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poster of Powwow Highway
Rating: 6.6/10 by 24 users

Powwow Highway (1989)

Two Northern Cheyenne men take a road trip from Montana to New Mexico to bail out the sister of one of them who has been framed and arrested in Santa Fe. On the way, they begin to reconnect to their spiritual heritage.

Directing:
  • Jonathan Wacks
Writing:
  • Janet Heaney
  • Jean Stawarz
  • David Seals
Stars:
Release Date: Fri, Feb 24, 1989

Rating: 6.6/10 by 24 users

Alternative Title:
Zwei Cheyenne auf dem Highway - DE
Pow Wow Highway - US

Country:
United Kingdom
United States of America
Language:
English
Runtime: 01 hour 31 minutes
Budget: $0
Revenue: $0

Plot Keyword: native american, indigenous peoples
Subtitle   Wallpaper   Watch Trailer    

A Martinez
Buddy Red Bow
Gary Farmer
Philbert Bono
Joanelle Romero
Bonnie Red Bow
Amanda Wyss
Rabbit Layton
Sam Vlahos
Chief Joseph
Geoffrey Rivas
Sandy Youngblood
Roscoe Born
Agent Jack Novall
John Trudell
Louie Short Hair
Graham Greene
Vietnam Vet
Rodney A. Grant
Brave on Horse

Peter McGinn

This is one of a handful of obscure gems that I will place on my list of 25 favorite movies when I get around to creating the list (Finnegan Begin Again also comes to mind). This is truly an ensemble cast putting in superlative performances. It is not a message movie, which are sometimes heavy handed, but a serious thread runs through it in the form of indigenous people’s treatment, history and rights, but the story is not weighed down by the message. Gary Farmer is delightful as an optimistic young Cheyenne who buys a pony (aka a Buick) and join forces with a Viet Nam vet who is an activist. They go on a road trip, with Farmer’s character using the old ways to gather power so that they can provide assistance to their reservation. There s tension and drama, but humor balances the story nicely. And the great actor Graham Greene puts in an appearance also. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by David Seals, a real life activist for indigenous people and long time member of AIM (American Indian Movement). It is difficult to find this out of print movie for less than $40 the last time I checked. I have a grainy copy I transferred from VHS to DVD with a grainy picture, but it will have to do as I do watch it every few years, and I think I am due for another viewing.


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