A very under-rated film from way-back. This film continues to illustrate the historic, persecution of a part of America's native heritage, and sets a scene of greed and exploitation on an Indian reservation. In the film, influenced by events that took place in the seventies, Val Kilmer (Ray Levoi) convincingly plays the part of an FBI agent, whose part-Sioux background makes him the prime choice to investigate a death on this Indian reservation. Teamed up with an infamous, older agent, played by Sam Shepard, the investigation leads Kilmer to the realisation that the U.S. government has framed an innocent man. This movie was very well done and gave examples of how the Indian culture really is and Graham Green played a very important part in educating us. Greene is one of my favorite Native American Indian actors. He is from the Six Nations Reservation tribe in Canada.The arid location, the Indian actors, and the haunting music of James Horner, easily takes hold of the imagination; transporting one back to the time when a culture viewed the inquisitive, intrepid explorers of old with suspicion. The intriguing Chief Ted Thin Elk, the reservation's religious leader, knows the secret of Levoi's (Kilmer) lost heritage. Wisdom emanates from this old Indian, but as the leader of a defeated people, he looks to Levoi, and sees in him the spirit of the historic 'Thunderheart'. During a touching sequence in the film, the Chief tells Levoi that he is their modern- day 'Thunderheart' and that he must make for the 'Stronghold' the historic Thunderheart was unable to reach. As the film draws to a close, Levoi finds the evidence he needs to expose the plot, despite Shepard's efforts in eliminating the witnesses. Pursued by Shepard and his henchmen, Levoi makes for the ancient, mountainous stronghold. There above him in the mountains, when all seems lost, he finds the support the old chief said would be there. This film is a must for those who can sense the legacy left to us by one of the world's deeply spiritual, nomadic nations.Overall rating: 9 out of 10.

This is one of my personal favorites. I gave it a 9 as I don't think that it's a perfect film, though it is very close. The acting is great and it's heart is in the right place. There are dozens of plot descriptions available here, so i will just tell you why you might love this film....a very honest and realistic portrayal of native Americans (by native Americans, like the excellent Graham Greene from 'Dances with Wolves').excellent location cinematography, it was filmed in the badlands.one of the most satisfying climactic scenes ever....it really feels good.the film has a fairly strong anti-government sentiment to it...(if you're all gung-ho for the US government, this film may not be for you).Thunderheart is based on actual events that happened on Pine Ridge Reservation in the 1970s. John Trudell, who plays Jimmy Looks-twice (the FBIs main suspect), was actually there! He is a real real-life Sioux activist whose character is loosely-based on Leonard Peltier. Some other quick tidbits, look for David Crosby of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young as a bartender in the bar room scene. I love the allegorical last shot of the film with Ray (Val Kilmer) in his car. Very fitting...which way to go? The whole film fits perfectly and usually I will say that many films wont appeal to every taste, however in the case of Thunderheart I will say this ....I don't know one person whose opinion I value who doesn't like this movie!further note: If you like this one try watching the 1970 classic 'Little Big Man'.

I recall that even when the movie was made, it was a hodge podge of every contrived and stereotypical movie scene acceptable, taking absolutely no chances. It is supposed to be an action think piece, but fails on all counts. The action is slow, which isn't as bad as the plot being predictable to every detail. It would be nice if the movie just took one bit of risk, but this is about as risk free as you can get. A movie that takes no chances. It just puts together every mundane acceptable situation in films. One gets the feeling that the team making this film just threw in some dialog and said "Lets make a movie". Total lack of originality and total lack of inspiration. Total bomb.

I just watched Thunderheart in the middle of the night, having heard about it, but never having watched it until now. In October of this year (08) a book I helped write with Darrell New Plenty Stars, a full blooded Oglala Lakota on the Pine Ridge Rez, was newly released. "From the Flames of Wounded Knee to the Center of God's Will" follows Darrell's life from the Rez to Vietnam and back, arriving in home just in time to become involved with the 1973 Wounded Knee standoff, from which the film Thunderheart was based. Darrell and his wife Rose live there today amid continued unrest on the Rez. In the film, when the dry grass is parted when the character searches for his relative's name, "Thunderheart", you can see also on the Wounded Knee Memorial stone,the name Red Fish, Darrell's great great grandfather. I've developed a website where you can learn more about Darrell New Plenty Stars and his book at: www.GodLovesNativeAmericans.org. If you check it out, please leave us a message.