Windwalker (1980)

The Age of Commercialism

This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

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

A native Indian family fleeing from an area struck by disease, is forced to be on the move during winter, and grandfather is sick. With the last of his strength the old patriarch ascends to his death platform to join his ancestors. In these hard times resources are dear, and a sick and dying old man with nothing more to contribute to the family must do the noble thing and not be a burden to his kin. He would slow them down and consume food, blankets, space and warmth that should nurture those who will carry on his line. He must go with dignity and walk on the wind. It is his time.But as it happens this old man's greatest adventure and finest moments are yet before him, and as we shall see, he will not only contribute a much greater boon to his family than they or he could ever imagine, but he will ultimately find closure to a great tragedy he suffered in his own youth. Windwalker is a refreshingly different film. All dialogue is spoken in authentic native dialects, with subtitles where necessary to aid the telling. The story unfolds through the use of the sparing English narration and wonderful visuals. Also refreshing is the absence of any caucasian/native interaction and angst. All characters are native North American Indian. Good guys, bad guys, those whom the viewer decides himself/herself are good bad or otherwise, all are seen in a setting that predates the arrival of Europeans on the scene. Too, it can be seen that the indigenous way of life really wasn't idyllic just because Caucasians had yet to come along and 'ruin' it! There is disease, famine, rapacious attacks from neighboring rival bands... Sort of like Europe in a way, wasn't it? Free of heroic 'indian fighter' themes such as early cowboy movies had, Windwalker is also free of the latest theme in which the 'white men' are portrayed as having destroyed the native's presumed blissful former lifestyle. It is a blessing to be able to watch and share a movie with a North American native setting that is completely free of any political leanings one way or another. No racial tension or posture exists because it's all native. Bravo!The story unfolds with enthralling straightforward simplicity, and spiced with occasional dry humour, reaches a satisfying conclusion. Suitable for all ages, this is a movie well worth watching.

Great movie. Saw it a long time ago. It is a movie that is worth keeping in your collection.The best part of the movie is not its story but the way the characters are handled. But if you are in the mood to have fun when you are watching the movie, this is not for you. Watch it alone and you enjoy it more. If you are watching it with people who are more interested in the popcorn than the movie, you would never understand the movie.There are some movies that are meant to be watched and some to be seen. This is a movie that needs be seen and felt....heavy huh? :-)Happy watching