Indian Horse (2018)

Based on the novel by Richard Wagamese: in the 1960s, Saul Indian Horse (played at different times by Sladen Peltier, Forrest Goodluck, and Ajuawak Kapashesit) is an indigenous boy in northern Ontario who is forced into a Catholic residential school where he eventually develops exceptional skills as a hockey player.In addition to successfully focusing on a personal story that reflects probably the worst part of Canada's history (more on that later), "Indian Horse" fascinates in some segments that involve conflicting values. One involves generations of an indigenous family in which an elder practices traditional spirituality while the younger adult generation (brainwashed in residential schools) insists that Christianity is the only acceptable belief system. In later scenes, interpretations of Christianity itself present a conflict in the residential school. On the one hand is a reforming priest who believes in a compassionate approach to the children; on the other is a nun (a true creature from hell) whose approach is literal and uses any means necessary to "Christianize" the children.The film's conclusion is quite touching in its recollection of Saul's difficult past as he tries to come to terms with it.The fact this film was made and distributed (and playing for more than a month in some theatres) is a victory in itself - not only because it is a film of good quality but mainly for frankly addressing some of the worst parts of Canadian history - recent and not so recent. Hopefully, similar stories will be told.

Every Canadian needs to watch this movie to learn of Canada's actual history towards the Indigenous people or as I would say "The First People" of this country. Perhaps if people watched this movie they would get a better understanding of what the government has done to generations of Canada's First People.

I knew alot about the residential schools before watching this movie. I really like how this movie was directed. It showed the true horrors of the residential system maybe not in full detail, but close enough. I like how the only seemly good person turned out to be the worst person in Sauls life. Showing this clip at the end of the movie was perfect. It really makes it stick into the audiences head what these poor unfortunate souls went through/ still go through. I'm glad this movie was made.

Not easy to watch. 6 of us went and discussed afterwards. Worth watching and leaves you thinking...