Windwalker (1980)

Any list of great Western movies must include the native American story. This is that "missing" Western. Why include big name films with sullen, guilt-ridden white guys (Dances With Wolves, A Man Called Horse), when there is this overlooked masterpiece that takes place all within a completely native American universe?I love how the stark winter survival scenes of the family lead to the heavenly reunion with long lost kin. This is a simple, universal story of love, family, good guys (Cheyenne) and bad guys (Crow). I am not a Cheyenne or an anthropologist, but to me this movie looks and sounds more authentic than anything before or since.My list of greatest Westerns in order of release: 1. Stagecoach 2. My Darling Clementine 3. Red River 4. High Noon 5. The Searchers 6. The Good, The Bad and the Ugly 7. The Wild Bunch 8. Windwalker 9. Unforgiven 10. 3:10 to Yuma

"Windwalker" will hold interest, but you have to pay close attention to the rapidly changing subtitles. This is sometimes difficult and leaves only a couple seconds to marvel at the fine cinematography. Also, I found the almost constant time changes to be somewhat of an annoyance. The "Native American" costumes, rituals, and language gives the film an authentic feel. Sorry I cannot say the same for the cave scenes, as they looked totally fake. Trevor Howard does a good job, and Billy Drago gets to play yet another deranged role, this time as a sexual predator "Indian". Though slow at times, and a bit confusing, authenticity overcomes the few faults. - MERK

I picked up this movie at a tag sale since I am very interested in Native American type films. Obviously Dances with Wolves is now the standard by which all Native American subject films are measured....WOW... what a nice surprise to find this film that I had never heard of. Although it is a 1980 film, and Hollywood tended to use white actors for Native roles, who cares. What a great story. It is very subtle in the way the story unfolds, and leaves you guessing about what is happening and what is going to happen. I thoroughly enjoyed this film. If you liked this movie, you will love Last of the Dogmen (1995) even more.

..or if I dreamed this. I remember my older brother taking me to see this film when I was six years old. I was captivated by it then, and over the years, I forgot the name of the film and nobody knew what I was talking about when I would describe it. Not even my brother remembers.Well, thanks to the wonders of the internet, I was finally able to remember the name and I ordered it not really expecting it to be as enchanting as when I was six. But I still find it to be an amazing film. Very well done with some great camera work. It is refreshing to see a Native American film without the indians merely being a catalyst for the heroism of some cowboy.A great story and I love that it is done in Native Language and subtitled English. I noticed that they gave the "If you like this movie, you will like 'Dances with Wolves'" recommendation. Well, this is a much better movie. If only because we don't have to see Kevin Costners bare a**e. This film stands on it's own without the marquee names or the white actors with the wig and tanning cream. Check it out.