A hidden jewel in the DVD cabinet is "Powwow Highway", a Sundance winner from 1988, one of my favorite films. I'm Indian, so I may be biased, but in our redskinned hearts we love this movie, and Gary Farmer, who stars. It's contemporary, honest and authentic. Farmer is the guy in the cult film "Dead Man" by Jim Jarmeush, and his presence on screen is always powerful. Farmer plays Philbert Bono, and A Martinez is Buddy Red Bow, two guys who couldn't be more unalike. Bono believes in the old ways, and lives life as a quest. Red Bow is a modern Indian, who is an activist and cynical about his own history and that of his people. The two set off for New Mexico in Bono's "pony" to bail out Red Bow's sister, who is in jail. Graham Greene, Wes Studi and Amanda Wyss bring their star power to the film.
At 87 minutes, this movie is tight, action packed and emotionally moving, while being funny as well. There is a learning curve here for Red Bow, that we get to witness, and a sense of what the benefits can be from not turning away from who you are and your history. Farmer is the moral compass, and yet he's complex and real at the same time. Red Bow lets go of some of his righteous anger, and gains compassion and a home.
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