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56 of 56 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Consciousness raised, December 28, 2001
This review is from: Lakota Woman - Siege at Wounded Knee [VHS] (VHS Tape)
When I saw this movie, I was not aware of the American Indian Movement at all. I did not have a clue about the struggles of American Indian peoples at all (and I live in Oklahoma which considering the American Indian population here, that is pretty sad). This movie woke me out of all that. I went on to read the book Lakota Woman and realized the parts that were left out or creatively licensed in the film to enhance the drama, but it was still a good movie. I thought that Irene Bedard did a great job as did many others of the cast and crew. This movie raised my consciousness and led me to become involved in a Native American club for five years. Even though I am not with them anymore, this movie will always remain close to my heart as one that caused me to become more aware. I definitely recommend both the movie and the book.
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51 of 54 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Moving Story from a Woman's Perspective, July 11, 2002
This review is from: Lakota Woman - Siege at Wounded Knee [VHS] (VHS Tape)
This is a good story that bears re-telling, as all stories of injustice do. The pacing is good and it doesn't get preachy...well not too preachy. The sad story of what misguided but probably well-intentioned Catholic missionary schools did to Native Americans is touched on. That could be a movie in itself. The hopelessness of life on the reservation is effectively shown, too. Of course, the main story is the stand-off at Wounded Knee, and Mary's "hovering on the edge" presence is an interesting way to tell the story. Some male chauvinist attitudes are apparent among the leaders of AIM, but the more traditional Native American respect for the words of women asserts itself through Mary's and the other women's strong stand. Irene Bedard gives an unself-conscious protrayal of Mary Crow Dog which effectively captures the viewer's empathy rather than sympathy. All the other actors give warm dignified protrayals that let the story speak for itself. An interesting unbilled appearance by Peter Weller as a straight-talking Army man provides some slightly comic relief. His short scene shows the smallness and mean spiritedness of the supposed upholders of the law. A good film to show in a class as material to spark a discussion of human rights.
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25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best films I saw, December 25, 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: Lakota Woman - Siege at Wounded Knee [VHS] (VHS Tape)
A friend of mine gave me this movie as a gift 2 years ago and I watched it at least 20 times now. With a Native American cast, I was completely pulled into the film as I saw what happened from the eyes of the Native people. I also have a better understanding of what the GOONs are and what horrors they inflicted (still inflict) upon such a sovereign nation of people. The injustice done to the Lakota people angered me and it was from watching this film, a good Lakota friend of mine encouraged me to do whatever small part I, a white woman can do. I strongly urge anyone who has no or little knowledge of what happened at the seige of Wounded Knee and the birth of AIM (American Indian Movement) to purchase and watch this film. One time viewing is not enough.
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