Karry
Best movie of this year hands down!
Grimerlana
Plenty to Like, Plenty to Dislike
SparkMore
n my opinion it was a great movie with some interesting elements, even though having some plot holes and the ending probably was just too messy and crammed together, but still fun to watch and not your casual movie that is similar to all other ones.
poe426
I learned about racism thus: I was stretched out on a porch on a bright summer day (very possibly reading a comic book, though I can't say for sure at this late date). A black kid came cruising along on a bicycle. As he passed our house, I got up and went to the rail to watch him. He was moving fast, going downhill, and there was some question in my mind as to whether or not he would manage to maintain control of his bike as he reached the intersection at the bottom of the hill. He glanced over, saw me, and gave me the most hateful look I'd ever seen. "What you lookin' at, you White Cracker?" Momentarily nonplussed, I nonetheless responded in kind: "I'm lookin' at you- Graham Cracker!" He swung the bike around and I beat a hasty retreat indoors. When I asked my mother what a "White Cracker" was, she explained the Facts of Life to me. As it turns out, I'm part Irish and part Cherokee (50/50, or thereabouts). When I see something like TRUDELL, it resonates. It's just a matter of degree.
Bioguy
I saw this film at the East Lansing Film Festival in the Spring of 2005, where Mr. Trudell spoke at Michigan State University. Mr. Trudell is a very engaging person, and whether or not you agree with his ideas or beliefs, it is quite interesting to listen to him speak. He is very frank about the fact that what he is saying is how he feels, and that it may not be the way you feel.The situation and treatment of Natives in the US can be a very polarizing issue, and I feel that this film helps define one persons feelings about the plight of the Natives in the US. The film is informative without becoming overly melodramatic. It will definitely spark a conversation after viewing! I highly recommend seeing this film.
Annie Arias
Heather Rae, the director and producer, poured herself into this movie, compiling over a decade of research and interviews about John Trudell. As a fan of Trudell's, I have waited a long time for someone to put the puzzling pieces of his life together--a daunting task for anyone to tackle. The Movie gives us a glimpse into his powerful past and how through his writing, he survived the terrible losses of his wife, children, and close friends. There is, no doubt, a mystery that surrounds the one and only Graffiti Man, but thanks to the archived footage, news stories and broadcasts from the 1960s and 1970s, coupled with photos and interviews of Trudell and the people who know him, we learn what compels the activist/artist/actor to create. The historic scenes depicting Trudell's involvement with the American Indian Movement and his remembrance of his wife, Tina, are just a few of the frames that are overlaid with the poetry of Trudell, the guitars of Jessie Ed Davis and Mark Shark, and the traditional singing of Quiltman. Everything you always wanted to know about Trudell, but were afraid to ask--the answers are right here!
alcatrooper
John Trudell is one of the great minds of our time. You may not (always) agree with him, you may not even like him, but you really should hear him. I have had the opportunity to hear a number of great thinkers of our era, and John is one of them - he brings a number of important issues to the table - issues that are important to the future of our planet (in other words, our survival). If you have a chance to see this film - I understand that it will eventually end up on PBS, but much better is the current tour with John and the maker of the film meeting with the audience - you should do so.John played an important role in the occupation of Alcatraz in 1969-71, a "protest" that up saved the Tribes - establishing self determination (of a sort) for American Indians - it caused Richard Nixon to return (with an apology) thousands of acres to Tribes that had been promised to them (then taken away).John is trying to save the planet - save us all - something we all should support and be working to do every day. We are all (potentially?) human beings and as such we should hear his words as they can inspire this goal, to our collective benefit. One of the most important films I have seen of late.
