i-34252 At the time of my writing this there were 11 reviews (as opposed to just ratings). The average rating of these 11 reviews was 9. 9 out of a possible 10. Having now had this movie inflicted upon me, I cannot see how these ratings could even remotely be legitimate.This movie was terrible. Admittedly, movies full of ack-tors and path-oss and Deep Meaning are really not my usual first choice. But I figured, given all of these stellar reviews, how could I possibly go wrong? Very easily, I guess.Every single adult in this picture is entirely dysfunctional. The spectrum of dysfunctionality ranges from basic autism at the most forgivable end and goes across completely fraudulent, rank infidelity, BS artist, obsessively self preoccupied, and on throughout what seems to be every possible human failing. It is an ongoing human train wreck nestled in a beautiful natural environment and garnished with lovely music.In the middle of this waltz of jerks is a preternaturally pretty little girl of about 11 years old who's the only decent person amongst them. She's depicted as genuinely sweet, and an endless well of kindness and patience and apparently capable of forgiving the unvaryingly appalling behavior of everyone adult around her. It was actually quite disturbing to watch in horror as every adult repeatedly emotionally detonated around this poor little girl, leaving her blasted like a starling before the storm.And so naturally the only adult she even vaguely manages to connect with is the artistic one who, of course, is the one who dies, willy- nilly, at the end of the picture (basically out of nowhere) simply in order to serve some ridiculous notion of Symbolic Meaning.It is an appalling truth of daily human life that we, each of us, have to live with our own feet of clay and those of everyone around us. Why on earth does anyone want to go see a movie that reaches to demonstrate just how bad that can get? And just how emotionally squished kids can get in the process.Bleck.

de_annmarks A wonderful summer movie with complicated characters and beautiful scenery. The cinematography is breathtaking. Johnny Sequoyah and Will McCormack have a great chemistry together. The narrative that Joey (Johnny Sequoyah) does throughout the film is thought provoking and mindful. Anyone who comes from a dysfunctional family or a broken home will be able to identify with this film and the actions of the characters. The plot draws you in and you root for Chad and Joey, they each have a sweetness the exudes off of the screen. Be on the lookout for more from Johnny Sequoyah! She is on my watch list for up and coming young stars!

samanthamarkey1492 I was drawn to Among Ravens for the cast. I am an avid Amy Smart fan and the films she picks are always ones I like. I also always love seeing an actor's debut film, and this is Johnny Sequoyah's first! These leading ladies did not disappoint. Amy's ability to get inside her character's head and depict to the audience a genuine and relatable human experience is mesmerizing to watch. Johnny's character was absolutely my favorite part of the film. Her ability to show that a child's perspective can be the most insightful and truthful left me pondering how life can affect and warp our perspective's through the years and how important it is to be reminded of how we once viewed the world. Thanks to the gorgeous cinematography, I now know how beautiful Idaho is and will definitely be planning a trip there one day! It is refreshing to see a film that is both produced and directed by Cherokee Native Americans, to see their vision and control behind the camera instead of a stereotypical portrayal of them in front of it, is truly important.

Steph Claire This is a great film filled with beauty, complex relationships, and emotions. In my opinion, the striking cinematography and Idaho nature is what separated this film from others about dysfunctional families. I also think the raven motif carries the plot along well, especially as the ravens are related to the characters and their relationships with one another. Johnny Sequoyah's character, Joey, really stands out! She is incredibly strong throughout the movie, and her narration keeps the storyline tied together nicely. Chad, played by Will McCormack, is the other character I was drawn to. His unexpected friendship with Joey is endearing, especially as we notice that they are both outsiders observing the family vacation. Tons of great performances, I definitely recommend this film. It really does avoid clichés, and the ending is not at all predictable.