http://www.theonlygoodindian.com/
Okay, some folks have been kind enough to post heads up regarding the availability of The Only Good Indian on dvd for us here in North America. Unfortunately this seems a definite NO to seeing it on the big screen in a movie theater. If you’re interested in Indian issues this film staring Wes Studi and the incredibly talented Winter Fox Frank is a must see. The initial focus of the the film is the destruction of Native American family and culture via the forced boarding school experience where children often did not return home for years and years–nor even when they were sick and dying –and not when dead either. But this movie offers a great deal more regarding some insight into the mindset and values of Indigenous people; some things to seriously consider in this time of failing consumer based mainstream culture rife with all sorts of symptomatic addictions and dysfunctions. Never, never underestimate an Indian ‘boy’s’ power.
Btw, the only thing I’d change about the film is that Wes Studi’s character would be an Indian Policeman because one of their ‘jobs’ on the reservations was to ‘collect’ children from their families–and there were standoffs with gun weilding angry parents. Would you voluntarily give your children up to complete strangers to never see for several years in a distant place you had no way to travel to?
om mani padme hum jewel in the lotus wahupa qi prana universal life energy
Kiesa said,
October 18, 2010 at 12:06 am
The Only Good Indian is in my netflix queue — they finally have it!
Kiesa said,
October 18, 2010 at 12:09 am
And I finally found it!
47whitebuffalo said,
October 18, 2010 at 3:59 am
Let us know what you learn from watching the film. Hi.
Dr. W.T. Grandt said,
October 17, 2010 at 3:18 am
As a fellow First Nation person of color…the DVD “The Only Good Indian” is an excellent movie and should not be missed. This movie is great to teach in any secondary and post-secondary educational school. This movie would go a long way to promote social concern regarding Native Americans. On a scale of 1-10, I rate this move a 12+. Must not be missed. Dr. W.T. Grandt, school psychologist and Faculty (College of Public Programs), Arizona State University.
47whitebuffalo said,
October 17, 2010 at 10:53 pm
Greetings Dr. Grandt. I agree that the film provides a great way to open discussion of the ongoing serious issues faced by Native Americans. By itself it also provides considerable insight into values and world views. Thank you for reading and leaving tracks of your visit.
PS. Just to be clear, I am not a First Nations person of color. I am Polish.
Yousei Hime said,
December 11, 2009 at 1:59 am
It’s a deal!
47whitebuffalo said,
October 18, 2010 at 4:00 am
And? Hi Rabbit Poet!
Kiesa said,
December 10, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Netflix has this DVD on “Save,” so it isn’t available there yet. I’ve looked at the site and I’m wondering if there’s a list somewhere here that I’ve missed on Good DVDs that present Realistic and Non-Exploitative depictions? The description of this movie reminded me of the one about the girls trying to escape their boarding school in Australia, Rabbit-Proof Fence.
47whitebuffalo said,
December 10, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Kiesa, Netflix probably has not purchased the DVD yet–hence the lack of availablity. If you visit the link at the top of the post there is information on how to purchase the dvd. The Only Good Indian goes far beyond Rabbit-Proof Fence as it does more than portray a tragedy. The Only Good Indian asserts the enduring viability of traditional cultual values and mindsets.
lesliepaints said,
December 8, 2009 at 2:06 am
Thank-you for the “Heads Up” on this Eva.
47whitebuffalo said,
December 10, 2009 at 10:53 pm
My pleasure, Leslie. You probably recall from my previous posts about The Only Good Indian that I’ve been HOPING, in part for my own self interest, that the film would be distributed at large in the United States. Distribution via DVD is better than nothing–but still one would think that the power of the Sundance Film Festival’s would put some shove into getting it into big screen movie venues in North America. Am so glad I saw it at the Kansas City Film Festival on a big screen.
Yousei Hime said,
December 8, 2009 at 1:04 am
I agree. I would really like to see this.
47whitebuffalo said,
December 10, 2009 at 10:54 pm
Yousie, well, if/when you do see The Only Good Indian–please don’t hesitate to return and share your thoughts about the film.
kseverny said,
December 8, 2009 at 12:38 am
this sounds like a really good story
47whitebuffalo said,
December 10, 2009 at 10:59 pm
Hey Chefie! It is a great story based on real historical situations and issues. Wes Studi struts his acting goods as usual, yet Winter Fox Frank steals the ‘show’ so deftly that I wonder if the boy rocker bands haven’t conspired to keep his face out of sight of their female target auidiences. It’s sort of a spoof of a western–but with deadly serious ongoing issues. You ought to eat bison while viewing it.