5 Incredible Movies That Honor Native American Stories and Voices
November is Native American Heritage Month, and it’s an ideal time for movie-watching. Whether you’re watching movies on a chilly weekend, as an alternative to football, or after a football game, we’ve listed a few Native American movies that exemplify and amplify indigenous voices and their impact on society. With their unique culture and deep spiritual beliefs, our intricate history with Native Americans should never be overlooked.
5 Native American Movies to Check Out
First off, we want to say there are so many incredible movies that it made it hard to pick just five. We chose them for the message, cultural emphasis, and authenticity. It was tough, but we were able to carve out some must-see films.
“Smoke Signals” (1998)
This total gem of a film doesn’t have romanticized ideas of horses galloping, tipis on the horizon, or even much relating to shamans or medicine men (though it touches upon those beliefs); it’s a character study of two brothers, played brilliantly by Adam Beach and Evan Adams. Brothers Victor and Thomas find out about the death of their estranged father, and they journey from Coeur d’Alene to Phoenix to deal with their late father’s belongings.
Both sad and insightful, “Smoke Signals” has intelligently balanced loss, family issues, and humor into a stunning film. There is an excellent supporting cast, including Tantoo Cardinal and Irene Bedard. This is one of the first films to have a Native American writer, a Native American director, and an all Native cast. This movie will delight, as it has a captivating story with a talented ensemble.
“Thunderheart” (1992)
It’s an absolute tragedy that most of the actors in this film have passed away. Val Kilmer and Sam Shepard, along with Graham Greene lead the excellent cast in investigating a murder on an impoverished Sioux Reservation. What they find turns out to be much more involved. This is taken directly from events that occurred with uranium mining on reservations and the death of activist Anna Mae Aquash.
Astounding performances by Graham Greene, John Trudell, and Sheila Tousey elevate this film and its intrigue. Though not indigenous himself, director Michael Apted perfectly captured the desolate life on the reservation, the alcoholism, and he highlighted the government’s treatment of “Indian issues.” Hailed by many Native Americans as a grim and realistic motion picture, “Thunderheart” is definitely not to be missed. (Keep an eye out for a cameo from musician David Crosby.)
“Rhymes for Young Ghouls” (2013)
Northeastern Canada is the setting for this amazing film. In the 70’s, at a fictitious Mi’kmaq reservation, the Canadian government mandated a decree that every indigenous child under 16 must attend a prison-like residential school, called St. Dymphna’s.
Aila’s journey is explored in particular in this film. Against the odds, at age 15, Aila (Devery Jacobs) has been able to make somewhat of a life for herself, considering what she’s been up against. Exploring issues of poor reservation life, drugs, and unwelcome government intervention, the late director Jeff Barnaby hit it out of the park with this thought-provoking film.
“Dances with Wolves” (1990)
This film is likely the best known of all the Native American movies we listed here. Kevin Costner directed it, and he plays the lead opposite the late Graham Greene, flanked by a cast that reads like a who’s who of Native American actors. Stunning views of the American West, grand stampedes of buffalo, and Lakota Sioux culture are also prominently featured in this beautifully made film.
Although there are some historical inaccuracies (like the Pawnee), the film is an important piece of cinematic art, with phenomenal talent, especially from Rodney Grant, Floyd Westerman, and Graham Greene. Heartbreaking at times and occasionally hopeful, this film offers an emotional look at westward expansion and the pre-colonization of tribal territories. The soundtrack by John Barry is phenomenal.
“Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked The World” (2017)
Speaking of soundtracks, we get to our music documentary. This one features the bold music of Link Wray. Who was that? Wray was said to be Shawnee. He was a talented musician who introduced us to the power chord. His best-known composition, “Rumble,” inspired the title of this film. Fun fact: at one point, “Rumble” was actually outlawed because it was said to (wait for it…) conjure the devil with its chord progression. Way to go, Link Wray!
All kidding aside, this Native American movie gives a masterful and, at times, surprising look into the contributions that Native American musicians have made to the music industry. Besides Wray, Robbie Robertson, Jimi Hendrix, Slash, Taj Mahal, George Clinton, and Stevie Salas are included. Catherine Bainbridge made a great flick, and it’s a winner of a Special Jury Award for Masterful Storytelling at the Sundance Film Festival.
A Few Last Thoughts
It wouldn’t be enough if we listed 20, 30, or even more movies. With interest growing in indigenous cultures and tribal customs, it’s an exciting time. More and more indigenous actors and directors are coming forward to showcase their fantastic talent. This will add to the ever-growing list of Native American movies – and we certainly can’t wait!
