Pow Wow Highway [DVD]

This is a DVD that is so hard to find or so over priced I could never afford it. If you know.you know. Now that we have Reservation Dogs, this is truly dated, but important historically in Indigenous representation. And Gary Farmer, now seen in Reservation Dogs and Resident Alien, is priceless. If you can't find your own copy, the whole movie lives on YouTube.

I loved the book and I love the movie--but in a different way. The movie changed a lot of the details, of course, but is true to the spirit of the book.Buddy Red Bow (he was Red Bird in the book) is an activist in Lame Deer, MT, who opposes strip-mining the reservation, so the Bureau of Indian Affairs arranges to have his sister arrested in New Mexico in order to get him out of town. He and friend Philbert Bono set out in an old junker car called "Protector" to get her out of jail. The story is an engaging adventure filled with drama, detours, and plenty of humor. At first it appears that Philbert (Gary Farmer) is the one on a vision quest, but as the story unfolds, it turns out that the hot-headed Buddy is searching for meaning, too.This is definitely magical realism, so if you're hoping for straight documentary about Native Americans, forget it. But the underlying foundation is firm: a thoughtful and multi-layered look at contemporary Indian life, interwoven with history, culture, legends, attitudes, and more. All the performances are stellar, from the main stars to the supporting children. (Watch for the book author's son.) I watch this movie at least once a year and have loaned the DVD to lots of friends.

I am finally writing reviews for my favorite films, this is one of them. This film is very funny and spiritually guiding. The reasons to watch this film are: good story, good acting, good direction, good teachings, good environmental themes and teaching that we can all find peace and our own path - via connecting to our own spirit, with the help of ancestors, but not necessarily with the help of elders. It's producers are a respectful film company in the UK including former Beatle - George Harrison. This film is very timely with the current Idle NO More movement in Canada, and now the US, bringing attention to continuing treaty rights violations, corporate negotiations for resource rights, environmental protection and the power gathering, dancing and drumming - power of the Pow Wow. I like the stops along the Pow Wow highway at power gathering points, which mirrors the steps along each of our own life's road ... sometimes gathering power, sometimes giving power away. I write about serious lessons in this story, but life is funny, mysterious, unexplainable. This film tells the story of two people who need to become aware of why it is important for them to be close friends, and support each other - no questions asked-.

This deceptively simple "road buddy" film was first introduced to me in 1991 when I was researching Native American culture for my 2 children so they would better understand their heritage. What a feast for the eyes,ears and spirit! The score,some of it by Robbie Robertson (U2) is a wonderfully effective backdrop that carries us into the world of one Native American's unique vision quest. One scene that comes to mind is when the gentle Cheyenne named Philbert Bono (Gary Farmer) surveys a dilapidated junk yard full of wrecked cars, but sees instead a herd of wild ponies galloping on the plain. His choice of a "pony" is a broken down Buick,yet to him it's as noble as any horse that ever ran. And so it goes. A. Martinez is facinating as Buddy RedBow, Philbert's activist friend who joins him on the road. The film weaves together humor and pathos,fantasy and realism for a story that entertains while it touches the spirit and makes one feel,at least for a little while, as if life could indeed be as Philbert sees it; and wouldn't that be a wonderful,magical thing! I have not seen this film since 1992 and thought I might never again. That Pow Wow Highway is available now is a dream come true. I cannot recommend it highly enough!

Had read the book from which the movie was made. Enjoyed it so much,hated for it end. Especially that the reason for their trip wasn't resolved. As for the movie itself, the actors chosen to play the main characters fit their parts perfectly making it easy to get swept along in the action. The downside of the movie was that a number of the really involved scenes , lacking the build up/ purpose which the book created, was lacking in the movie. This could leave the viewer unable to thoroughly appreciate what led up to it.

I could understand why some of the Indian people who live on reservations have a different viewpoint of what goes on around them. But there are those who have a dream and pursue it even when others don't think they are so smart. I felt really sad when Graham Greene appeared as a veteran but still capable of defending a friend. Philbert named his brown "pony" car the right name, Protector. Later the car would go down into a canyon and Philbert was thought to have been killed. But he came up saying his pony had thrown him. His pony protected him.To some this would be a funny movie, to others it would seem silly in this modern day. Not all Indian people are completely assimilated into the "modern days" culture. Philbert was in between but he knew what he was being called to do and be. It was really a good movie and deserved the Filmakers Tropy at the Sundance Film Festival. And yes I am an American Indian living in the southern plains.

a funny and enjoyable film with an underlying spiritual message and insights into the seedier side of Native American treatment by US agencies that still goes on.

Gary Farmer is a hoot ! Very talented actor (and musician). Definitely a keeper for your movie collection. I'm also really pleased with the quality of products and service from importcds. True to their word :)

Product was as described and shipped promptly.

I choose this movie to add to my classic collection. I liked it for its plot. The title was eye catching, especially to those who travel the Pow Wow Highway.

Good