Corazón trueno

Maybe it's because this film followed in the shadow of "Dances With Wolves"-- or maybe it just wasn't marketed well-- but it's beyond me and all those I know who have seen it why this movie didn't do better in the theatres.

All the pieces are there: great actors (and acting), amazing characters, excellent cinematography, a believable, engrossing, and simply wonderful storyline, mystery, suspense, comedy. I did not want this movie to end! A well loved movie by many. Rent it now.

I would like to start out by saying that this is one of my favorite films. I thought Val Kilmer was amazing as Ray Lavoy. This movie is based on some real life events; however, not everything in this movie is a real life event, due to lawsuits. Graham Greene also had an outstanding role in this movie. I must say that this movie is a must see, also this movie shows you what things one should not take for granted. If you liked this movie, check out Skinwalkers.

What's with the low rating for this film? Thunderheart is a superb thriller about Native American Indians. It's well-acted, well-paced, and we get a great sense of tension and high stakes throughout the film. Remaining respectful to the indians, but not getting syrupy or over-glorifying it, it's quite educational about culture. I found it to be intellectual as well as a good trip. And a great job by Val Kilmer.

Who should see this film:

-- action/thriller types

-- drama types with an interest in Native American Indians

I'll give "Thunderheart" a well-deserved 8 out of 10.

My mother, sisters and I are enrolled Tribal members of the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in South Dakota, where my mother was born and raised. This movie is quite authentic in its treatment of Lakota (Sioux) culture and traditions without getting caught up in romanticism. Portrayals of our sacred Ghost Dance and other ceremonies give the viewer a glimpse into our heritage and spirituality, while he fact-based storyline takes the viewer on a ride into 1970's reservation life complete with FBI cover ups and abuse of power. Seeing this movie just might make you an activist!

Ray Levoi (Val Kilmer) is an FBI agent with some Sioux ancestry. William Dawes (Fred Dalton Thompson) sends him to investigate murders on tribal land in the badlands of South Dakota with veteran agent Frank 'Cooch' Coutelle (Sam Shepard). There is civil conflict from the radical Aboriginal Rights Movement and they are the prime suspect. Walter Crow Horse (Graham Greene) is local tribal police. Tribal president Jack Milton (Fred Ward) and his thugs are hunting for members of ARM. Levoi is forced to reawaken his native roots.

This has a bit of a thriller element but mostly, it has a nice take on modern native cultural troubles. Val Kilmer is a bit too white to play a mix-race character. On the other hand, there are great native actors. Director Michael Apted is able to be sensitive to real native culture without talking down to it.