Stolen Women, Captured Hearts (1997)

Irresistible love story about a Native American who, as a little boy, had a premonition of meeting a white woman with a book, and later in his life, as a young warrior, encounters the lady of his vision fighting a caravan of white Europeans. This is the time when Native Americans were being invaded, and slaughtered. Tokalah, the young warrior played gracefully by Michael Greyeyes, sees his soulmate in the back of a wagon with another woman, and decides to let them go. At this moment, the audience is just hypnotized with his intense dark eyes. The film was inspired on a true story, pictured in the non-fiction book "Pioneer Women: Voices from the Kansas frontier", but of course director Jerry London gave it a twist, and the result is an all-time romantic classic. Anna, played by Janine Turner, is later introduced by her brother, a local preacher, to a man he thinks will be a good husband to his sister. She marries him. It was the way things were for women back then, when they didn't have a life of their own because it belonged to fathers, brothers or husbands. One day Anna together with a girlfriend, Sarah, is kidnapped by a group of Sioux, leaded by Tokalah. They took both women to live with their tribe, where they stayed for a year or so. Sarah hated her captivity, and hated the Sioux, but Anna got used to her new life, made friends, learned a new culture, and started to feel happy with her new way of living. With time, and patience, Tokalah just enchanted her with the power of his presence, his bravery, and at the same time he shows her he is a caring man, who even learned the "white language" just to get to know her better. Sarah convinces Anna to escape, but the Sioux went after the girls. Tokalah refuses to kill them or let them go, because he said he couldn't let Anna go. At that moment, he told all the rest to leave, and when finally alone with Anna, he showed her how hurt he was, and after an argument, they finally kiss for the first time! This is a beautiful story about true love, about how humans can connect when there is no prejudice, about how the heart can overcome any cultural difference, distance, or time. Canadian actor Michael Greyeyes is perfect as Tokalah, because of his origin as Plains Cree from the Muskeg Lake First Nation, in Saskatchewan. He is not only incredibly handsome in this role, but also exudes masculinity and energy as a Native American warrior. His chemistry with the beautiful Janine Turner surpasses the screen. Eventually Anna and Sarah where found by General George Custer, and returned to their old life. Custer made prisoner a tribe elder to force the liberation of the women. Even though courageous Tokalah resisted, Anna and Sarah decided to leave when he was shot, and several members of the tribe were killed. Anna back with her husband was giving up, very unhappy, when she received the visit of Sarah, who seemed a childish and empty character until this point. After a brief talk, Sarah told her friend to go back with the Sioux. Those were the words Anna needed to hear to regain her confidence, and finally left everything behind. When she arrived at the tribe, everything was burned and destroyed. Custer massacred the Sioux. I thought the movie was going to have a heartbreaking end, but not at all. Then she sees Tokalah! He was praying, sad and discouraged. At first he thought she was his vision again, but finally they touched, and hugged each other. Gorgeous, and poetic way to put an end to the film! Mesmerizing, pure romance! This movie reminds you what true love is all about, while showing a beautiful, and decent representation on Native Americans' way of life, and suffering.

When we hear about TV movies, we usually expect predictable plot lines, strained acting, and numerous holes in the plot, especially with something that airs on Lifetime periodically. Not this film.Stolen Women, Captured Hearts features a strong cast (including Janine Turner, Michael Greyeyes, and Patrick Bergin) whose emotion shines throughout the film. The score is beautiful and the plot is quite enjoyable.While most lifetime dramas focus around family drama in the present day, this film presents the story of two white women captured by Sioux Native Americans in the late 1860s and how one of the captive's emotions are tested by the temptation of her captor.The film features good drama and suspense, as well as the hostility between whites and the natives. Some historical references and even a very important real-life figure are featured in the movie. I was moved by the romance and thoroughly enjoyed the movie. I definitely recommend it.

I saw this film from beginning to end, it was the best romantic film I have ever seen, though I cant help thinking it would be a fantastic read, I have searched the internet for the book but can't seem to find one, so if anyone can help me to find it, if there is one I would be glad to hear. Any way back to the film.. The thing I did love about this film, is the "love at first sight" element, the way that Tokalah stares at Anna when they first meet in the back of the waggon, as if she is the only woman in the world, and speaking as a woman and I'm sure most other women feel the same, that is the way I love to be looked at. There was a part I found particularly moving though, it was the part where Anna and Sarah try to escape, but are later found by the indians, Tokalah takes Anna in his arms and she says, "I was so afraid you would not come looking for me." Then they share their first kiss and spend the night together under the stars. For a while I was afraid that the film would not have an happy ending, especially when Anna goes back to find her true love (Tokalah) and live with the indians, and everything is burnt to the ground, but here is where is it sad but happy at the same time, because Anna finds Tokalah praying on the ground, he is alive, you really feel the emotion of these people, the sadness and the loss, but the joy of being back together, Tokalah see's Anna but thinks she is the vision he was praying for, Anna Takes his hands and says "Can a vision touch you, can a vision love you." then they embrace one and other, its a very touching movie I promise you if you love romance you'll love this film. I would love to see this film again, 10 out of 10. thank you for the opportunity to tell people about this fantastic romantic film.

I came across this movie by chance last night while I was flipping through the channels. I landed on Lifetime Movie Network and punched the info button on my remote. I read the story line and became instantly interested. I will watch anything that has to do with Indians. Unfortunately I came in about 45 minutes into the movie. But what I saw mezmerized me! I loved it. Whoever said that Janine Turner and Michael Greyeyes were perfect together, I AGREE! They were fantastic! One of the thing that held my attentions was Michael's eyes! They are amazing! I kept watching to find out what happened. Although I watch the Golden Girls on regular Lifetime every night without fail, I substituted the Girls for Janine and Michael. I loved the movie! Unfortunatley I can't find it to buy anywhere! I meant to tape it the next time it came on, and unbeknownst to me it came on this morning at 6:30! I kicked my self profusley when I discovered I missed it! The next time this movie is on TV, watch it! I hope you love it half as much as I did. P.S. It has a happy ending! A MAJOR plus!