Customer Reviews

Ishi, the Last Yahi

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Ishi, the Last Yahi is a powerful dramatic documentary that gave me a new understanding and appreciation for the American Indian struggle to maintain their traditional ways in spite of genocidal policys of the federal and state gov. Ishi inspires us by making the amazing transition from aboriginal America into the twentieth century without losing his own sense of self.

I mostly use this film in teaching introductory anthropology because it does several things well. First, it provides comprehensive coverage of a story about an individual who lived through some of the horrible things that happened to California natives. That works well at putting a human face on historic events. In addition, it does a good job of weaving in the story of the early days of anthropology in this country through Ishi's relationship with Alfred Kroeber. Along the way, implicit questions are raised about the sorts of ethical dilemmas faced by Kroeber. Finally, the historic photographs and recordings are well utilized. Visually, the film is well made and elicits sympathy for Ishi while also documenting his resilience and strength of character. That makes him a real three-dimensional being, as opposed to a mere stereotypical victim. One comes away with a real appreciation for who he was, in all his complexity.

A beautiful documentary based on the true and incredibly sad story of the last "wild" Indian in North America. Ishi was a wise, gentle soul, and his story is heart-breaking.

This is a wonderful documentary, narrated by Linda Hunt. I, having read 'Ishi in Two Worlds: A Biography of the Last Wild Indian in North America' by Theodora Kroeber (1897 - 1979), was greatly impressed by it. It perfectly captures this remarkable man, of such courage, kindness, talent, and greatness of simplicity, who died long before he should have, at a time, just, when the necessary work could be done on someone like him, where racism, ignorance, and intolerance, truly, began to have enemies. The film is scattered with audio of the many early audio recordings Ishi singing and telling stories - I sure hope that the tape that they were transfered onto, in 1957, has had deservingly, lovingly-digitally remastered copies made of it, so that all may hear the voice of this great man, from so long ago.

One thing that struck me, since I saw the opening portion on YouTube, is that it is filmed on film that looks as though it is from the late '70's, not 1992. Despite this, it is a fantastic film, that is a great source for any Ishi enthusiast, or humanities teacher. I sometimes say to myself, when I am sad, or when someone I care about leaves, Ishi's good-bye, which is the final line of his biography by Theodora Kroeber - 'You stay. I go.'

Ishi's story is one of the most remarkable and unforgettable personal stories in history. The documentary is fascinating and deeply moving. Also highly recommended is the book Ishi in Two Worlds by Theodora Kroeber.