Rating: Summary: Great Film... Somewhat Predictable Plot Solid Fun! Review: Thunderheart is the story of a straight-laced FBI agent Ray Levoi (Val Kilmer), who has been sent to investigate a murder on a reservation. Chosen because he is 1/4 Sioux, Ray has spent his life denying his Indian roots, however, on the Res, Ray is forced to come face to face with his heritage, and the conflicts the Natives feel towards the government and 'white' society. When the evidence points towards a militant Indian group called ARM, Ray begins to believe the case might soon be settled. But, things are not what they seem, and soon Ray and his newfound friends are enveloped in a wave of crime and governmental conspiracy.This is my second viewing of Thunderheart, and I liked it. While the initial plot starts off strong, the question of 'who murdered' the victim, soon is eclipsed by: "Ray discovers his Indian roots," and while I did enjoy this part, I would've preferred a little more investigation and a little less 'clueless city boy, discovers the wonders of country living,' also, I do feel that it petered out a half-way towards the end, and the villain wasn't really much of a surprise. On the plus side, I DID think Val did a good job playing the conflicted FBI agent Ray, and the supporting cast Graham Greene, Same Shepard, et all did an excellent job. I consider this film a solid 4 stars. Excellent flick, but it could've benefited from a more solid screenplay and a bit more editing.
Rating: Summary: A diamond in the rough Review: Time over time, Val Kilmer has proven that he is not just a pretty face. He has continually impressed even the most severe critics that he is a formidable actor. THUNDERHEART, to me, is among his best performances. There is some predictability in the plot: Kilmer portrays an FBI agent who is part Native-American. When he is sent to a reservation to investigate a crime, he begins to respect and embrace the heritage he had not previously acknowledged. What is not predictable, however, is how well the script avoids sentiment and focuses on Kilmer's transformation. Loosely based on the actual events surrounding Leonard Peltier's American Indian Movement, and the murders of FBI agents on the Pine Ridge reservation (all of which is the subject of Peter Matthiessen's book "In the Spirit of Crazy Horse"), THUNDERHEART is a powerful examination of the surreal and frightening life on Native American reservations. Brutality is everywhere: whites against Indians, Indians against Indians, etc. Director Michael Apted does a remarkable job of tempering the violence with scenes of beauty and with images of a peace-loving tribe of people. This is a heartbreaking film at times, but there is a sense of justice in the long-run. THUNDEHEART is not a piece of hunk-actor mind candy. This is a powerful (and underrated) film that demands your attention. It is well-worth it.
Rating: Summary: The plot kept thickening and I ran out of popcorn.... Review: Val Kilmer and Graham Greene were marvelous. Kilmer came across exactly as he was supposed to. An arrogant show-off who's afraid to face up to who he really is. He's afraid not only of his roots, but of his past, and before he can solve the case, he has to face them head on. He has a long row to hoe. Graham Greene is always a delight and he proved to be in top form in Thunderheart. He's arrogant, humorous, sad, all at the same time. He becomes Kilmer's friend without Kilmer actually realizing it. He simply becomes who he portrays, and that is an art. This movie kept me on the edge of my seat, and happily and suspencefully munching until I ran out of popcorn, and had to switch to my fingernails. Great movie!!!
Rating: Summary: One of the Best, but least-known movies of all time !!! Review: We have more movies than you can imagine, but we watch this movie probably every 2 months. And if this says anything for it, I'm an action and comedy kind of guy, and my wife is a chick-flick and foreign film person. We both love everything about this movie. This movie was very well done. All of the acting is well-performed. For being a drama/action movie, it has some great little twists of humor at times. I probably can't say enough about it that hasn't already been said in the good reviews already written here.
Rating: Summary: One of the Best, but least-known movies of all time !!! Review: We have more movies than you can imagine, but we watch this movie probably every 2 months. And if this says anything for it, I'm an action and comedy kind of guy, and my wife is a chick-flick and foreign film person. We both love everything about this movie. This movie was very well done. All of the acting is well-performed. For being a drama/action movie, it has some great little twists of humor at times. I probably can't say enough about it that hasn't already been said in the good reviews already written here.
Rating: Summary: Great Music, Hot Star Review: Well, I've only heard the music from the movie, but I do know the star of Thunderheart is fine as HECK!!! If anyone else thinks Val Kilmer is the finest man on earth, email me.
Rating: Summary: Bang For Your Buck Review: What can I say? The cast (especially Graham Greene) are great, and the movie keeps you watching til the last second. You'll enjoy this.
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