User reviews

I watched this movie when I found it for free on Prime Video. You can also watch this for free on YouTube, it's one of those more accessible movies. I do think it's a little awkward or corny at some times. Song of Hiawatha was fairly interesting enough to watch through, the movie starts out with some European Settlers who find an American Indian tribe, in eastern North America, specifically they must be Ojibwe. The story is a flashback about the legendary figure known as Hiawatha, and if you are someone not familiar with him, you can do some research first if you'd like before watching this movie, pretty neat stuff to read. (I read the Wikipedia article not the poem.) The movie also covers a little of the founding of the Haudenosaunee since Hiawatha was one of the major players in doing that.

Lite Foot does a wonderful job as Hiawatha and Adam Beach is amusing as Chibiabos. Both show that they are capable of far more than this legend, however, it should not be taken lightly. This film was both beautiful and carefully filmed. None of it appears childish, as one might think upon stumbling over it during regular daytime TV. Rather, it is a humbling tale of suffering and searching for the salvation of the Indian Nation. It is well acted and well outfitted. I was troubled at first by the use of so many differing Indians from so many tribes; this would only occur to someone who can trace tribal characteristics. It's a heck of a lot better than allowing Whites to play Indians. In fact, it's so chock-a-block full of talented people that you can't tear your eyes from it. I too, was at first a little troubled by the lack of woodland costuming, but this would have been expensive and time-consuming to create. Woodland Flower beading and designs are intricate and lovely, but they were not missed after a few minutes of viewing. The splendid acting grabs a hold of you. I enjoyed it immensely. Recommended- however, there is some violence which my not be appropriate for viewers under 10 or 12 years of age. Adults may want to explain some of the ritual and religious implications with their children after viewing.