Unbowed (1999)

I'm not a fan of typical Westerns. This movie for me isn't a Western. It's a beautiful story, set in the late 1800s. The movie basically is about Lakota warriors, one of them a chief, sent to an all Black college as a test to see if Indians can learn.There is racism and racist comments directed towards the Lakota warriors, especially by Junius, played By Catero Colbert. He does a fantastic job of making you hate him.The movie from beginning to end captivated me. I have already watched this movie fives times very recently! Waka Mani(played masterfully by incredible actor, Jay Tavare)is a very proud, honest, rebellious,strong, determined Lakota chief. Tavare's portrayal is so impressive to me because from the minute he appears on screen, he has the viewer in the palm of his hand. The character is multi faceted and colorful.I also rather enjoyed the love story. It's obvious the two characters, Cleola and Waka Mani are curious about and attracted to each other from their first meeting.All the players are incredible here. The entire movie is full of rich characters. You get the sense of the strong bond between the Lakota warriors. These are obvious men with strong friendship. There is a sad scene that truly proves that.Ron Glass is, as always, brilliant in his role as the hard,strict president of the college.The love story is beautiful. You root for the characters the entire time. There is a very tasteful,sensuous and beautiful love scene in this movie.My only complaint is that the movie, though two hours was not turned into a mini series. You are left wondering what happened after the two main characters left together.There is a lot of history here that most of us weren't taught in school. Do yourself a favor and buy this movie.

I saw the movie late the other night on Black Starz and was really impressed. To me it falls in line with movies that I love like "Imitation of Life", "Feast of All Saints" and "Gone with the Wind"...yes, I know that is not "black cinema" but the movie embodies the first black Oscar Winner. I thought Unbowed was a great love story and I missed the opportunity to see it from the beginning but when it ended I was begging for more. Anyone know where this movie may be purchased? If it's on this site, forgive me as I have not been on this site before. What I wonder about the movie is if it was a novel or screenplay and where I can find the book if possible. What the movie also did was spark my interest in what had happened to the late actress Michelle Thomas who played a character in the film. She will be greatly missed. Anyone out there that has some insight to the film hit me back.

This movie challenges ones mind to see racism from another perspective. It forces the issue of racism not on a black/white side of things, but an African American and Indian proportionally view.Both having the same feelings, both having two sides of understanding life, its balance for the future, and its weight on the past. Both predilection of learning what it means to be a citizen in a country bent on prejudice. Both facing prejudice from within the confines of the college they attend.An African American woman must learn to surpass the boundaries of those in her presence to accept the love whom she teaches. Her many admirers surround her in protection of her innocence one of whom she is engaged.A young Indian Chief must confront his own prejudices and those around him to find freedom among the free who persecute him because of his savage nature.Escape could lead to death. Will she follow him and leave behind all she had gained for the love of a savage and face unknown obstacles?The element of emotion between these two will absolutely stir you. the feeling of anger and hostility will ignite you. You'll fall in love with these two! Exceptional and very tastefully moving on both sides of the divide!!!!!Very Highly Recommended!!!!!!!!

Jay Tavare's role as Waka Mani was played as if he were "born to it". Tembi Locke's portrayal as Cleola was fabulous. The combination of Jay & Tembi was beautiful. The other actors were cast precisely and "hats off" to the casting director for taking the time to hand pick each actor.Although it is considered a western, Unbowed is much more than that. It is a story about pre-prejudices, racism that exist between two minority groups, acceptance and learning to work together towards a common goal and most of all it is a story of love. Love has no color. I highly recommend this movie.