Customer Reviews

Last of the Dogmen [Region 2]

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4 star:		(35)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(28)

 

 

This review refers to the HBO DVD edition of "Last Of The Dogmen"...

"Last of the Dogmen" is a beautiful story that takes my breath away everytime I watch it. It's one of those films that even if you start out viewing it alone, pretty soon, you'll find the rest of the family gathered around simply because one glimpse of the scenery,one paragraph of the dialouge,one look at the story and it's got a hold on you.

It's a modern Western, with all the romantic adventure of one that may take place 100 years ago. Lewis Gates(Tom Berenger) is a bounty hunter hired to track three deadly criminals who have escaped deep into the "Oxbow" of the Montana wilderness. As he follows their trail, he begins to uncover a 100 year old mystery. One of the clues is an arrow that could only have been used by a tribe of Cheyennes that existed over a century ago.
He can't let go of what the possibilities may be and convinces the beautiful Dr Lillian Sloan(Barbara Hershey), expert in Native American culture, that there may be something incredible out there. Their search begins as they try to uncover the past, and what they find is a way of life too beautiful to be spoiled by modern day man and it is up to them to save it!

It's just an incredibly beautiful film that interweaves the search for the past with Gates' own ghosts from his past. The friendships formed,the evolving romance, the cinematogrpahy, the musical score, and the heartwarming story all combined for a wonderful film.
Even "Zip" the dog(played by "Zip"), will be tugging at your heart.Berenger and Hershey worked beautifully together, and Steve Reevis and other American Indian actors were not only wonderful but lent a great deal of realism and authenticity to the film...Bravo!

The DVD presents a wonderful widescreen picture, taking in all the majesty of the Rockies. The DD5.1 is very good. The sounds of nature and the modern day sounds of helicopters and such, are quite a contrast to behold in surround sound.The DVD also has some nice features. It may be viewed with the sound in either the Theatrical version, or the Director version. Both are in DD5.1, and the main difference I found was that the Theatrical version has the captivating narration by Wilfred Brimley,and the Director's version does not. There is the option of Director(Tab Murphy) commentary, and it also provides subtitles in English, French and Spanish for those needing them.There are other features that include, cast bios and costume sketches as well.

If you liked "Dances With Wolves", give this one a try. I can not say enough good things about it. If you have already seen it, you will enjoy it again on this DVD. It's for Western lovers, adventure lovers, romance lovers and anyone who just wants to get lost in a good story for a couple of hours.It is rated PG(there is some violence and mild langauge)

Happy trails and enjoy.....Laurie

also recommended:

Public Eye [VHS](Barbara Hershey)

Great American Western V.11, The(4 films - stories of the American Indian)

Last of the Dogmen ranks as one of my favorite movies of all time. I own it on VHS and DVD and love the additional features that come on the DVD version. If you are interested in the background and behind the scenes details, you will enjoy the DVD. The picture quality is top notch and helps to do justice to the beautiful scenery.

As far as the story, there is something so good, so valuable about the values displayed by Lewis and Lilly in regard to their discovery of the lost tribe of Cheyenne. They never even entertain the thought of making the Cheyenne's presence known to the rest of the world. A strong message of respect for people and nature flows through the film like a deep current. Berenger and Hershey are two seasoned pros that seem to be performing at their peak and I truly appreciate what their talents, wisdom, and experience brought to each of their roles and to the integrity of the story. The native american characters are real people, not "Indians." The actors that portrayed these roles did an outstanding and commendable job of portraying the Cheyenne people with dignity, humanity, and respect. The Cheyenne costumes, language, and customs were authentic.

The score of this film is passionate and moving. It throbs with romance, majestic beauty, and life to the beat of a native american drum.

In essence the film evoked for me purity, passion, wonder, and respect for life. If these are qualities that you appreciate in a story, you won't be disappointed.

December 5, 2008: I just finished watching the DVD version and it is fantastic. Most exciting for me was learning that my Master's Degree (Native American Studies) adviser, Dr Henrietta (Whiteman) Mann, was the Cheyenne consultant on the film. I am negotiating to keep the DVD that I got to watch, but I will definitely be updating my review before the end of the year.--Karl

January 18, 2011: Having just watched "Last of the Dogmen" on DVD (for the tenth time) I wanted to add a few words on the differences between the DVD and the VHS versions of the show. The VHS is in full screen format while the DVD is in wide screen format; however, on a wide screen TV the picture has black bars on the top, bottom and sides, which means that one could set it to be full screen if so desired. The DVD also allows you to turn off the voice over and has bonus material: 1) a Director's commentary, 2) an Original Costume Sketch Gallery, 3) the Original Theatrical trailer and TV spots, and 4) three featurettes: "The Story," "Building the Cheyenne Village," and a "Behind the Scenes" montage. All of the bonus features are very good, in my opinion, while the commentary does add some insight on the film.--Karl

As a former professor of Native American Studies, I have been asked numerous questions about this thought provoking, well photographed (although I wish they would actually film movies about Montana, in Montana), and touchingly portrayed movie. After reading many of the reviews, including the editorial reviews, I find myself compelled to write my own review; and have waited this long only in hopes of viewing the DVD version first. But, after two years of unanswered letters to the production company requesting that the movie be re-released, I purchased the VHS version. To the best of my knowledge, the primary difference, which is unfortunate, is that the VHS version is full screen.

First off, I can not comment on what the producers/director/writer were thinking or intending to accomplish with this film; I can only comment on what I think about the film as I view it. And, as such, let me start by stating that the movie is NOT ABOUT Cheyenne Indians, Dog Soldiers, bounty hunters, or Montana. The movie IS NOT a western, a historical film, a cinema that "pours 'Dances with Wolves' syrup into some parallel copy cat fashion," or an escapist adventure.

What the movie IS, as stated to those listening, is a modern day legend; a fanciful, romantic tale told in "campfire" tradition. The movie IS a story being told--not acted out or portrayed--to the viewer; it IS AN ORAL tradition, rendered in cinematic format. As an oral story, then, the "irritating, tacked-on voice-over narration that somebody must have thought was necessary to make sense of the story (it wasn't)," is in fact an intrinsic component of the movie experience: the viewer is listening to the story teller and imagining the story in their mind. Equally important, the story teller tells us--the listener/viewer--that the events may or may not be so (i.e., true). It is from this context--of, what if it were true--that the content of the tale opens up to juxtaposing history and wish-fullness into one beautiful, touching story.

In the tale of the "Last of the Dogmen," Lewis Gates (Tom Berenger's character) is repeatedly described in reviews as a bounty hunter, which clearly is not the case. I can only suppose that the fact that Gates is being hired (or that Dr Lillian Sloan (Barbara Hershey's character) sarcastically calls him a bounty hunter), somehow implies this, but anyone paying attention to the story can see that he is given a badge and Gates is an experienced back country guide (for which Montana has many such men and women). Such individuals are frequently part of search and rescue operations, and, when required, paid well for their work. I find Berenger's portrayal as such a person very accurate, and true of the one or two I personally know. As for the "Oxbow" region of Montana, I can only suppose that this is a quirky reference to the "Oxbow Incidence," and the use of the term to refer to a "U" shape bend in a river. Based upon other comments in the movie, I must assume that the movie is supposed to take place from the western part of Glacier National Park (where Logan Pass is located) to the Kootenai Forest; while the town of Yaak, Montana, could be the town portrayed in the movie. Are there rugged parts of Montana where few people go? Yes--especially the region I just described. Can someone hide there for long periods of time? Yes; just look at Biathlon World Championship Kari Swenson's story ("Abduction" (aka The Abduction of Kari Swenson) (VHS Tape - 1989); or 'Mountain men' case captured national attention, By GAIL SCHONTZLER, (Bozeman, Montana) Chronicle Staff Writer).

However, the character I most related to--and I suppose why so many ask me about the movie--is Dr Lillian Sloan (Barbara Hershey's character). Her love and respect (yes, I was disgusted with the fact that she was in charge of an archaeological "dig") for Native American cultures is nothing less than a reflection of myself. Is everything she states accurate? NO. Accuracy, in true non-Native American "campfire" tradition, is surrendered to what sounds best. Then again, without this bending of the truth, the premise of the tale is lost: survivors of the Massacre at Sand Creek "escaped" to northwestern Montana (which Hershey's character fairly well summarizes; also, see my review of "Soldier Blue" for comments on this massacre). Again, this is a "trick" of campfire tales: in 1864, there were literally only a few hundred non-Native Americans living in Montana, not the other way around! Moreover, there were no Dog Soldiers (a fraternal/men's social organization found among the Cheyennes and other tribes--although Wikipedia claims they were a band) at Black Kettle's encampment at Sand Creek; nor was Lone Wolf, a revered TRIBAL--not band--leader, present at the Sand Creek Massacre in southeast Colorado. To answer a question raised in another review, Dog Soldiers did not "pin" themselves to be the last one's fighting (as suggested by Hershey's character, Dr Sloan), BUT frequently acted as a rear guard during moves. In fact, there were many survivors at Sand Creek (but all were Southern Cheyenne/Arapaho Indians, not Northern Cheyenne--who reside in southeast Montana), not just a few as alleged by Dr Sloan (Hershey's character) in the movie. There was another mens society, frequently referred to as Contraries, that did "pin" themselves to be the last one(s) fighting (which is alluded to in the movie during Gate's dream), but they were as rare as they have become colorful in stories. Dog Soldiers--most likely because of their name--have been stereotyped by the media for centuries, as as such are a convenient group to tell stories about. To the movie's credit (albeit, mistakenly so most likely), they use the name Dogmen instead of Dog Soldiers. Lastly, I did not find Dr Lillian Sloan's (Barbara Hershey's character) interest in the Cheyenne to be "swooning over the 'noble savages'." I find her actions to be just what I would do, given the chance to find myself back in time when traditions were unchanged by European influences. Nor do I feel that the portrayal of the Cheyennes is stereotypical or romantic.

While the movie, like all movies, has flaws that detract from the film, Hershey and Berenger give wonderful performances, and the movie is one that will stand the test of time as a great form of entertainment, that can be watched over and over (hopefully on DVD soon).

As one final note, I would welcome any questions concerning the Cheyennes, one of four Native American nations I have studied for over 30 years.

Update--1 July 2008: If this review was not helpful to you, I would appreciate learning the reason(s) so I can improve my reviews. My goal is to provide help to potential buyers, not get into any arguments. So, if you only disagree with my opinion, could you please say so in the comments and not indicate that the review was not helpful. Thanks.

My roommate is a native american buff, and was watching this movie as I was gettting home one day. I sat down and watched it with him on a whim.

Wow.

This wondrous tale of innocence lost and found again is something that I'll never get tired of. Sure, the narration by Wilfred Brimley may not have been necessary, but you know what? It certainly doesn't detract from the film, and the film is simply amazing in it's own right.

Tom Berenger and Barbara Hershey are a fantastic and I'm glad that I got a chance to see this film. I've now seen it three times, and I'm really hoping that it's released on DVD so I can purchase it.

I really liked this movie. Tom Berenger is excellent as Lewis Gates, a modern day bounty hunter/tracker (I'm still bummed that USA Network cancelled 'Peacemakers') with a tortured past.

Berenger lives with his dog Zip in meager surroundings. He still mourns the loss of his wife in a drowning accident which Sheriff Deegan (Kurtwood Smith), who incidently is the girl's father, holds him responsible for but immediate needs require Berenger's skills as a tracker to retrieve 3 criminals who escaped into the Oxbow region of Montana only to be killed with what appears to be genuine Native American arrows of 100 years ago.

Berenger's quest, along with his trusty dog Zip, brings him in touch with Dr. Lillian Sloan (Barbara Hershey), an expert on Native American interests, and together (they fall in love, of course) they discover Native Americans who have lived for the last 100 years hidden from the rest of modern society.

The initial meeting and interaction with the tribe is tenuous as best but civility and respect prevails, and both sides are soon won over by the other.

When Yellow Wolf's (Steve Reevis) son gets sick, Berenger goes back into town to acquire the needed medicine. The resulting action of Sheriff Deegan and his posse chasing Berenger, and Berenger's desire to keep the posse from discovering the secret of the Oxbow is well filmed and enjoyable with an ending that is very satisfying.

The scenery is fantastic and the quality of sound on the DVD version is worth the price of admission alone.

This movie wanted me to 'go native' and embrace a simpler lifestyle - highly recommended.

This movie just sort of snuck up on me. I was having a bad day, and it was on TV, so I thought I'd give it a chance. And it turned out to be *just* the thing to pick me up from my doldrums.

A very, VERY sweet movie that is interesting, gripping, has some mystery, romance, and is fine for the whole family. Highly recommended.

Beautiful scenery (I always love beautiful scenery) and two wonderful main characters. Tom Berenger is a grumpy, reclusive and rather shy tracker who get sucked into a very unusual quest -- to find a lost Native American Tribe. He is wonderful in his roll -- he does "grumpy but lovable" better than most other actors I can think of.

Barbara Hershey is fantastic too. Beautiful, brainy, capable, dedicated and a perfect compliment to Berenger's character. I really admired her in this film.

I won't reveal too much of the plot here, but it is a delightful film, and I highly recommend it. Maybe a little on the longish side, but I wouldn't have it any other way. One of my favorite movies to date.

I don't usually watch westerns but when my father told me about this movie, and I saw the awe that filled his eyes, I knew I had to watch it. I did and I was enchanted by everything about it. I loved the performances of Tom Berenger as the tormented Lewis Gates, Barbara Hershey as the bookish anthropologist Lillian and especially, Zip, the scrappy little bob-tailed dog that had so much personality! I also enjoyed Wilford Brimley's narration throughout the movie - it was entirely believable because he is so down to earth. The story is slightly implausible, bordering on fantasy - a bounty hunter and an anthropologist find a "lost" tribe of Cheyenne Indians living in an incredibly remote area of Montana. But the movie is so well done you find yourself wishing it were true. The actors who potrayed members of the lost tribe - especially the man who played Lone Wolf - were extremely authentic without being caricatures or stereotpyes. And the music - this movie wouldn't be as good without that marvelous music. And last but not least, the scenery. The mountains, the rivers where the escaped convicts and later Lewis run for fresh water - made me wonder if such a place really exists. This is a must-have movie best viewed when you are in need of hope and a reason to feel good about the world. And sometimes I wonder if Lillian and Lewis "lived happily ever after" with that lost tribe. I sure hope so!

This is simply a terrific movie that has it all, a wonderful cast, an intriguing story line, beautiful scenery, and an enjoyable soundtrack. What more could a film lover ask for?

The plot revolves around a Montana tracker, named Lewis Cates, who believes there to be a lost tribe of Native American in the wilds of Montana. In fact, legend had it that a tribe of Cheyenne had been swallowed up by the Montana wilderness sometime towards the end of the nineteenth century and never heard from nor seen again. A loner with some personal issues, Cates teams up with Professor Lillian Sloan, an anthropologist and professor of Native American studies who happens to speak the language of the Cheyenne and is familiar with their customs. Together, they go off exploring in the remote and vast, breathtaking woodlands of the American Northwest, looking for this lost tribe. It is there that the Cheyenne find them, rather than the other way around.

Tom Berenger is perfectly cast as the rugged tracker, and he gives a low key, commanding performance. Barbara Hershey, one of the best, though most under rated, actresses around, gives a simply superlative performance. Through her one gets a sense of the wonder she feels at the opportunity that has presented itself to her. It is a chance of a life time to get to know a people who remain uncorrupted by the influence of other cultures. It is an opportunity to live a piece of history. There is a profound respect for people and their customs that she radiates, as befitting a serious anthropologist. There is also a budding romance between Cates and Sloan, which Berenger and Hershey pull off well, as it seems to be a romance that is founded on mutual respect.

Those who play the roles of the Native Americans are excellent, with special kudos to those who play the characters Lone Wolf and Yellow Wolf. These roles are played with a certain dignity and stoicism that lend an air of authenticity to their existence in the film. Their humanity is palpable, making it believable that Sloan and Cates would want to stay with them and share in the simplicity of their lives. Last, but certainly not least, mention must be made of director Tab Murphy, who beautifully directed this most memorable of films. This is a movie that can be enjoyed by the entire family. It is a film that those who are interested in other cultures, as well as those who simply love a great movie, will enjoy. Bravo!

I loved the movie, but I was also very impressed with the DVD. Far and above the best of my DVD collection. The special features, featurettes, director's cut, even a section with sketches of the authentic Native American costumes, give the movie goer an insight of the difficulties in producing a film like this. It even gives American viewers a chance to see it without the irritating voice over. Many thanks to HBO for producing this. Of course, not enough can be said for Tab Murphy's story and direction, or Tom Berenger's perfect Lewis Gates. A wonderful viewing experiance.

The first time I seen this movie, I was channel surfing and decided to watch it. I'm glad I did. I thought this movie was very good. I liked the narration and the story itself was very well told for being Fiction. The characters I found to be very likable, yes, even the dog. I found myself thinking that would be something great to have an adventure like they did. Anyone who did not like this movie has no imagination or sense of adventure themselves. In these days and in these times we need movies like this. Hats off to the actors and the story, and to whomever picked the location. Job very well done.