Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (NR, 2007)
common sense media says
Melancholy saga of twilight of the American Indian.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this production, based on the nonfiction book by Dee Brown, has two intense Indian-massacre scenes -- one at the Little Big Horn in which Indians do the massacring, the other the Wounded Knee battle in which Indians are largely victims. Women and children are shown perishing in killings and disease epidemics, and a schoolhouse environment (for Indian children) seems bleak and oppressive. The downbeat tale puts across a strong theme of mistrust of the U.S. government.
Positive role models:
Charles Eastman is an especially admirable character, though he ultimately laments his choosing the "white man's path." The proud, stubborn Sitting Bull is contrasted with another chief, Red Cloud,
who trusted the white man to treat the Indians fairly. What happens strongly supports Sitting Bull's position.
who trusted the white man to treat the Indians fairly. What happens strongly supports Sitting Bull's position.
Violence:
Rifle and mortar fire shed blood in battle scenes, and there are knifings and scalpings. A bloody closeup of a leg wound, and bullets are dug out of patients without sedation. A pair of Indians are whipped. Wild animals, horses, and cattle are also slain. Dead bodies of epidemic victims shown, including children. One Indian chief compares another (who cooperates with the white man) to a woman being raped.
Sex:
Not applicable.
Language:
"Balls," "s--t," plus a single use of the f-word (by a US president).
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Indians are shown lining up for free alcohol, in the form of vile-tasting medication.
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