Customer Reviews

The Song of Hiawatha

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Reading a previous review,which was strongly negative,I fear few would take a chance on this film, which despite defects, is well above average in content.This film is surprisingly well crafted considering its' obviously limited budget. As to the charge that the film doesn't make sense, I somehow feel a previous reviewer is not familiar with Native American culture, and expected some 1950's style traditional "Cowboys and Indians" movie told from a European cultural perpective. Sorry, no John Wayne with a Blonde hanging on his arm, shooting down piles of faceless Indians circling the wagons in this one. Hiawatha is shown to be a complex God/Man,but not without flaws. Minihaha is a stunningly beautiful, but difficult woman. There is good action and good development of the emotional relationships between the protaganists. I was thrilled by some of the hand to hand combat, and moved by the scenes of great tragedy. Certainly, some minor scenes are seriously flawed, but not unforgivingly so. THE STORY TOLD IN THIS FILM IS A GREAT ONE! There are small elements of Native American religious culture contained in this film which are very rare to see in American Cinema.

This will not be everyone's cuppa tea. But I, personally, was pleasantly surprised. You just have to first remember that this is BASED ON AN EPIC POEM...thus, you have to watch it that way, like a story-story rather than a film-story--and somehow they pull it off without disconnecting (at least for me). Litefoot as Hiawatha might initially seem like he was strangely casted, but he's understated and convincing--definitely earned his role (and it's too bad he doesn't get more work these days). Adam Beach is great as the quirky BFF.

Sheila Tousey was miscast in my opinion (she was too young at the time to play a good grandmother role--clearly Tantoo was already booked), and while Irene Bedard is good (and looking smokin hot, I might add--I say this objectively as a fellow woman), I wasn't sure I was digging her take on Minnehaha. Also, the context--these 2 white trapper dudes being told the story by Sheila and Gordon--was jarring in the beginning, but somehow it eases into itself and it's not a problem. Overall, it's a very, very enjoyable film. Mad props for being successfully unHollywood and original on a low budget--and still being highly entertaining.

I think it was nicely done. Being an elder who teaches Native traditions to the young, I would use this movie for children to watch. Certain aspects were incorrect, like the pony beads on the dresses as mentioned by another, but that can easily be rectified in a teaching setting.

C. Chatelain

The Song of Hiawatha is an excellent movie. I use it with my students (boys, grades 8-12) as a springboard for discussion of Native American ethics toward the environment. They really enjoy it.

I liked the film very much, but you must read the book. I mean, watch the film first and then read the book. Read it out loud to an appreciative someone such as a child. Use rPaul Harvey (dramatic) voice when you read. I love the poetry... You don't get the poetry in the film.

I thought the costuming left a little to be desired. All the beadwork was done in pony (large) beads. Hallmark family rated.

I loved this movie I hadn't seen it since I was eight. that was ten years ago. this movie is amazing and aw-inspiring. it really brings the peom to life. the actors are awesome.

Just as with Gulliver's Travels and Moll Flanders, Hollywood has once again couched a genuine literary classic within an outer tale outside the original. Still, the film is essentially faithful to both Longfellow's epic poem and the Native American tradition. Prophetically, just as did his contemporary James Fenimore Cooper (author of The Last of the Mohicans) so did Longfellow foresee and foretell the destruction of the Native American way of life.

The current movie of Hiawatha faithfully depicts a lost way of life for the Native Americans as it shows their efforts to survive climate conditions, famine,and war as well as their discoveries of corn and efforts at establishing peace among the tribes in the face of the encroaching white man. This long departed microcosm is further enhanced by the outer tale with encroaching white men, one who understands and appreciates their way of life, and one who introduces materialism and dissention to the tribe.

The mystical visual effects underscore the Native American belief of a spirit world where messengers walk among ordinary people, often changing their lives, and then return to the spirit world. The actors in this movie are highly successful in portraying the narrative Longfellow created. The Native American characters are believable and the actors playing their parts capable of enabling the viewer to understand the plight of these characters. They all coalesce to underscore the image of Hiawatha as a wise and chosen one, in touch with his inner self and the outer world that the spirits have shown him will be. Of course, this internal harmony would not have been possible without the traditional dream vision, included in such varied movies as the Billy Jack series right up to Thunderheart and Smoke Signals, and even on the X files.

I loved this movie. Having seen several of these actors in other movies with a strong Native American theme, I felt as if I were seeing some old friends. Graham Greene is a classic actor, low key, witty, and wise. Russell Means brings sincerity and truth to his role, as does newcomer Lightfoot. Irene Bedard is a totally vivacious Minnehaha, and Adam Beach, a great friend and sidekick. Their presence also reassured me of the authenticity of presentation of the culture they portray. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to see a good movie or anyone wanting to know more of the early Native American culture or history as well as someone wanting to capture a piece of the literary view of Longfellow. Gone is the tom-tom rhythm of his epic poem, but the tale is alive, entertaining, inspiring.

This movie is an old favorite, and probably that of many others as it has gone missing from my house several times and this is the fourth time I'm replacing it.

As a professional storyteller ([...]) that often tells Native American stories, I truly appreciated the authenticity of this movie. The scenery was beautiful, the costuming excellent, the actors terrific. Several big name Native American actors are in here. Yes it was a low budget movie, but the story that is told is what is important, and that was very true to traditions and very enjoyable. For those that want a "cowboys and indians shoot'em up" this ain't it! For those that think they may want to watch this movie but have no experience with Native American stories, just read the back of the DVD case right before the movie and you will understand the complete plot. It is a long story, and it does move fast, so a little understanding beforehand is helpful. One could also read Longfellows poem beforehand, but that is not necessary.

Episodes are not well integrated - the story does not flow. Images are too literal and shallow. When the corn came and they tasted it they somehow knew exactly how to eat the kernels. If I had been presented with a strange new food such as an ear of corn, I would have taken a bite out of the top. Characters were never adequately developed to become real, and engaging. Situations failed to explore the depth of the poem. Maybe a good high school intro to the classic.