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Powwow Highway

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6.6/10 • 24

1989-02-241h 31m

DramaComedy

Two Northern Cheyenne men take a road trip from Montana to New Mexico to bail out the sister of one of them who has been framed and arrested in Santa Fe. On the way, they begin to reconnect to their spiritual heritage.

Directors
Jonathan Wacks
Writters
Janet Heaney, Jean Stawarz
Editors
Janet Heaney, Jean Stawarz, Jim Stewart

Top Billed Cast

View Credits
  1. A Martinez

    A Martinez

    Buddy Red Bow

  2. Gary Farmer

    Gary Farmer

    Philbert Bono

  3. Joanelle Romero

    Joanelle Romero

    Bonnie Red Bow

  4. Amanda Wyss

    Amanda Wyss

    Rabbit Layton

  5. Sam Vlahos

    Sam Vlahos

    Chief Joseph

  6. Wayne Waterman

    Wayne Waterman

    Wolf Tooth

  7. Margot Kane

    Margot Kane

    Imogene

  8. Geoffrey Rivas

    Geoffrey Rivas

    Sandy Youngblood

  9. Roscoe Born

    Roscoe Born

    Agent Jack Novall

Reviews1

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Peter McGinn Avatar

Peter McGinn

Aug 24, 2020

10/10

This is one of a handful of obscure gems that I will place on my list of 25 favorite movies when I get around to creating the list (Finnegan Begin Again also comes to mind). This is truly an ensemble cast putting in superlative performances. It is not a message movie, which are sometimes heavy handed, but a serious thread runs through it in the form of indigenous people’s treatment, history and rights, but the story is not weighed down by the message. Gary Farmer is delightful as an optimistic young Cheyenne who buys a pony (aka a Buick) and join forces with a Viet Nam vet who is an activist. They go on a road trip, with Farmer’s character using the old ways to gather power so that they can provide assistance to their reservation. There s tension and drama, but humor balances the story nicely. And the great actor Graham Greene puts in an appearance also. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by David Seals, a real life activist for indigenous people and long time member of AIM (American Indian Movement). It is difficult to find this out of print movie for less than $40 the last time I checked. I have a grainy copy I transferred from VHS to DVD with a grainy picture, but it will have to do as I do watch it every few years, and I think I am due for another viewing.

Media

  • Powwow Highway poster
  • Powwow Highway poster
  • Powwow Highway poster

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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
--
Revenue
--
Keywords
native americanindigenous peoples