' more controversial "American Indians"), and using Native source material, is more important than its weaknesses.

Leads Greene and Schweig do an excellent job as the brothers in difficult circumstances, and the final scenes are powerful and emotional, and do justice to all involved. Greene's portrayal of what could have been a vastly unsympathetic character marks him out as a very talented, nuanced actor. It's extremely hard to bring pathos to an extended portrayal of an alcoholic. But the last word goes to Eric Schweig: during an interview once he was asked a question along the lines of, how would he address the stereotyping and misrepresentation of Native Americans in films? He laughs and says simply "make our own!"

It's Time for America to Own Up to Its' History

[cetanduta · 10/10 · 2 February 2002]

The movie "Skins", directed by Chris Eyre, (FirstLook Pictures) 84 min. produced by Jon Kilik and starring Eric Schwieg and Graham Greene is a milestone and an accomplishment in films by Natives about Natives.

It is somewhat reminiscent of what "Once Were Warriors" meant to the Maori People of New Zealand. Pulling no punches, "Skins" uncovers the stark reality of the Oglala Lakota (Sioux) of Pine Ridge reservation and their daily plight to survive in "Third World" conditions.

Eric Schwieg gives a command performance as

Rudy Yellow Lodge, a BIA cop with an older brother, Mogie, (played by Graham Greene)who is a Viet Nam vet and a chronic alcoholic. The film also brings to light the important issue of how white border towns (in this case White Clay, Nebraska) prey upon reservations and profit from Native Peoples miseries by selling alcohol. Graham Greene gives a five-star performance and humanizes a character most people would write off as simply a drunk, while also bringing to light the fact that there are many Native Veterans of Viet Nam War in this country, a fact most Americans probably don't consider. The film reflects the reality of violence and despair on the reservation, yet keeps you laughing with wit & humor interwoven throughout a well written script. (When you are Indian, sometimes things get so bad that a good joke is the only thing that you have left.)

While Rudy struggles with his job as a cop, a girlfriend who's still married, an alcoholic brother and his own spiritualty, he still has time to be a father figure to his brother Mogie's son, Herbie. Although the stress of his job leads him into being a vigilante when the murder of a young boy goes unsolved and ignored by the FBI, Rudy reaches inside himself and finds a balance through prayer, ceremonies & family. Without revealing too much about the film, I must comment that this is the first film ever to show a Lakota wake as it really is.(I know, because I have been to many of them) The film is in many aspects as close to real as a film could get about the situation on Pine Ridge reservation. Eyre recieved a standing ovation at the premiere at Eccles Theatre in Park City at the Sundance Film Festival. (Which incidentally was attended by Mr. Robert Redford, himself, who seemed to thoroughly enjoy the film!) Congrats to Chris Eyre, the entire cast & crew!

Life and death on the rez

[=G= · 6/10 · 12 May 2003]

"Skins" is an unabashed low budget indie which tells a meager story about life on South Dakota's impoverished Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The film centers on an Indian cop/vigilante (Schweig) and his alcoholic Vietnam vet brother (Greene) and manages good character development, a semblance of story, humor, drama, and an obvious proactive Native American agenda. This austere production will be an average watch for most filmgoers while those with specific interest in Native American issues will find depth, substance, and resonance. (C+)

Note - Those interested in "Skins" might want to give "Thunderheart 1992" (also with Graham Greene) a look.

Good

[syliva_vanhuse · 9/10 · 19 March 2005]

I feel this movie was a good depiction of life in a poor small town (having lived in several myself.) I enjoyed that it treated Indians like regular folks just trying to find their place in the world. I am irritated by the person whining about Spike Lee and stereotypes. While Spike has contributed a body of work that provokes, he is not every black man.

According to his IMDb bio, Chris Eyre is Cheyenne and Arapaho. Those two tribes banded together with the Sioux to fight Custer at the Battle of the Little Big Horn or Custer's Last Stand. The reason for the movie's joke about the Crow is because they had been scouts FOR Custer.

The point of that history lesson is that Indians are no more homogenized than white folks. To imply that one person can speak for an entire race is just plain asinine.

In addition, there is a little bit of truth within every stereotype. Although alcoholism is not unique to Indians, Native Americans, natives, indigenous, aboriginals, etc... (or what ever the correct 'PC' term is this week) and I like how this movie dealt with it. I also especially enjoyed the cowboy boots with the football uniform...

Making a noise in this world

[sol1218 · 7/10 · 30 November 2003]

******SPOILERS****** When he was ten years old Rudy Yellow Lodge, Eric Schweig, was stung by a deadly Trickster Spider that would have killed him if it wasn't for his older brother Mogie, Graham Greene. Who carried him to the hospital where the quick attention of the hospital staff saved Rudy's life. From then on young Rudy looked up to his brother Mogie and also felt that he owed him something to repay him for what he did. But as both brothers grew up Mogie, after coming back from the army in the Vietnam War, became a helpless alcoholic with nothing to look forward to but a government check to buy beer and wine. While Rudy became a policeman on the police department of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation where both Rudy and Mogie lived.

The Pine Ridge Reservation is a depressing place,in the Black hills on the South Dakota Nebraska border With unemployment among the American Indians there at a whopping 75% with alcoholism nine times higher and life expectancy some 15 years lower then anywhere else in America. This is where the story about the two brothers, Rudy and Mogie, takes place.

Rudy trying to do what is beyond his authority as a lawman gives him takes the law into his own hands when a friend of his son, Cokie Red Tail, is murdered. Tracking down Cokie's killers one night, while they were drunk, Rudy breaks their kneecaps with a baseball bat as well as later puts them behind bars.

One evening watching TV Rudy sees a news story about a liquor warehouse across the South Dakota border in Nebraska where the Indians of the Pine Ridge Reservation go to buy their booze which is illegal at the reservation. What makes Rudy burn up is when he sees on the TV a reporter interviewing his brother Mogie, who looked very drunk, who was telling him about how he goes there to stock up on his beer. That it was it for Rudy and it was then and there that he made up him mind to torch the place.

Disguising himself Rudy goes down to the warehouse and sets it on fire but later as a policeman when he comes over to make out a report and investigate the arson he finds out that his brother Mogie was sleeping upstairs and was badly burned in the fire that he set. At the hospital Mogie was found out that besides being severely burned he was suffering from a severe liver disease due to the years of heavy drinking and didn't have very long to live.

Rudy it tears secretly tells his brother that he was the one who set the fire that almost killed him. But Mogie, to Rudy's great relief, took it quite mildly telling Rudy if he wanted to do something to show his outrage at what was happening to his people, the American Indians, why not stick something up George Washington nose on Mount Rushmore.All his sounded pretty stupid to Rudy even though what he did as a vigilante was a lot worse.

Later with Mogie looking a lot better Rudy went down to the local hardware store and bought his brother a T-shirt with famous American Indians instead of famous American Presidents on Mount Rushmore knowing that Mogie would get a kick out of it. But when Rudy came back to the hospital room where Mogie was staying he saw his Aunt Helen, Lois Red Elk, and Mogie's son Herbie, Noah Watts, in tears and sadly Rudy knew what happened.

Rudy was depressed not only by Mogie's death and by the guilt that he felt by what he did to Mogie by setting the warehouse on fire where Mogie was sleeping in. But by not repaying is big brother for saving his life when they were little boys.

Rudy saw that there was only one thing that he could do to square things with his brother and that was what Mogie suggested to him just before he died. So one cold and early morning Rudy with a one gallon can of bright red paint drove down to Mount Rushmore and paid Uncle George a visit.

Disappointing

[Cosmoeticadotcom · 5/10 · 18 September 2008]

Skins is director Chris Eyre's follow up to the 1997 Native American film Smoke Signals. Like the first film Skins is a comedy drama that has moments, and is a sound film, but could have done a bit more, and often settles into PC preachiness. One would have hoped Eyre would have matured as a filmmaker in the interim. The main character is Rudy Yellow Lodge (Eric Schweig), a reservation cop on the Pine Ridge Reservation for Oglala Sioux in the Black Hills of South Dakota. He is dissatisfied with his job and life, and even more so with his older brother Mogie (Graham Greene), a stereotypical lazy and drunken Indian, who is a source of embarrassment for Rudy. He is also a Vietnam veteran, haunted by that war, and unable to take care of his teenaged son Herby (Noah Watts). After some violence directed against the tribe Rudy snaps and becomes a vigilante, first brutalizing two teenagers responsible for an attack on another boy, and then setting ablaze a local liquor store he blames for the Rez's woes. Unfortunately, Mogie happens to be sleeping off a drinking binge after breaking into the store, and is severely scarred by the fire, which guts into Rudy. While at the hospital for his fire recovery it's discovered that Mogie has a terminal liver disease. Rudy, in his guilt, decides to live out a foolish act of vandalism, once Mogie dies, as a penance.

Overall, the film is solid, but there are times when the lighting and set up of scenes feels very amateurish. The story is rather banal, and dull, but Schweig and Greene, as the brothers, almost make up for that, and Greene is that rare actor who can both play a stereotype and subvert it. Schweig, as Rudy, is also very good, although no credible reason for his mental break is given. The scenes of the men's youth is a place where more could have been fleshed out, and a focus on the brothers, and Mogie and his son, would have been far more effective than Rudy's break. There is also a wasted romance between Rudy and Stella, played by the beautiful Michelle Thrush- an actress who can say more in a silent glance than many can in a two minute monologue. Yet, despite these positives, the film is a bit of a dud. Hopefully, in whatever his third project is, Chris Eyre can put all the wonderful little parts, moments, and performances into a tour de force.

Thought-provoking, meaningful and sad commentary of reservation life

[KLee317 · 9/10 · 16 December 2002]

Chris Eyre is a genius. To be able to capture such poignant details of reservation life and convey it successfully to an audience is a work of art. His commitment to a quality product continues, as evidenced by his earlier movie SMOKE SIGNALS (1998).

Highly recommended. Solicit your local theaters to run this movie, as dissemination appears very limited. It will be well-worth your effort.

Another one of Greene's and Schewig's good films!

[LaxFan94 · 7/10 · 8 May 2005]

I found this film to be very moving because I loved the way Rudy was being a true vigilante in trying to rid alcohol from his rez! :D Even after the freak accident where Mogie got caught on the roof of that building where Rudy set fire to it, he still continued doing the right thing by trying to banish alcohol from Pine Ridge! :) I really admired him for that. However it was really sad to see Mogie be the complete opposite of the family. Unfortunately while Rudy was a successful cop, Mogie was always a trouble magnet for whatever reason. He was just never as successful and trustworthy as his brother.

But I think the real point to this film is how alcohol is still a major problem with many different First Nations across Turtle Island today. Thankfully there are many Native folks out there who refuse to take in such a trashy form of liquids unless of course taken in moderation. However I really don't think Mogie wanted to be just another "statistic" in his own rez. He really was a good person to be with and everything but for some reason or another he was unable to handle his drinking (some Natives can handle it more than others) But he never could. I don't know for sure if he was the only one in his family who drank. But fortunately for Rudy, it never crossed his mind.

On a personal note, I will always curse the whites for introducing that crap to the Natives from the time they first set foot on their land like that. I think whites did MORE bad than good for them and I also think they should pay dearly for bringing all those bad things. The unfortunate reality is that they never will because they'll always blame it on Native people themselves for choosing to take in the bad stuff. Well, excuse me here but if the whites would have never introduced the stuff to begin with then all the FN's would have never had a problem with it.....period!!

Well........ ANYWAY......... this is why I gave this film a 7 out of 10.

A missed opportunity for everyone involved.

[CJGlowacki · 4/10 · 20 September 2004]

Watching Chris Eyre's "Skins", I couldn't help but feel a bit guilty. Here I was watching a seemingly realistic film about modern Native Americans made by a director of Native American descent and all I kept thinking about was how poorly structured it was. For years, I have waited for an important Native American filmmaker to emerge and take his place next to Spike Lee as the voice of his people. A filmmaker who would give us an honest and heartfelt view of his world while at the same time destroying the stereotypes perpetuated by Hollywood for the better part of a century. So it is with deep regret that I inform you that such a filmmaker has yet to show his face.

Going into the film, I was absolutely confident I was going to walk away praising it to everyone within earshot. After all, it is not everyday, or year for that matter, that you get to sit down and watch a film with such a unique point of view. Color me surprised then when I sulked off with a completely opposite reaction. A reaction as angry and depressing as the film itself.

With the indie success of "Smoke Signals", one would think that director Eyre would've been in an easier position to finance and film this sophomore effort. And, if that is indeed the case, why is it that "Skins" feels even more amateurish than his first film? From the lighting to the editing to the incredibly poor storytelling, the film fails to meet even the most modest expectations for a low budget production. Even the proven talent of actor Graham Greene is wasted in scenes staged with pathetic attempts at humor and pathos. The perfect example being the shot of his final goodbye, which has all the subtlety of a ten ton nuclear blast.

But, amid all of the clichés and shameless manipulation of emotion, the film does have one saving grace and that is the performance of lead Eric Schweig.

As police officer Rudy Yellow Lodge, Schweig moves through the story with both authority and vulnerability. Two conflicting traits that add some much needed credibility to his little foray into vigilantism and his reactions afterwards.

By the end of "Skins", I couldn't help but wonder if the novel by Adrian C. Louis was somehow misinterpreted here. If I was to hazard a guess, I would have to go with yes - because why waste your time turning bad literature into an even worse movie.

Ration [on a 5 star system] : 2 stars

You have to see this Movie!

[ThePhotoMuse · 10/10 · 26 September 2002]

I am a huge fan of director Chris Eyre and I loved "Smoke Signals" and I think that "Skins" is even better. It resonates with truth and kindness and forgiveness and unconditional love. The subject matter is at times hard to take, but it is sound in it's reality. Everybody simply has to see this movie! What are you waiting for go!!!

Finally, an honest and well deserved portrayal of modern Native Americans.

[billy blanco from the bronx · 10/10 · 28 September 2002]

director, Chris Eyre proves his dedication to his roots. SKINS is honest which I think is the most important aspect to a film that portrays someone's community. I read that it was actually shot on the reservation that Chris Eyre is from. It centers around two brothers living on a reservation. One is an officer and the other is an alcoholic Vietnam Vet. The characters are great, the situations real and Chris Eyre is giving his community a much needed voice. This film is a must see because anyone living in the United States has an obligation to experience this story which represents the effects of our history.

iconoclastic film for conservatively reactive times

[rjv98 · 10/10 · 3 July 2002]

A story of survival from America's poorest county and a native American production that's not set in the late 1800's but today. This alone is jarring for the seasoned and discerning cinematic eye. About a Sioux Indian man on the reservation with seemingly few options, who desperately tries to do the right thing for his brother and his community but who's actions send him deeper into despair. To redeem himself includes a symbolic final scene unlike any I have ever seen in film. Film entirely on the Sioux reservation in South Dakota. I can hear John Wayne rolling over in his grave...several times.

Unresolved mixed messages ............

[merklekranz · 5/10 · 5 June 2010]

The film is very downbeat, with only occasional humor offering some relief from the plight of the reservation. At no time was I certain of the message trying to be delivered by "Skins". Vigalanteism seems like a poor solution, and really accomplished nothing. Graham Greene's performance as the stereotypical reservation drunk, is worth seeing, but the movie is choppy and not that entertaining. What you get is part message movie, part sibling drama, and no real reason to think any of the problems presented have been changed. The final act of vandalism, no matter how symbolic, really accomplishes nothing, and merely adds to the movie's mixed messages. - MERK

My review does NOT contain spoilers

[perfect_peony · 8/10 · 17 October 2017]

Wow. If it's not too late, try to go into this one completely blind - no trailers, synopses or reviews. I have never been so drawn in by the hero's tragic flaw than in this movie, and that flaw is casually dropped all over the web. The moment of realization was gut-wrenching. Watched this as part of an Eric Schweig binge and so far it may be his finest performance from the four or five films I've seen. (Graham Greene sort of goes without saying.)

Four-and-a-half stars!

[zombieahoo · 8/10 · 21 August 2007]

Skins (2002) C-87m. ***½ D: Chris Eyre. Graham Greene, Eric Schweig, Gary Farmer, Michelle Thrush, Nathaniel Arcand, Noah Watts, Lois Red Elk, Chaske Spencer, Michael Spears, Myrton Running Wolf, Leonard George. Moving, searing film centering on the relationship of two contrasting Oglala Lakota brothers living on the Pine Ridge reservation. Compelling story wrestles issues ranging from alcoholism to brotherly love, accomplished in stark atmosphere with all-too-realistic touches that make it penetrating. Greene is unforgettable as a shattering drunkard. Written from Adrian C. Louis' same-titled novel by Jennifer D. Lyne.

This was a heartfelt depiction of reservation life.

[knitmuse2 · 8/10 · 2 March 2003]

The atmosphere of the film depicts bleakness and lost of hope for the future for the "red skins". The movie Thunderheart gave the same focus on the decimation of the culture. Only, alcohol is the symbolic destroyer of the family of the people and their disconnection with one another. Our heros in this film manage to keep the family together in spite of the obstacles of alcohol and violence. I highly recommend this film if you are truly interested in the current state of affairs of our indigenous brothers.

two brothers, different lives

[ksf-2 · 8/10 · 22 August 2021]

Story of two native american brothers, Rudy and Mogie (Eric Schweig and Graham Greene), living on the res. They both have their weaknesses and flaws, but life has sent them on two very different paths. One is now the law, while the other is a broken down, military vet, who drowns his sorrows in booze, and is mad at everything and everyone. Except his son. It's very good! Really captures the situations and emotions being experienced by so many. Schweig was great in Big Eden, and Greene was nominated for Dances with Wolves. Directed by Chris Eyre. Being native american himself, he has been involved in numerous films on the issues facing first americans, who have been at a disadvantage since the euros first arrived. Written by Adrian C. Louis, Jennifer Lyne.

Revealing look at Reservation life.

[cotk35 · 8/10 · 27 February 2019]

Wonderful, yet heartbreaking tale of the American Indian's struggles with alcoholism, unemployment, and besides religious ritual use, drug abuse as well. Part of Mogie Yellow Lodge's last words read from a letter given to his brother during the funeral service were "...what if hell is real?" Mogie went on to say he had a 50-50 shot of making it into heaven, when in reality the only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)

"Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed. And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, "Do yourself no harm, for we are all here."

Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. And he brought them out and said " Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved..." (Acts 16:26-31a,b)

great theme

[SnoopyStyle · 8/10 · 11 July 2023]

Rudy Yellow Lodge (Eric Schweig) is a tribal policeman. His older brother Mogie Yellow Lodge (Graham Greene) is a drunk and a troubled Vietnam vet. They are Sioux living on the Pine Ridge reservation, the poorest county in the nation.

The opening docu-style exposition of the native American situation is very compelling. The story takes a few unexpected turns. There is a vigilante theme running through the movie, but it keeps pulling that back. Maybe that's why the ending is so satisfying. I do fear that some people may not understand Washington's role in suppressing native Americans. The movie should add a little something in the introduction about good old George.