Customer Reviews

Dance Me Outside [VHS]

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm a (non-Indian)racial minority who usually likes to see a political message in "ethnic" movies. This isn't really an "ethnic movie," though. "Dance Me Outside" is an indie comedy-drama about 90's life on an Ontario rez, with a mostly Native cast, but it is lovable by Americans of many different cultural backgrounds. It is also by all accounts one of the best movies I have ever seen. There are an (unfortunately small) handful of subversive movies referencing the colonial experience which shock us/force us out of our "cultural relativism comfort zone." Such movies {e.g. "Clearcut," "The Battle of Algiers,") shock us because they reflect the natural bitterness and residual hate of cultural clash; colonialism, genocide, and outright invasion and land theft are uncomfortable things that make us feel uncomfortable when we're forced to confront them. "Dance Me Outside" as an "ethnic" narrative works in entirely the opposite fashion, but it works brilliantly. This movie is the bomb, people.
Director Bruce McDonald, a non-Indian, has co-written a fabulous snappy script (based on Kinsella's story)that is almost literally back-to-back one-liners:immensely quotable. Every type of humor--from broad physical to ironic wry humor--is at work here. McDonald's approach to directing is obviously well thought-out, yet we never sense him at work when we are watching; all we see are the loose, engaging, charming results--this movie unfolds almost effortlessly, seamlessly. I dare anyone to say they feel uncomfortable while watching this movie, even during its so-called "darker" moments. Euro-Americans will be comforted to know that "Dance Me Outside" is not an in-your-face political Indian movie, of the afore mentioned type. Conversely, even I, exasperated with the sympathetic portrayal of Whites in most movies about minorities, can not help but be charmed by Kevin Hicks' bumbling, well-meaning "white husband" character. This brings us to the other shining strength of the movie: the awesome, awesome ensemble cast. Ryan Black is too witty, good-humored, and genuine to be a superstar. He simply has too much personality to be a Hollywood star. His natural elegance and affability really anchor this movie; holding it all together, he's like a rock--WHAT a breakout performance. The more widely-known Adam Beach has done his best work here. He is completely charming, disarming, and engaging--a reflection of the spirit of the whole movie. I heard he almost didn't get cast in this role; say a prayer of thanks that he did, because the naturalism of his performance--while, by nature of the character, not as subtle or as elegant as Black's-- is astonishing. The Podemski sisters are delightful, especially Jennifer as the feisty, down-to-earth girlfriend. Her younger sister has a smaller role, to which she brings every bit as much spirit, sass, and conviction. In fact, no role in "Dance" is too small for its actor to give it the attention it deserves. The wryness of the all-knowing mother, the sophistication and intelligence of Lisa LaCroix as Illianna, and, of course, the presence of Michael Greyeyes, who injects into his tough-guy role as ex-con Gooch the most poignant and believable undercurrent of vulnerability: the beauty of this movie is in its detail. Sandrine Holt ("Black Robe"), here as Poppy, in a forgettable performance, perhaps unfairly gets star billing, but this is a minor flaw indeed. Each and every character reaches out to you. Even the racist skinheads are likeable!
Most people should be able to watch this movie three or four times consecutively, easy. It's that light, refreshing, and well-crafted. It's that good. All elements of "Dance Me Outside"--screenplay, cast, editing, and the kickin' mixed Indian and mainstream soundtrack--converge as though by divine design to form a near-perfect piece of film narrative. I don't want to compare it to that OTHER recent movie about rez youth because they're two different movies with different goals in mind, but, as good as "Smoke Signals" is, "Dance Me Outside" kills it. I don't know how--both have superb casts and musical scores--but "Dance Me Outside" is better. I think it's the effortlessness of it. "Dance Me Outside" is good enough to be used in film schools as an instruction manual on independent films. Don't even bother to rent it. You may as well buy it, if you're going to buy a movie this year, or ever again. It will make you feel so at ease you may then choose to go out and see a subversive hard-hitting political movie to counteract the sheer buoyancy and joy of "Dance me Outside"--although I think finding a movie that could eclipse this much charm would be pretty hard.

I've seen and own this movie. This movie is based on the pretense of comedy, yet the dark underlying issues are ever present and hanging over your head. It was well acted, and it has been scripted beautifully. The take off series inspired by the movie called "The Rez" continues the movie in a believable fashion and stars the same actors, although Frank Fencepost has been replaced. But Adam Beach shows up again throughout the later episodes as a new character called Charlie. It's just a shame that it's not being made any more. Thank god for reruns! I recommend the movie to anyone anytime!

"Dance Me Outside" was a fantastic Canadian film from 1994 based on the novel of the same name by W.P. Kinsella. Directed by Bruce McDonald and co-written by Don McKellar ("Last Night," "The Red Violin"), the film centers around Frank Fencepost and Silas Crow, two young adults on a reserve in northern Ontario, planning on going to college in Toronto to become mechanics. We are introduced early on to their family and (girl)friends, and the tragic act that sets the tone occurs early on in the film. "Dance Me Outside" inspired the (Canadian) TV series "The Rez" (1996) which featured many of the same actors and characters (Frank, Silas, Sadie, Joseph, Etta).

The film opens with a shot of Silas Crow crouched down staring at his namesake, accompanied by a native flute and a voiceover. Throughout the film there are ties between the spiritual and the natural, whether it is Illiana's mother telling her that babies come from the Great Spirit or the predictions of Mad Etta. The scenes of Robert McVey, Illiana's white Torontonian yuppie lawyer husband, being "initiated" into the tribe as a ruse for Gooch (Illiana's old flame who was just released from jail) to impregnate Illiana, border on the absurd, representing white stereotypes of First Nations and vice versa, but there is a power, a lack of inhibition and an attempt to become one with nature, that makes it moving.

"Dance Me Outside" features many talented First Nations actors: Adam Beach (who was also in the award-winning "Smoke Signals"), Ryan Rajendra Black, Jennifer Podemski, Michael Greyeyes, Selim Running Bear Sandoval, and Vince Manitowabi among them.
The music was equally excellent, from a variety of bands such as Kashtin, the Vern Cheechoo Band, Joanne Shenandoah, the Headstones, Keith Secola, and R. Carlos Nakai.

In some ways I preferred this film to the much-hyped "Smoke Signals" based on the strength of the screenplay, the cinematography, and the realistic depiction and treatment of current First Nations social issues. There is some violence, vandalism, nudity, and swearing, but this is a touching, powerful film about community, strength, love and tradition.

EXCELLENT MOVIE I WOULD GIVE IT MORE THAN 5 STARS IF I COULD THE MOVIE IS THAT GOOD LIKE EVERYBODY SAYS ITS VERY EQUAL TO SMOKE SIGNALS I THINK THESE KINDS OF MOVIES SHOULD BE WATCHED IN OUR SCHOOL SYSTEMS TO TEACH CHILDREN ABOUT L I F E MAN IT AIN'T HARD BUT AIN'T EASY ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES AND MAKE THE BEST OF WHAT YOU HAVE AND BE THANKFUL FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE CAUSE EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON WE ARE ALL HERE FOR A PURPOSE AND ITS ARE PRIORITY TO FIND OUT WHAT AND WHY WITH PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING SOUNDS LIKE BS HUH WELL THATS LIFE BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND DONT LET ANYONE PUT YOU DOWN HANG IN THERE MY FRIENDS YOU ARE DESTINED FOR GREATNESS -JG IN AK- (PEACE TO ALL)

Well, call me a late-bloomer, but I don't care. Even though "Dance Me Outside" is eight years old, and I had a devil of a time finding it in my local video stores, I finally ordered it through Amazon, and it was truly worth the wait. Never before have I seen such realist acting from a cast that I had barely heard of. This is definitely a movie you will watch again and again. It has absolutely everything; humor, sadness, violence, love, and a whole lot of truth. The thing I liked most about it was how it really took me back to my own youth (I'm not ancient, but a well-preserved "40-something") in that it deals so well with the age-old question of "well, I'm out of school now, what do I do?" All kids go through what is in this movie, native or non. But we all do. The plot, dialogue, actors, all superb. And by the way, even though my girlfriends and, it seems, women everywhere, are so into Adam Beach and Michael Greyeyes, I was totally captivated by Ryan Black. What a face. Do not just rent this movie. Buy it. You will watch it over and over again.

The ugliness of the plot hits home too often. As a Native Nation we are sensitive about our stories, past or present being aired. This film is a story of a regular day(s) as a Native. Want to know what its like to be us... Picture yourself with the skin and the restrictions and watch it a second time... We love this movie because it's about a day in our life... Without a moment of fantasy or misrepresentation. I can connect, and it hurts. Passion, fury and smiles, that is we as a people. Don't rent it, buy it and pay homage for the pain. And then, be proud.

I bought the video of "Dance Me Outside" because I love Michael Greyeyes and was delighted that the movie is every bit as satisfying as "Smoke Signals." Not as spiritually oriented as "Smoke Signals," the movie presents an unflinching, unapologetic look at life on "the Rez" that is frequently hilarious, often sad, and occasionally shocking. The cast is uniformly brilliant; Adam Beach's screwy character is the polar opposite of Victor in "Smoke Signals" and I defy any woman to take her eyes off Michael Greyeyes, whose brooding Gooch seethes sexuality. This is, quite simply, a gem of a movie that shouldn't be missed.

I love this movie and watch not only it, but the two seasons of "The Rez" which was based on the movie with most of the same actors. I would like to find any bios or photos of Ryan Black. Believe me, thisis one movie that will stick in your mind for a long time. The series lived up to it as well.

The story is a wonderful combination of coming-of-age, struggling with Native identity, racial injustice, young love, and just plain fun. The actors, most especially the spectacular Ryan Rajendra Black, are teriffic, and perfectly cast. The music is a blast. And the humor not only keeps the story from being too heavy, but would be enough by itself to make this movie a favorite. You will LOVE this movie.

If you want to see a movie showing Adam Beach and Michael Greyeyes in their earlier days, this is one. Its a great movie that shows how difficult growing up on the rez can be. I wish we had more Native American movies showing their lives and thoughts about present day as well as their traditional stories put into historical movies, etc. as well.