Western. A screen adaptation of the novel "Osceola: Leader of the Seminoles" by the famous English writer Thomas Mein Reed (which I have not read). The film was produced by the East German film studio DEFA, where the main role was again played by the famous Yugoslav actor, "Honored Indian of the Soviet Union", Gojko Mitic. The sixth picture out of twelve that I intend to see and revise. I watched this western in fits and starts, but I could fully appreciate it only now, and here's my brief opinion - Indians with blacks against planters. I will say right away that I did not notice the minuses in the picture, but there are some small comments that I will voice in a separate paragraph, but for now, let your humble servant tell you about the pluses of this western.
So, here they are:
1. The story told - the picture tells about Osceola (the leader himself is a real historical figure), played by Goiko Mitic, who strives to live in peace with the pale-faced, but the insidious neighbor - the southern planter, intends to take away their native land from the Seminole for his own benefit. Added to this is the fact that runaway slaves find shelter on the lands of the tribe, so the planter intends to involve the army in this business, so that the Indians have no chance of victory. But Osceola is not alone in this battle, because he has a pale-faced friend who will provide any help. Several scenes, characters and a place of action were left here from the original source, otherwise it is a separate story, following in unison with the historical events that preceded the Second Seminole War. It perfectly reveals the theme of slavery, contempt of white people for blacks and redskins, pride, bragging, greed, deceit, the emerging contradictions within the United States itself, which in a few decades will lead to a bloody Civil War. And again, not all pale-faced people are presented in black tones, there are worthy people among them, although they are a minority. The script is replete with twists and turns if you're unfamiliar with the genre. The final turned out to be good, on the one hand, and tragic, on the other hand, because the struggle of the Indians with the regular army always ends in the same way.
2. Entourage - the atmosphere, costumes, scenery, all this perfectly conveys the spirit of this historical era, and allows the viewer to plunge into it headlong. The costumes and dwellings of the Seminole are very similar to the historical ones that have survived. The life and way of thinking of the Indians is shown very accurately, there are both supporters of peace and supporters of war, and everyone is right, no matter how paradoxical it sounds. The Plantation South is shown in all its colors: white planters, cruel overseers with whips, slave labor of blacks on plantations, escalating contradictions with the government in Washington, blatant contempt for all non-white people.
3. Chases, fights, shootouts - there are not so many of them here, within reason, although I would like more. These scenes are dynamic and can even cause a sinking heart in especially sensitive ones. Blood was delivered, but in small doses.
4. Music is far from being a masterpiece, and loses to "The Trail of the Falcon" and "White Wolves" unambiguously. I could not remember a single melody, but it will go within the framework of this unhurried western.
A little about the main characters:
1. Osceola performed by Goiko Mitic - one of the leaders of the Seminole tribe, trying to place the planters with the help of the army to seize the native lands of the tribe. Acts boldly and effectively, doing good deeds along the way. And again, Goiko does all the tricks on his own, and he plays perfectly. Bravo Goiko!
2. Richard Moore performed by Yuri Darie - the owner of a sawmill, where free blacks work, and a friend of Osceola, who does not need the upcoming war. We despise in "high society" for our actions and views. Provides, to the best of his strength and capabilities, assistance to blacks and Indians. Yuri was convincing in this role.
3. William Reines performed by Horst Schulze is a white planter and a very wealthy and influential person who intends to get the lands of the Indians in order to satisfy his greedy ambitions, for which he does not disdain outright lies and intrigues. Horst this time played the role of not a good pale-faced, but a rich and influential villain, which was successful. Well done.
Surprisingly, there were several logical miscalculations in the picture, which are visible to the naked eye, well, the scenes of fights, chases and shootings are now no longer able to surprise, little bird.
Well, next time Goiko Mitic will again have to take up arms in order to save his tribe from being evicted by the US army. It will be in Tekumse.
As a result, we have a good western with a great Goiko Mitic, a good script, excellent surroundings and great acting.
