I found this film to be very accurate in that life for Native kids was extremely harsh in those days. It was just too disheartening for them who weren't allowed to speak their own language, practice their traditional ways, at the schools, in front of the teachers, not even when they were all alone sleeping in their dorms! Even if they were caught whispering in their own language in the dorms at night, that earned them the strap. Go figure! It was REALLY THAT BAD!! The biggest question will always remain ...... why the hell were the oppressors so afraid of Native folks and their ways?? Was it so bad for Natives to simply just live their lives in peace without being hassled all the time by white people?!?! I think this is some kind of curse against the First Nations! No other race on Earth has the kind of problems that Native people have thanks to you know who! Trust me when I say this .... no joking here.... I don't think this curse will ever go away in our lifetimes. Who knows if it'll EVER go away! But.... ANYWAYS..... that's my scoop on this film and why I gave it a 7 out of 10.

It is too bad that movies like this are not more widely publicized and seen. This movie has far more redeeming qualities and is better for the soul and heart than any blood and gore action packed swear and nudity fest flick. I would even go one better and recommend the book, because although the movie is fairly true the book has alot more that cannot be covered in a 2 hr movie.

The actors are very good, Graeme Green is wonderful as always.

This movie should be nominated for an Oscar, but of course it won't because stories about Native Americans are not nominated, or seen by the movie going public.

My husband had told me about this movie for years, and when he rented it I was skeptical, at best since he's not known for his taste in films, television, or music. The movie takes place in the Applachian Mountains where I live. It's almost the story of my husband's family, they are a mix of Blackfoot, Crow, Cherokee, and several other tribes. After seeing the film, I truly understand what they've had to endure over the years. It also makes me think of the crimes that people commit on other people, all in the name of making a group "fit in". The young boy, "Little Tree" did not ask to be born into a family who has both white and Cherokee parents. In the 1920's this was a crime that was beyond forgiveness. The grandparents are also a "mixed" couple, they raise the boy and he is wise beyond his years thanks to them! This move will make you cry, laugh, think, and rejoice. I have to say, that it's even better than MY all time favorite, The Wizard Of Oz! RENT IT, BUY IT, LOVE IT!!!!! THE very best movie I've seen in years!!!!!

P.S. Have PLENTY of tissue on hand!!!