Customer Reviews

I Heard the Owl Call My Name [VHS]

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

 

 

My wife and I live in a primarily Native Alaskan Communmity far north of where this movie took place. But the setting and the people and the rich profile of a primarily-subsistence, Native community seems to be right on target. All of the actors do a first-rate job, and the movie is a fine blend of aspirations,and idealism with the realities of Bush Alaska life. We watch it every Christmas and often times inbetween. Enjoy!

Having lived in Alaska for 7 years after moving from Europe, I was pleasantly surprised when I found this film recently. The film portrays the needed sensitivity to other cultures and shows how misguided we can be to judge cultures with our own values. the simplicity and realism found in the story's plot makes for a moving experience as it is easy to relate to the priest's perspective. As the film progresses you find your own feelings and prejudices are revealed and altered.

Definately recommended, prepare to be stuck by the elegance of this film.

I'm an Alaska Native and grew up in a small town in the Southeast. I'm in my early 50's now, and many times I moved to "the lower 48" to work or live with family. Very strange-- There is an urging when you're younger to move outside of Alaska because it's so remote compared to Stateside. You miss all the malls and variety of places to eat and things to do. After living south for a while, I would start missing the trees, mountain, streams and water where I grew up. When I would become fed up with living south, on some channel on tv, I would find this movie! I would see the trees, all the water and beauty, and within a short time I'd be packing to return to Alaska! This movie became my signal more than a few times to return home. Anyway, I enjoyed the movie and listening to the older people in the village reminded me of my own elders as I grew up in Alaska. I love this movie, the only reason it got one star less is because I wish they would have put out the mini series copy instead of the movie length version. Hoka Hey! And enjoy!

This is a wonderful story of finding faith. Beautifully directed and acted, it is one of the most unforgettable movies I've seen. I saw it first on television when it was shown in the 70's and it has stayed with me for the past 20+ years. How many films does that? Forget the junvenile reviews listed here. This is a mature and heartwrenching storie for adults with dignity.

Truly a film that stays with you for many years. In my late teens I found this to be a very inspirational film. It encouraged respect and discovery of native peoples and their ways and dealt with the often difficult issue of faith communities and their relations with aboriginal peoples.

I bought this video because I truly loved the book it was based on. What a dis-service was done to Margaret Craven's fine work. The characterization was completely changed, significant parts of the plot were altered, as well as the essential meaning of her uplifting story. The very reasons the young vicar was successful in the village were lost in the terrible characterization of his movie persona.
If you love this book, steer clear of this movie. You will be sorely disappointed. If you love this movie, try reading the book. I believe you will find a very pleasant surprise awaiting you. As I read the favorable reviews, I was struck by the fact that they could find the very things they appreciated about the video in abundance, without the bitterness that the movies seemed compelled to promote. I realize that this was the popular style of 1970's movies, but it was a shame to bring this element into an otherwise very positive and life affirming story.

"I Heard The Owl Call My Name" was shown as a television mini-series in 1973. It was wonderful, and I'm afraid the tape I just received is a chopped up, over-edited and miserable version. The events, characters and dialog are the video less-than equivalent of Cliff Notes. Wish I hadn't wasted my money No quality with this release, that's for certain.

I saw this movie on television a long time ago and had been trying to find it on tape. This movie is NOT action packed or full of sex or violence. It is a realistic,touching story for people who have old fashion values and beliefs.

it was the world's most stupid and boring movie. mark brian looked like mr bean when he was supposed to look young. i expected someone half descent looking but what did i get! the plot didn't even go with the book and they missed out SO many parts. I give it THUMBS DOWN!

THE ABOVE REVIEW (review no. 1) IS ALSO MINE! Ok so I am in english class when the teacher says we have the video of the book we had just read. I was happy, I mean one would expect a movie version would be WAY better than the book version. I like movie with cation and trills and there was good ending in the book... a nice action/suspense scene. Boy was i mistakened! The video was the world's most boring screenplay to EVER be direct. The actors, don't get me started ON THAT! The Mark Brian looked like Mr Bean! I was looking for maybe like a Ben Affleck type, after all, in the book it describes him as a young white (probably good-looking) vicar. Nope, not that at all. Some Mr Bean, need-a-make-over, wrinkly, 50 year old man! The plot was as boring as can be...i'd rather watch my family's home videos! Even open heart surgery! Anything would be better! The thriller/suspense sequence became an obviuous thing with nothing to ponder about. There was zero action and suspense, not a drop of humour and no creativity at the very least. It would have been better off as a book! Some books are way better off as a movie, for example a Stephen King book, the plot and theme are still there. but i heard the owl call my name (movie version) was like a walk-into-a-movie-theatre-in-the-middle-of-it, leaving you in a 'huh, what the hell just happened' kind of a feeling movie. I would definately give it 0 stars but it is not an option on the list. Let me just tell all you people one thing: if you are planning to buy the video or rent it, you'd be better off just buying the book. Though the book wasn't that great either!