Too much of everything

Terrible acting, screenplay and direction.

Overrated

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

I saw this movie three times in the theatre when it came out. It's that good. Now it is on my "go to" shelf of DVDs. I choose "Thunderheart" when I'm feeling lost and struggling with choosing between Right and Easy.Amazing performances, the cinematography is breathtaking. Wonderful soundtrack. Perfect blend of drama and real events. Kudos for directing and editing that produced a tight, well woven plot. My favorite moments in the film are the subtle nuances that lead Levoy on his path--all of them filled with symbolism. When Grandpa Reaches gets Levoy to take a bite of the fruit and then leave the rest on the plate as offering; when Levoy spills the rest of his milk on the ground and the dog laps it up; when Grandpa Reaches "tricks" Levoy into taking the stone. No matter how many times I've seen it, there is one point that guarantees my tears-- "Run, Thunderheart, run...the soldiers are coming."

There's been a murder on a Sioux Indian reservation in South Dakota and it's connected to reservation politics. Assistant FBI director Fred Dalton Thompson thinks it would be a good idea to specifically assign an agent with an Indian and specifically a Sioux heritage to investigate the homicide, figuring that the insular Sioux might better cooperate with him. Agent Val Kilmer fills the bill and he's assigned to one of the bureau's top operatives Sam Sheppard who reluctantly takes him along. Even Sheppard who's a loner sees that Kilmer just might be useful here.To say that there is more on this reservation than meets the eye is putting it mildly. And Kilmer finds he has a destiny here and he does in fact solve the case with the help of reservation cop Graham Greene.When referring to Indians in the USA their various tribes are called this or that nation. Calling them a nation as far as Thunderheart is concerned is correct in more ways than one. The reservations have their own autonomy in a lot of things, but they are also covered under the Constitution of these United States although you wouldn't think so the way tribal chief Fred Ward runs things. In fact the scenes of his reservation police disregarding basic fundamental rights could come out of some third world nation. That is the scariest part of Thunderheart and the part you will remember best.There's not just murder here, there's corruption on a grand scale and that is the destiny that Val Kilmer has in this film, to root it out and expose it. Just what is going on and who is involved you have to watch Thunderheart for.Although this is a part Lou Diamond Phillips should have played, Val Kilmer does fine in the lead. Another memorable role is that of Sheila Tousey, schoolteacher and Indian activist who has a good idea of what's going on and makes no bones to Kilmer about where his loyalties should lie.Sam Sheppard's role as an FBI agent is one that never would have seen the light of day if J. Edgar Hoover was alive. You'll see what I mean when you watch Thunderheart.Thunderheart is a fine drama, nicely photographed on location with fine performances uniformly from the cast. We can only hope that tribal leaders like Fred Ward are some kind of aberration among the American Indians.

Wow, this quite simply has to be one of the most entertaining films ever made. Never before has the plight of the Native Americans been handled in such a manner. There is no stereotypical handling at all, and the beliefs are treated and handled with care.Everyone excels in their roles. Val Kilmer is amazing as Ray Levoi, the FBI agent with native blood who's running from his past, mainly because of shame over his father, who was a drunk. Graham Greene is perfectly cast as Walter Crow Horse. Sam Sheppard as Levoi's corrupt partner investigating a murder on Indian land with Levoi. Ted Thin Elk gives one of the bets performances as the lovable Grandpa Sam Reaches. Sehlia Tousey is great as well in a supporting role as the ill-fated Maggie Eagle Bear.The film moves swiftly, with twist and turns set against the perfect back drop. Too see a nation of people reduced to living in the squaller that they are in this film is unsettling, and serves as the perfect backdrop to the plot and story. Vetern actor Fred Ward also performs well, if be it a little underused, as to evil JAck Milton. Look for Iconic singer David Crosby in a cameo appearance as a Bartender.The murder of a Tribal leader named Leo Fast Elk unearths a plot between Sheppard's Frank Coutelle and Ward's Milton to mine the Indian land for a valuable mineral. This is learned by Levio as he and Crow Horse attempt to unravel the mystery, all the time, keeping guard against the corruption of Coutelle and Milton. Coupling this dilemma, Levoi is becoming more and more in touch with his Indian blood, as the line between honor to blood, and duty to country become increasingly blurred.This is an excellent dramatic film set against a real story. Next to his performance as Jim Morrison, this ranks as perhaps Val Kilmer's best work. This is a must see film for everyone, and quite simply, could be one of the greatest films in American movie history.

I loved this movie. Portions were filmed at Wounded Knee and portions were filmed on the Pine Ridge reservation. Val Kilmer is good in this. Graham Greene is excellent and Ted Thin Elk steals the show. There is violence - but there was much more at Wounded Knee. The F word is used in the movie, but not gratuitously or out of context. I recommend this movie. No Spoiler! there is happiness, sadness and a good old feeling of good and evil. Val Kilmer's scene telling Graham Greene of his "dream" is moving, touching and humorous. I would like to find more movies like this one."there is no word for goodbye in Sioux"