In the late '60s and early '70s, the American Indian Movement, combined with the releases of Arthur Penn's "Little Big Man" and Tom Laughlin's "Billy Jack" drew people's attention to the plight of the indigenous peoples of the United States. In the latter movie, Laughlin plays a half-Cherokee Vietnam vet. In his inner circle, some hippies are trying to start their own school, but the rich white people in the area do everything possible to intimidate them. The bad-ass Billy Jack, who has a few hapkido skills, is forced to take charge.
Admittedly, this isn't any kind of masterpiece. The plot - peace-loving flower children and Indians vs racist thugs - is a little hokey, and the movie has a mildly amateurish look to it. One might call it an Indian blaxploitation flick. But the importance is that it called attention to how the Indians were living, along with representing how the counterculture wanted to view itself. I didn't live through the era, so I'll probably never be able to get the full experience that the movie is supposed to elicit. But I definitely recommend it.
Admittedly, this isn't any kind of masterpiece. The plot - peace-loving flower children and Indians vs racist thugs - is a little hokey, and the movie has a mildly amateurish look to it. One might call it an Indian blaxploitation flick. But the importance is that it called attention to how the Indians were living, along with representing how the counterculture wanted to view itself. I didn't live through the era, so I'll probably never be able to get the full experience that the movie is supposed to elicit. But I definitely recommend it.