Search - Dreamkeeper on DVD

Boo, amazon reviewer

03/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Amazon reviewer guy obviously has no clue about what this story is actually about, or why the film format is really groundbreaking for Native American film and DOES work, wonderfully. It really isn't a typical Hallmark film. He thinks the special effects are cheesy because he doesn't understand these stories that are being told... and missed the humor of a lot of it. It's not about "myths" in the way that White people see myths. It's about how story is life. THIS IS NOT A CHEESY HALLMARK MOVIE. It's really artfully done and is not a typical TV movie about why mainstream culture should loooove those Interesting and Spiritual Native Americans. I hope this film won't get labeled as a Nice Family Film About Myths. The only reason it's a TV movie by Hallmark is probably because this was the only way to fund such a high-budget Native film. What's too bad about that is that it won't get seen by the independent/art film crowd who might give it the awards that it deserves.Honestly, not to offend anyone, but I think that this film wasn't made for White people, it's really more for Native people who will understand its importance. It's kind of how there are a lot of important films about White people/white american culture FOR White people who share the culture of the characters that other people can watch and either misunderstand (due to lack of understanding of white american culture) or try to view it in its context and understand the white perspective. In the same way, this film needs to be seen in its own context, apart from the fact that it was shown on TV and laced with commercials aimed at mainstream America, or that its being sold as a Hallmark movie. A lot of these stories told by the Grandfather are becoming less and less told, and now are preserved for the younger generations in a way that still respects the 'oral tradition' that they come from. I hope that eventually the film will be treated more seriously, and that all those serious film critic-types will give it more attention and recognize all the creative and profound things that are going on in the structure and plot and cinematography."

The greatest show to ever air on television

F.N. Wright | Philadelphia, PA United States | 12/30/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"ABC and Hallmark should be commended highly for putting forth this outstanding program. Dreamkeeper is absolutely brilliant in every possible way. Production, direction, writing, acting, effects, cinematography, etc... everything was remarkable. It was inspiring, moving and educational all at once. I cannot recall ever being so moved by ANYTHING on TV. This show has restored my faith in television programming, and I know many other people feel the same way. I hadn't seen or heard any advertising about Dreamkeeper but just came across it as I was channel-surfing; it stopped me in my tracks and kept me enraptured throughout the conclusion last night. Amazing.This is a must-own along with any possible tie-ins, i.e. resource & educational materials, as the content is of such a high caliber.I hope the "head honchos" over at ABC and Hallmark get this message and know how much this program meant to alot of people. For what it's worth, I am a "regular white guy" but my wife is Cherokee and African-American and we both were held speechless throughout the entire program."

Native American Cinema Classic!

Shazzar Kallie | Long Beach, CA USA | 11/14/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

""I want to tell you a story as it was told to me." This is the thesis of this wonderful three hour film. A grandfather tells his grandson (who has forgotten how to be an Indian) the Native American legends. The grandfather is a dreamkeeper who orally keeps the legends, culture and history of his people alive through stories passed down. Shane is a modern day 17 year old on the Res (the actual Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota) who embraces the gansta lifestyle.

By the end of the story you'll discover like Shane has that each of us as to walk the road of life (Good Red Road). Shane story is parallel to perhaps an ancestor of his named Eagle Boy who lived a thousand years ago. They are both on a Vision Quest (unknowingly to Shane). One of the many wonderful things about this film is that it doesn't just focus on the Lakota Nation legends, but many others for a more fuller experience. I will focus on a few major legends below to give you insight on the film:

1. Legend of Bluebird Woman and High Horse (Lakota): This is truly a treasure and the first of the many legends told by grandpa to hopefully help Shane resolve his conflicts (internal and external). You learn that a man's worth is in the good deeds he does. A real woman wants to be won with honor and not simply given away.

2. Legend of She Crosses The Water And The Thunder Spirit (Mohawk): This is almost like a dream world in the sky. This is truly visually stunning and another legend about love. You'll learn that we must always honor and respect the power of nature.

3. Legend of Tehan, The Red-Haired, White Kiowa (Kiowa): This is based on an actual story of a white man who became a true Native American. You will realize that a man's heart and spirit are more important that what blood he comes from.

4. Legend of Dirty Belly And The Dun Pony (Pawnee): This legend is truly inspiration, because it teaches that you should never count anyone out, because the least can have the ability to be the greatest. This legend has a message of faith during hard times.

5. Legend of Quillwork Girl And Her Seven Star Brothers (Cheyenne): This has to be my favorite legend, because it's simply dreamy! This is a creation story about the Big Dipper, showing us how dreams can guide us. We all should follow our dreams to realize our true destiny in life!

6. Legend of Raven (Chinook): This is a story of unselfishness, which Grandpa obviously tells Shane to inspire him to stop being so selfish and to start thinking about others. One must always think of community first in times of hardship.

7. Legend of Ekuskini And The Ghost Hunter (Blackfoot): This is a story about letting go and leaving the ghost of our past behind so we can embrace our future. We must all let go of our parents, while keeping their love deep within our hearts.

Shane Chasing Horse is a dynamic character, because he is not the same person he was at the beginning. We can learn a lot from our elders, and Grandpa makes sure that he tells Shane the importance of the stories in the sacred oral tradition. This film is a cultural treasure and the production value is as good as any blockbuster. I learned a lot about Native Americans and it made me proud to experience part of my own culture. After seeing this film no one will look at Native Americans again as those guys only used as props for John Wayne to resolve his conflict and become the the hero. In this filmatic masterpiece you'll discover many Native American heroes who will inspire you to walk the Good Red Road!

The bonus soundtrack is a treat as well, and for the price this dvd is a bargain! You will be truly enlightened and entertained! To be honest, I watch this film at least five times each year and I never tire of it, because it always leaves me wanting to know more about the Native American legends that helped shape a great people. God is Love!"

This is a DVD worth owning - the stories will stay with me

M. C. Crammer | Decatur, GA USA | 12/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The three hour length made me put off watching this DVD (it's actually from a television miniseries), but once I started watching, the time passed quickly (although I did watch it in two segments). At the risk of sounding crass, it reminded me a bit of some of the Disney efforts of the fifties to teach children folk tales and legends (Paul Bunyon, Johnny Appleseed, etc.), only the tales and legends are from the Native American tradition, and very authentic, as I understand it. The director makes use of modern techniques to create special effects (helpful as some of the legends involve supernatural effects, such as a rock turning into a bear).

This is basically a road trip story, with an old Lakota man telling stories to his grandson as they drive from South Dakota to an All Nations Pow Wow in Santa Fe, NM. The young man is in trouble with a gang, so he's anxious to get out of town. The old man is trying to get the young man back on track, but instead of lecturing him, as they travel, he tells the young man stories from their tradition that make an appropriate point. When the young man starts to talk of his love for a woman (how he got in trouble to begin with), for example, his grandfather tells him a story from the tradition about a young man who loved a woman. The stories are fascinating and like all good stories, express universal truths, for example, that being able to have whatever you want doesn't lead to happiness.

I know the DVD cautions about children, but honestly, I had trouble thinking of ANYTHING in this film that might be objectionable. I guess there was one story that someone who was prudish might have trouble with, but given television these days -- including commercials -- I wouldn't hesitate to rate this as "family viewing." I expect I will be rewatching this in the future, and the stories -- and their lessons -- will stay with me."