runamokprods 'Thunderheart' occasionally Hollywoodizes the Native American story in shallow, obvious ways, but overall it's a solid political thriller, with probably my favorite, most vulnerable performance by Val Kilmer, along with a great supporting turn by Graham Greene. While some of the bad guys are a little too obviously evil in a Snidely Whiplash, mustache- twirling way, and Kilmer's conversion from straight down the middle FBI man to sensitive, spiritual 'real' Sioux is a little quick and facile, the film still has more than it's share of tense, moving, and thought provoking moments. One of those ever more rare big Hollywood films that's still about something. Great photography by Roger Deakins.

metalrox_2000 Wow, this quite simply has to be one of the most entertaining films ever made. Never before has the plight of the Native Americans been handled in such a manner. There is no stereotypical handling at all, and the beliefs are treated and handled with care.Everyone excels in their roles. Val Kilmer is amazing as Ray Levoi, the FBI agent with native blood who's running from his past, mainly because of shame over his father, who was a drunk. Graham Greene is perfectly cast as Walter Crow Horse. Sam Sheppard as Levoi's corrupt partner investigating a murder on Indian land with Levoi. Ted Thin Elk gives one of the bets performances as the lovable Grandpa Sam Reaches. Sehlia Tousey is great as well in a supporting role as the ill-fated Maggie Eagle Bear.The film moves swiftly, with twist and turns set against the perfect back drop. Too see a nation of people reduced to living in the squaller that they are in this film is unsettling, and serves as the perfect backdrop to the plot and story. Vetern actor Fred Ward also performs well, if be it a little underused, as to evil JAck Milton. Look for Iconic singer David Crosby in a cameo appearance as a Bartender.The murder of a Tribal leader named Leo Fast Elk unearths a plot between Sheppard's Frank Coutelle and Ward's Milton to mine the Indian land for a valuable mineral. This is learned by Levio as he and Crow Horse attempt to unravel the mystery, all the time, keeping guard against the corruption of Coutelle and Milton. Coupling this dilemma, Levoi is becoming more and more in touch with his Indian blood, as the line between honor to blood, and duty to country become increasingly blurred.This is an excellent dramatic film set against a real story. Next to his performance as Jim Morrison, this ranks as perhaps Val Kilmer's best work. This is a must see film for everyone, and quite simply, could be one of the greatest films in American movie history.

Jackson Booth-Millard I like the lead actor, the critics give it four out of five, I think that's the only reason I watched it, and I'm a little disappointed that I stuck it out, because it got both confusing and boring, from director Michael Apted (Extreme Measures, The World Is Not Enough). Basically FBI agent Ray Levoi (Val Kilmer), with a Sioux Indian background, is helping out a murder investigation at a reservation in the Badlands of South Dakota, where he is coming to terms with his heritage. He rejects the tactics of his fellow agents, who want to cover up rather than solve the crime. He gets help from Walter Crow Horse (Graham Greene), who I guess has some association with his heritage, and fellow agent Frank Coutelle (Sam Shepard) is concerned. Also starring Fred Ward as Jack Milton, Fred Dalton Thompson as William Dawes, Sheila Tousey as Maggie Eagle Bear, Chief Ted Thin Elk as Grandpa Sam Reaches, John Trudell as Jimmy Looks Twice, Julius Drum as Richard Yellow Hawk, Sarah Brave as Maisy Blue Legs and rock musician David Crosby as Bartender. Robert De Niro might have helped in production, but it doesn't change my opinion that not all of this makes sense to me, I mean there are some very small moments of interest, but not enough to make me want to see it again. Okay, worth seeing at least once, in my opinion!

mjhalta I have watched this movie several times and it is a valued part of my collection. Not all the movies in my collection are worth collecting but this one is. The acting is superb with Val Kilmer and Graham Greene putting in what I think should have been Oscar winning performances. The setting of this movie is extremely realistic with the current 3rd world conditions of reserves clearly on display. This is a great mystery with native culture, values and visions thrown in to keep it interesting. The ending is satisfying and it would have been nice to have Kilmer and Greene team up again(Sequel) as there was a lot of good team chemistry going on between them.