1998 Directed by Chris Eyre
Young Native American man Thomas is a nerd in his reservation, wearing oversize glasses and telling everyone stories no-one wants to hear. His parents died in a fire in 1976, and Thomas was saved by Arnold. Arnold soon left his family, and Victor hasn't seen his father for 10 years. When Victor hears Arnold has died, Thomas offers him funding for the trip to get Arnold's remains.
John Brasher Marty Hutcherson Frank A. Montaño Eric Hoeschen Michael Minkler Patrick O'Sullivan James G. Williams Douglas Tourtelot
Kouřové signály, Señales de humo, Savumerkkejä, Phoenix, Arizona, Füstjelek, 스모크 시그널스, Sinais de Fumaça, Дымовые сигналы
USAPG-13
USA
Of all the stereotypes this film rejects, the one that stood out most was the idea of Native Americans not merely as Other, but as Alien, as completely separate from what is now considered "America," or more accurately, white America. What is more often referred to as pop culture, which is synonymous in many ways with white America, pervades their stories, both those told in-story and the one shown. Basketball, John Wayne, Denny's, and other indicators feature in small moments and large, weaving their stories into the wider net of modern America, defying any number of stereotypes.
I can't pretend to understand this wholly; it seems to be pointedly about Native Americans in the same way that, say, White Meadows…
You know I think a lot of people don't get this movie... since it was made by Natives for Natives. It doesn't make a movie a bad movie if you can't relate.
This movie discusses stereotypes, and touches on a lot of relatable subjects for Native Americans. Again unless you know rez life you won't get a lot of the references or relate often.
Thomas is supposed to reject the stereotype of the "stoic Native." He sees the good in people, and often pays for it. Victor is stoic but the story explains why, he has a lot of deep emotional pain over his father leaving him. This is a comment on the common broken homelife Natives experience due to…
a really beautiful, tender, and warm film… with a truly unforgivable party city wig
I've been wanting to watch this film for so long and it blew me out of the fucking water. Native American representation matters. God damn. Wonderful actors, script, soundtrack, everything. Masterpiece.
Hey Victor! I'm sorry 'bout your dad.
How'd you hear about it?
I heard it on the wind. I heard it from the birds. I felt it in the sunlight. And your mom was just in here cryin'.
It's great to see a film about Native Americans that doesn't just have them as the stereotypical stoic warrior or whatever the original Peter Pan was trying to do.
The writing comes off as genuine and authentic, and the heart of the film is very much present throughout the entire thing. The acting feels a bit wooden (sadly most notably from the leads), but they still really sell the more emotional moments, as well as the relationships they have with each other.…
Wow, is that poster ever terrible. It makes this movie seem like it is some lame version of Y tu mamá también, which definitely it is not. First off, Irene Bedard is barely even in the movie and second off, this isn't exactly a movie where people are smiling all the time, especially when the film is dealing with child abuse. Anyway, at least the movie isn't as lame as the poster is. Yes it has a rather sickeningly 90s way about it, but I think the performances overshadow any faults of the time period. Worth seeing if you don't have to go out of your way to do so.
This is often credited as one of the first 'Hollywood' movies with "American Indian actors playing American Indian characters, saying words written by American Indian screenwriters, and following direction from an American Indian director"
It came out in 1998.
very charming and pleasant film. Thomas is a lovely character. sometimes it's a good day to die and sometimes it's a good day to watch this movie
