War Party (1988)

User Rating:

6.1/10   

Director:

Franc Roddam

Writer (WGA):

Spencer Eastman (written by)

Release Date:

29 September 1989 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Drama

Tagline:

One hundred years after the Battle of Milk River, both sides agreed to reenact it...No one was supposed to get hurt...The cavalry was supposed to shoot blanks...The Redskins weren't supposed to fight back.

Plot:

A group of re-enactors attempt to stage a hundred year anniversary battle between US Cavalry and Blackfeet Indians...

Plot Keywords:

Reenactment | Native American | Fugitive | Independent Film

Cast

Billy Wirth	...	Sonny Crowkiller
Kevin Dillon	...	Skitty Harris
Tim Sampson	...	Warren Cutfoot
Jimmie Ray Weeks	...	Jay Stivic
Kevyn Major Howard	...	Calvin Morrisey
Jerry Hardin	...	The Sheriff
Tantoo Cardinal	...	Sonny's Mother
Bill McKinney	...	The Mayor
Guy Boyd	...	Major Crawford, National Guard
R.D. Call	...	Posse Member #1
William Frankfather	...	The Governor
M. Emmet Walsh	...	Colin Ditweiler
Dennis Banks	...	Ben Crowkiller / Dead Crow Chief
Saginaw Grant	...	Freddie Man Wolf
Rodney A. Grant	...	The Crow (as Rodney Grant)

Also Known As:

War Game (USA)

Runtime:

Denmark:99 min | USA:97 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Iceland:16 | Chile:14 | Finland:K-16 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Montana, USA

Company:

Hemdale Film

Quotes:

Skitty Harris: Hey, I'm three-eighths.
Sonny Crowkiller: Yeah, and five-eighths nuts.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Drama Connections: Auf Wiedersehen, Pet (#1.1)" (2005)

Soundtrack:

Ma Ha Pi

Proud Blackfeet warriors not giving in to white oppression

The reason why I gave the film "War Party" a 7 out of 10 was because of how the Native Americans were portrayed. Although it was an all round good film, there would never be a major manhunt for the youngsters who flee a battle re-enactment after it turns violent. The point is the whole problem wouldn't have happened in the 1st place if whites in general were alot more understanding and compassionate of the Native ways (in this case the Blackfoot ways). Racism towards the Indians was the whole underlying theme to this film and the constant friction that existed in it. Its just something that hasn't changed in all these mega years. The unfortunate reality is that the only way that there will ever be any real peace and co-existence is if white society as a whole truly takes the time and willingness to educate themselves properly about Native Americans.

But....... ANYWAYS......... thanks for allowing me to give my review on this film.... take care and I look forward to giving a new review on a different Native film. :D