The plot revolves around a Montana tracker, named Lewis Cates, who believes there to be a lost tribe of Native American in the wilds of Montana. In fact, legend had it that a tribe of Cheyenne had been swallowed up by the Montana wilderness sometime towards the end of the nineteenth century and never heard from nor seen again. A loner with some personal issues, Cates teams up with Professor Lillian Sloan, an anthropologist and professor of Native American studies who happens to speak the language of the Cheyenne and is familiar with their customs. Together, they go off exploring in the remote and vast, breathtaking woodlands of the American Northwest, looking for this lost tribe. It is there that the Cheyenne find them, rather than the other way around.
Tom Berenger is perfectly cast as the rugged tracker, and he gives a low key, commanding performance. Barbara Hershey, one of the best, though most under rated, actresses around, gives a simply superlative performance. Through her one gets a sense of the wonder she feels at the opportunity that has presented itself to her. It is a chance of a life time to get to know a people who remain uncorrupted by the influence of other cultures. It is an opportunity to live a piece of history. There is a profound respect for people and their customs that she radiates, as befitting a serious anthropologist. There is also a budding romance between Cates and Sloan, which Berenger and Hershey pull off well, as it seems to be a romance that is founded on mutual respect.
Those who play the roles of the Native Americans are excellent, with special kudos to those who play the characters Lone Wolf and Yellow Wolf. These roles are played with a certain dignity and stoicism that lend an air of authenticity to their existence in the film. Their humanity is palpable, making it believable that Sloan and Cates would want to stay with them and share in the simplicity of their lives. Last, but certainly not least, mention must be made of director Tab Murphy, who beautifully directed this most memorable of films. This is a movie that can be enjoyed by the entire family. It is a film that those who are interested in other cultures, as well as those who simply love a great movie, will enjoy. Bravo!
Although the premise is almost too fantastic, the characters are very believable. The performances are excellent. With filming in the American northwest, Canada, and Mexico, the scenery is breathtaking. Direction and the sound track support and complement the acting and scenery, making the movie a wonderful experience.
This movie could have become sappy and condescending. Instead it achieved a level of honest entertainment and respect for its subject. It is highly recommended to anyone interested in American history, Native American customs, the wilds of America, or who just plain like a good story. It's an unforgettable movie with no ax to grind, no heavy-handed moral to tell.
A very, VERY sweet movie that is interesting, gripping, has some mystery, romance, and is fine for the whole family. Highly recommended.
Beautiful scenery (I always love beautiful scenery) and two wonderful main characters. Tom Berenger is a grumpy, reclusive and rather shy tracker who get sucked into a very unusual quest -- to find a lost Native American Tribe. He is wonderful in his roll -- he does "grumpy but lovable" better than most other actors I can think of.
Barbara Hershey is fantastic too. Beautiful, brainy, capable, dedicated and a perfect compliment to Berenger's character. I really admired her in this film.
I won't reveal too much of the plot here, but it is a delightful film, and I highly recommend it. Maybe a little on the longish side, but I wouldn't have it any other way. One of my favorite movies to date.
