The Mystic Warrior (1984) (TV)

Director:

Richard T. Heffron

Writers:

Ruth Beebe Hill (novel)
Jeb Rosebrook (writer)

Release Date:

20 May 1984 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Saga about a proud band of Sioux Indians, and the efforts of one brave to save his people from destruction through the use of mysterious powers handed down by ancestors. |

Plot Keywords:

Based On Novel

Awards:

Won Primetime Emmy. Another 3 nominations

Cast

Robert Beltran	...	Ahbleza
Devon Ericson	...	Heyatawin
Rion Hunter	...	Tonweya
Victoria Racimo	...	Napewaste
Nick Ramus	...	Olepi
James Remar	...	Pesla
Ned Romero	...	Wisa
Ron Soble	...	Wanagi
Will Sampson	...	Wambli
Roger Campo	...	Young Pesla
Hortensia Colorado	...	Heyatawin's Mother
Brigitte Gault	...	Kipanna
Apollonia Kotero	...	Wicahpi
Ivan Naranjo	...	Ogle
Branscombe Richmond	...	Miyaca

Runtime:

USA:300 min (including commercials)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Company:

Warner Bros. Television

Trivia:

Was originally a nine hour mini-series entitled "Hanta Yo" (The title of the book the movie was based on) to be aired in 1980, instead aired in 1984 as a five hour mini series re-named "The Mystic Warrior".

A fine series with real Indians, great entertainment and educational

I still remember fondly watching this series and recording it on my VCR in the 80s. This series really focused on life of the plains Indians, mainly before the white settlers arrived. All the Indians in this series looked real. A lot of care was given to the details of how they looked,dressed,painted themselves and their horses when they went to war, also to their way of life in the camps or villages, the growing up of the young warriors, how they went to look for a vision and thereby acquired a name. A lot of interest was invested in the life of the shaman and his role in the community. There was also a lot of action: the competition among the adolescents, the buffalo hunting, the warfare among the tribes, and finally the confrontation with the whites. This series was running in the afternoon and targeted at children, but I admit to having been fascinated by it even as an adult. This series was never boring and absolutely deserves to be offered as a (double) DVD. I would certainly buy it immediately. I think this series was equal to or better than Dances With Wolves for people interested in native American life on the great plains before it was drastically changed by the whites with their limitless greed and disregard of mother nature. Hans