Posted by Dances with Beagles on March 25, 2000 at 18:11:58:
In Reply to: Stolen women (movie) posted by Helena Botros on March 23, 2000 at 05:32:56:
: There are not many movies that do much justice to the Native American Indians. The movie "Stolen women" next to "Dances with Wolves" at least made such an attempt. There are always two sides to a story and we "white people" were damn good at sounding our own drumms. Coming from central Europe, I was very much aware of the plight of the American Indians as well as Australian Aborigines. I live in Australia for the past 10 years now and will conclude my Sociology studies this year. My aim is to work with our Aboriginal people and learn from them whatever is left of their intriguing culture. My heart goes also out to all the American Indians, such wonderful people whose culture and style of living was so unscrupulously forced down into the bottomless well of history. I would love to get into contact with some representatives of their community with the aim to form future friendships.
: As to stolen Women, my compliments to the director and all the cast, especially to Michael Greyeyes who added his personal spark that made the movie a pleasure to watch.
: Michael, wherever you are, you're doing a great job. Wish you luck, don't let fame blind you. That way you'll keep all the love and respect you deserve.
: Kind regards from the one who "swims with the whales, sings with the dolphins and dreams with the natives......." Orca.
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I also enjoyed the movie (it was on TV last summer). In fact, if you go back in the Mohican WWWboard archives, you'll see some discussion of the movie, starting ~8/9/99. And it was because I really liked the movie that I searched for more information about Anna Brewster Morgan, the heroine of the story. I don't claim to have done an exhaustive search by any means, and I don't want to be the resident killjoy, but what I did find was very different from the movie (surprise, surprise). The events in her life, and the outcome, were quite tragic for her, and of course, we all know the tragic end of the Indian wars. (see the link below, about the movie. I had another interesting link, but it no longer works).
In considering movies vs. history, or movies vs. the book, I always find myself with mixed feelings. I love a well-done movie that touches my heart, whether it is a true story, based on a true story, inspired by a true story, based on a novel, or just total fantasy!
But at the same time, I wonder if we owe anything to the historical persons, or the author of the novel, to stick to the story.
On the other hand, seeing a movie that touches one's heart might inspire an exploration into the story, the history, the setting, etc. --- this website being a case in point.
And, of course, I have not reached a conclusion to this question. I never will. I'm afraid I must live with my dual-nature: the side of me that is a romantic sap, vs. my scientist side. Although, both sides agree that DDL is a dude!
Any thoughts?
Dances with Beagles