Customer Reviews

Trail of Tears - A Native American Documentary Collection

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was prompted to review these four outstanding documentaries on two discs simply to let people know what the discs contain. The first disc is 105 minutes long and deals with the Cherokee 'Trail of Tears' which I have already highly recommended (see my other reviews). The second disc has 'Black Indians: An American Story' (52 mins); 'Native American Healing in the 21st century' (52 minutes); and 'Our spirits Don't Speak English: Indian Boarding School' (53 minutes). All are essential viewing for students of Native American history and in particular that of the Cherokee Nation. All are historically accurate, informative and the discs are outstanding value.

Though I had read about the trail of tears (cherokee forced relocation to steal their very well developed farmland and homes), it was nice to see depicted on the screen the life style and changes this group had made to conform to the white invasion. They probably were too well off and brought on the never ending greed of the local whites. Very informative film and also entertaining.

Trail of Tears - A Native American Documentary Collection is a good account of what happened before and after Removal of American Indians so Southern Georgia could steal their farms and begin the plantations of Slavery in the American Soutland. The legacy of theft from one ethnic native by European Immigrants turned southern gentlemen so proud of their accomplishments. America should be proud and saddened that we have this in our proud history. I have some Cheorkee in my blood line, thus I felt the need to see what this view would give me to account for what has happened. I have other accounts that corrispond and support this version of history. So Sad.

This was indeed a video to bring on tears. Of all the things the Native Americans did to keep the Europeans alive while those same Europeans were confiscating the land, we sure showed a great way to thank them. Wes Studi was outstanding in telling the Cherokee story in the Cherokee language.

The movie in the set actually titled "Trail Of Tears" is awesome; it gives a historically accurate account of the Cherokee removal, along with some nice scenery actually shot in the Southern Appalachians and the Tennessee Valley. If I were rating it alone, I would give it a 5 star. "Black Indians was also a good history piece, and enlightening. But the "Native American Healing..." mostly focussed on herbs that tribes of the southwest used; I know of alot of herbs used by the indians in the Appalachian and Tennessee Valley area that were never mentioned, such as gensing, yellowroot, bloodroot, alder, ferns, birch bark, and buckeye (and many more). And finally, "Our Spirits Don't Speak English" was terribly over-dramatized; I think one of the actors had to have been coming down off of a bad trip to have acted so pitiful (He seemed suicidal); it was terrible, and couldn't even get through it. About half way through I turned it off, and have no desire to see any more of it; it's that bad. But the first two documentaries were well worth the cost of the DVD, and the 3rd was interesting, though it left me desiring more because it did not cover healings of the Cherokee or Creek. Overall a good DVD set.

I was so looking forward to this DVD and I am so disappointed that it did not have closed-captioned dialogue.
I usually check for CC before I buy any DVD, but I didn't note it this time. I am very disappointed because I cannot understand the dialogue.
I watched for a half-hour, but I could not pick up enough words to understand what was being said.

Trail of Tears-A Native American Documentary Collection was great watching and very educational. The only problem was that I also ordered, Trail of Tears, Cherokee Legacy only to find out this same tape is included in the Trail of Tears-A Native American Documentary Collection. This should be stated in order to avoid returns. Thanks and good viewing.

This DVD contains 4 actual elements: Trail of tears, black Indians, and the Carlisle attempt to assimilate Indians. The quality of the DVD is good and all of the stories give rise to the fact of Indian survival and thriving. In spite of the the US governments' attempt to rid themselves of the "Indian problem", we have thrived. The black Indians DVD is especially informative and descriptive since very little attention is given to not only the 'mixed blood' and inter-marrying of Indian people, and we could learn from this. The Carlisle "experience" is worthwhile and gives the view of a people trying to aid themselves and their children. It also left many scars that will continue to impact us.

When I went to school, we discussed this topic and I remember it was just skimmed through, dates, important figures involved, thats it! Growing up I knew there was more to the story, then I saw this and got it. All I can say is just this, grabbed my heart, seeing this being told by the people who went through this, is just. I dont dont have words to convey how I feel, this is something ever person should see I believe. The second dvd, is a true bonus, discussion about herbs and there healing spirit is worth every penny of this dvd collection. The price should be higher, but if you can get this dvd, or have second thoughts about it, GET THIS DVD! It will be worth it. It is very powerful in telling of what happened to a peoples culture, spirit, and veneration.

Having read of the history this movie states the facts. There were more cruelties done to the Cherokees then mentioned in the movie. They are a wonderfull, intelligent, and deep people.