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Thunderheart is great !!!

After I've seen "Dances with wolves" I became interested in movies on Native Americain topics, actually it was the performance of Graham Greene that got me hooked. His convincing performance and charisma must have contributed to the (outrageously late) gained respect for N.A. in Hollywood. In Thunderheart he's at his best as well, with a great sense of humor. Val Kilmer's acting is superb. He really convinces being of N.A. origin. The plot is really captivating and even when you've seen this film 3 times, it still is most entertaining and dramatic. I enjoyed the impact of the dramatic magic moments ("It's Thunderheart's blood that runs through your heart") Lastly, I can't forget the charming Grandpa Sam Reaches (Chief Ted Thin Elk) who is magical, mysterious and very funny at the same time. I really enjoyed his acting: "You're like a bunch of old women, come and watch TV" (Mr. Magoo probably)!

Awesomely authentic, thought-provoking and important.

My mother, sisters and I are enrolled Tribal members of the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in South Dakota, where my mother was born and raised. This movie is quite authentic in its treatment of Lakota (Sioux) culture and traditions without getting caught up in romanticism. Portrayals of our sacred Ghost Dance and other ceremonies give the viewer a glimpse into our heritage and spirituality, while he fact-based storyline takes the viewer on a ride into 1970's reservation life complete with FBI cover ups and abuse of power. Seeing this movie just might make you an activist!

The movie was a good depiction of a true story!

I think the movie did some good by sending a message about how the FBI covers up incidents that happen to Native Americans! This of course, has been going on for over 30+ years! The actors in the movie did a great job with their acting abilities to try and convey the story to us all. The Native Americans have been shorted as far back as when the first "white" people infiltrated their land and killed them off! In America today, the Native Americans are STILL being robbed of their land! If you want a great action/suspense movie, then this is it! You should also take a look at Leonard Peltier's story to get a closer look into the discrimination of the Native Americans! S(*)

This film is a must see

Maybe it's because this film followed in the shadow of "Dances With Wolves"-- or maybe it just wasn't marketed well-- but it's beyond me and all those I know who have seen it why this movie didn't do better in the theatres.All the pieces are there: great actors (and acting), amazing characters, excellent cinematography, a believable, engrossing, and simply wonderful storyline, mystery, suspense, comedy. I did not want this movie to end! A well loved movie by many. Rent it now.

Fun, and some truly haunting moments -- and Graham Greene!

In the heat of the rediscovery of American Indians, Thunderheart was not supposed to be the first film out. We all thought the first big Indian film would be from one of Tony Hillerman's books, but Hillerman's movie Skinwalkers, moved slowly (but quite nicely) and so Thunderheart beat it to the finish line.

Thunderheart is a nice film. Not great, but a good solid piece of work. The script is tight, with only a few moments of cliche, and, of course, the sheer barren expanse of the reservation dominates the film. (I always wonder why, in all those car chases across all those vast distances, no one ever runs out of gas. But that's another story.)

The real joy of Thunderheart, however, is Graham Greene's performance as the Indian policeman. There is something utterly complete about Greene. He's one of our great actors and he never, ever, EVER gets enough credit. Perhaps it's the quietly sardonic quality of his voice. (Greene fans: check out his performance in Maverick and in the short-lived television series, Wolf Lake.) In any case, he puts in yet another powerful performance in Thunderheart as the voice of the "modern" traditional Indian. His lament over never having had a vision while some "instant Indian" (Kilmer) gets his own vision of running with the old ones, is truly moving.

All in all, Thunderheart may not be a great film, but it certainly is a damn good one.

Thunderheart : the American Indian lives on in American Soul

Watching Val Kilmer execute a brilliant performance is not only entertaining, to say the least, but moving.Kilmer comes to grips with his 1/4 Sioux background and with the forces of "civilization" as an FBI agent. The forces of civilization are the infamous greed and corruption, or "special interests" as some politicians prefer to use. The Sioux are accused of proud but reckless. They're right about the pride. What is omitted by the forces of civilization is the honor of these people.Particularly engaging is the mysticism of the Sioux. FBI agent Ray Levoi (Kilmer) is gradually absorbed by this mysticism (as can be the audience), and opens greater insight into the real conflict.While probably the majority of Americans cannot claim Native American heritage, surely, the land can. And belonging to the land, as Americans, that heritage must be ours as well. This film inspires one to feel such thoughts and feelings, especially if we feel attachment to (and presumably, love for) this land, America.One most interesting observation about owls: one character says to Levoi, the FBI agent, "the owl is the messenger; it means somebody's going to die." That is a common interpretation in Mexico too, surely brought down by its Indians, the common vision there being that of a barn owl (lechuza, in Spanish).This mysticism is very powerful in this film. I recommend it for quality acting performances, and high spirituality.

A top-line movie.

I found Thunderheart to be a very touching movie, with an excellent cast. People who are part Indian, like myself, will find much to relate to. The settings, in themselves, tell a story that is only too true about Indian life in these times. It is humorous too, with a sly tongue-in-cheek humor that will appeal to many people. I have viewed this picture many times and get something new out of it constantly. Worth evey penny, and inexpensive to boot. People who like this one should also buy "Last of the Dogmen". Well cast also, and timely, with the thought that this might really happen. These are movies you will KEEP.

Great movie.

The desolate beauty conveyed on the camera was so enticing, I wanted to go visit the badlands after watching this. I loved the subject and the focus on gov't corruption. The purity of that environment was wondrous. The whole cast was good, especially Sam Shepard. One of my top five fav. movies.

The human spirit is alive and strong...

If I remember correctly, this movie was not rated well when it was first released in theatres. I couldn't understand why since it was well made, had a decent cast and had a thought provoking plot based on true events.

The cinematography is very attactive in showing the badlands of South Dakota and featuring looks into the Indian reservations. Also, the music was well done and offered a nice perspective of Native American sounds and environments.

This movie also sends a message about a darker time in America's past when the govenrment perpetrated some devious acts against the Native Americans. Maybe it was high time that these events came out into the open so that more people would know what happened and know that what the U.S. government did was very wrong.

Val Kilmer proved to be well suited for the "by the book" FBI agent that came of age and got in touch with his Indian heritage and learned to do the right thing. Sam Shepard, a great actor as always, played the role very well of the "dark horse" FBI agent with skeletons in his closet and a secret agenda on the Sioux reservation. Graham Greene could not have done any better as the reservation police officer. Showing his pride and dignity as an Native American along with the humorous backlashings at Val Kilmer made for pleasant interactions throughout the movie.

A movie worth watching again and again.

A Murder Mystery and a Journey of Self-Discovery

What's not to like about Thunderheart. It's a murder mystery steeped in American Indian Mysticism, an journey of self-discovery, a budding love story, and lesson about honor and dignity. I have seen Thunderheart eight times and each time it moves me. Many pictures fade or disappoint with repeated viewings. Thunderheart thanks to a tight script, good direction, great story and fine acting holds its power. Val Kilmer, controlled and vulnerable as Ray Levoi, gives us one of his best performances and Graham Greene is wonderful as the hip impassioned Indian Policeman, Walter Crow Horse. But Thunderheart really belongs to Sheila Tousey and Ted Thin Elk. Tousey has beauty and strength to die for and every time she appears on screen she is riveting whether she's holding a shotgun or laughing affectionately at Agent Levoi. You ever wondered who you are? What kind of story you're living in and how's it all going to end? Just ask Ted Thin Elk. Looking into his eyes, getting lost in the wonderful wrinkles of his face, he guides you to amazing discoveries about the ways of life in general and your life in particular. His character, Grandpa Sam Reaches, is the ultimate mentor - wise, caring, and with a disarming sense of humor that lowers your defenses so you can see clearly for the first time. And if all this is not enough for you, I'll just mention...there is a dog, a faithful, smart, scruffy dog who you would adopt in a heartbeat. If this movie doesn't get you one way it will get you another.

A man rediscovers himself through his real heritage

I really liked this film and gave it a 7 because of the underlying message and the way that it reaches out and grabs the viewer's attention. The way that Ray found his inner self through his Lakota roots was amazing! He went to the Pine Ridge rez in South Dakota to "solve a murder case" with his partner Frank Coutelle. However he realized the real reason why he went there. Ray's pride arose the minute he found out that the real reason why him and the other FBI agents travelled to South Dakota, and it wasn't to investigate a murder. It was then that Ray realized that he was there to try and solve the real dilemma that was occurring (sorry... I can't say what that is since I would be spoiling the whole story plot).But.............. anyways............... this is only my 2 cents worth :D I hope this review is satisfactory enough.. thanks alot for allowing me to let you know what I think about this film.

The truth is out there.

Thunderheart is good. Good acting. Good action. Good story. Good Truth.

In it self, Thunderheart is at any time a good and challenging movie with brilliant actors. Combined with its scenery and story, this film ought to be compulsory education for all americans.

John Trudell acting the part of the fugitive is a grand thorn in the eye of the FBI. He's probably their most wanted, most harassed and most untouchable Indian this century.

your World is always confined within your Will to perceive your Self

Great Music, Hot Star

Well, I've only heard the music from the movie, but I do know the star of Thunderheart is fine as HECK!!! If anyone else thinks Val Kilmer is the finest man on earth, email me.

Michael Apted's finest hour

I first watched this film three years ago. I was in hospital with nothing better to do when it came on the TV. Within minutes, it had drawn me in to its inticate plot, and embroiled me in its characters. It's a film which challenges preconceptions: of native Americans, of the US government, and of yourself. You come to sympathise with Val Kilmer's character because you find yourself going through the same emotions and transformations as him. This film weaves a spell that holds you fast, and lingers long after the final credits have rolled. Although brutal and seemingly hopeless, this story of the life and struggle of the native Americans in the modern world is ultimately life-affirming, and inspiring. The plot is detailed, but watertight; the screenplay superb. There are characters and quotes in this film that have never left my mind, and I hope they never will. In particular, Apted deserves credit for the courage to cast native American non-actors in key roles. They never once betray their inexperience, and lend the film an air of authenticity that serves to reinforce the story's origins in historical fact. Perhaps it was the reflective mood I was in that day in hospital; perhaps it was the feeling that I too, had reached a crossroads in my life. Whatever the reason, this film struck a chord with me, and I have since discovered that I am not alone. I defy you not to like this film. I defy you not to be moved by it. It represents Michael Apted's finest hour as a director, and deserves your attention.

A Real Eyeopener: A lesson to be learned

This movie is based on a real life incident in the annals of the history, among the Sioux aborigines. It tells of how a people can be put in extreme danger by the power machine. A Murder occurs in the Dakota's the Feds pin it on a young freedom fighter they set him up and end up murdering him all the while digging for Uranium on tribel grounds secretly, and exposing the so called "Indians" to death of genocidal proportions, indeed a lasting lesson can be learned from the film. Especially if you have any indigenous blood in you. Val Kimer gives a decent performance of the lead character. We must like Val Kilmer's character see truth through "vision" or "visions" however it may be & stand up for the truth no matter the consequences. I'm now eager to see documentary "Incident at Oglala"

Culture

Thunderheart is a standard action/thriller, bolstered somewhat by the fact that it is based on fact. The plotting, acting and directing are all slightly above average, but the real highlight is Graham Greene, who is a constant enigma throughout the film. Also reccomended is the documentary Incident at Oglala, which covers the true events of which this film is based on.Best Bit: The badger!Worst Bit: That this thing actually happened! 7/10

Powerful!

I have seen this movie many times. It is indeed based on a lot of facts happening in the 70ies. I hope this movie will inspire people to read about Leonard Peltier, Anna Mae Aquash and find out the truth about what happened and still is happening!Chantema waste (Have a good heart)Ries

I WILL see this movie again in a few years.

I have just now seen this movie for the second time, after 6 years, and I find it just as mystical, mysterious, and dream-like as I did originally. The cinematography and panoramic shots of the reservation, the rusting cars, the dilapidated "homes," and the natural beauty of the environment are powerful and exceptionally constructed.

A great thriller

The plot centers around an FBI secret agenda to purchase Indian land for uranium. An agent is chosen because of his native American roots to investigate a murder on a rezervation. He isn't told the real reason for the job. He doesn't acknowledge his native roots and would rather it wasn't so. However, as the film progresses he unwillingly embarks on a spiritual journey that opens his eyes to the spirituality of his people and the corruption of his fellow FBI colleagues. The film does seem to be a thinly disguised parrallel to the Leonard Peltier story but don't let that put you off. It is a moving story of a struggle for survival against the poverty of a third world America and the conspiracy at high levels to deprive them of their lands. Val Kilmer is the half blood FBI agent, and Grahame Green is the Indian cop who convinces him of the truth of what is going on. Graham Greene is the true star of the film and gives a superb performance. It has something for everyone whatever their level of awareness. It has guns, blood, and car chases. It gives us a look into the spirituality and warmth and wonderful humor of the native American, allowing us to explore a whole gamut of emotions. A great thriller with a twist that ends up freeing the agent to be who he really is and leaves us, the viewer, inspired to stand up and be counted.

Have to see

This movie details true incidents and must be seen. Incident At Ogala is the documentary the movie is based on and it too must be watched. The movie reveals the corruption that occurred in the Tribal governments and the lies the FBI was willing to spread to cover their own corruption. Whether you are Native or not, American or not you should watch this movie. All Indians and all Americans SHOULD watch Thunderheart though. This movie sparked an interest in doing research on events that happened in the 70's and led to a greater understanding of Native American Culture. Please write your congressman and Senator in an effort to FREE LEONARD PELTIER!!!