Search - Wind River on DVD

Enjoyable film loosely based on book "The White Indian Boy"

Mark E. Baxter | Layton, UT United States | 09/23/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a somewhat fictionalized account of the book about the true adventures of Nick Wilson called "The White Indian Boy" or "Among the Shoshones" depending on which edition you read. Both titles have the same text.The book was more thorough and funnier but covers a longer time frame than this movie.Basically, this movie describes the adventures of a 12 year old pioneer boy who runs away from his family and the drudgery of work on a frontier farm. He is lured away by Indians who promise him a horse if he will consent to be adopted by the Indian Chief's mother as the white child she dreamed she would have to replace the two other sons she has just lost.He then lives and travels with the Shoshone Indians of Wyoming, Utah, and Idaho for 2 years. He becomes the adopted brother of the famous Chief Washakie and learns Indian skills from hunting to fighting. Karen Allen, the best known actor in the film, is listed as the star but she really only has a small part. The main character is Nick Wilson with strong and authentic supporting roles by the Shoshone Indian actors. After 2 years, Nick returns home and meets up with his brother who has been searching for him all these years.The main strength of this movie is the sympathetic portrayal of the American Indian. One weakness of this movie is that Indian life is idealized, much like Kevin Costner in "Dances With Wolves". The book does a much better job pointing out the bad as well as the good of Indian culture.I would recommend this as a solid family film and would recommend reading the book after for a fuller and more true account."

Review of Wind River

Jeremy Morningstar | Cheyenne, Wyoming | 12/28/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This an excellent movie. Blake Heron plays a supurb role as Nick Wilson. A. Martinez does an equally outstanding job as the Shoshone Warrior Moragoni. The Wind River tells the true story of Nick Wilson who lived among the Shoshone for a couple of years, and was one of the original rides of the pony Express. The live style and philosphy of Chief Washakie is told through the acting of Russell Means.
As a resident of the state of Wyoming the now home of the Wind River Reservation adn the Shoshone and Arapaho people I totally enjoyed the Wind River. I have this movie on VHS but now plan to purchase a copy on DVD."

Excellent Family Entertainment

William Welch | Pocatello, Idaho USA | 08/08/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This production is a pretty accurate depiction of a young pioneer boy's memoirs. The son of struggling Mormon immigrants, he chooses to spend a couple of years among the Wind River Shoshoni. The Shoshoni language is used to good effect. The filmmakers present the lives and values of traditional Shoshoni people in a good way. An excellent, honest introduction to Native cultures and traditions for people of all ages. The occasional lapses in production values can be forgiven in this positive and life-affirming film."

Cross-cultural example

William Welch | 01/12/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This little known video is an excellent example of good cross-cultural story telling. It portrays both the Mormon and the Shoshoni cultures accurately and with respect. Unlike "Dances with wolves" which tells a similar story, the young man returns to his people. This has the benefit of being a true story. Scenery and photography are beautiful and make it a visually great movie for the old West. Good family entertainment with respectful approach to problem of inter-cultural identity and multi-cultural sensitivity."