Spirit of the Wind (1979) User Reviews

Really beautiful film

[terryburnham · 8/10 · 8 February 2006]

This is a quiet, poignant film with a wonderful look into Alaska native culture. We see the central character grow from a boy who is uncomfortable with his culture, to a man who is a part of his community.

The work with the dogs--both in training and in developing a relationship with them--seems very real. The excitement of the race is captured in a realistic way, rather than the typical Hollywood sports movie. The fact that I haven't seen this movie in more than 20 years and I still think about it often, says a lot.

The music is amazing and definitely captures the spirit of the film.

I wish this movie were available on DVD so that I could see it again!

Great film! Great story! Great music!

[thegoodoneswerealreadytaken · 8/10 · 30 November 2017]

I was privileged to see this while living in K-Town. This is just a great, GREAT family movie and Buffy St. Marie sings the title track. She's recently updated the tune on Youtube. You need to see/hear it!

A store called 'Rondy' has this on DVD- stop right now and go buy this movie!!! Go on- you won't be disappointed. Long Live George Attla!

A good film

[david2112 · 8/10 · 16 August 2008]

I haven't seen this movie in 25 years since it was on cable TV.

Good acting and a good soundtrack and a compelling story of a polio stricken Athabascan boy and later man finding his calling as an Sled Dog racer.

I love the scene where he falls off the sled and his lead sled dog pulls the team around and comes back to him. Now thats good training and loyalty. That scene almost made me cry as a kid.

A good movie about going beyond a disability (polio i think), the Athabascan culture and the Iditarod dog sled race.

I liked it a lot and wouldn't mind seeing it on DVD.

Better than the attention it got, true and unique.

[jwelch666 · 10/10 · 21 December 2002]

One of three American entries that year at Cannes, along with "China Syndrome" and "Norma Rae," it is a shame it has never been released on VHS or DVD. I know the people this movie is about. It is authentic, as much about the people and the land as it is about a unique man some say is the greatest dog musher who ever lived.

Remarkably authentic portrayal of mid 20th century Alaska and its people.

[Junk_box707 · 10/10 · 31 August 2004]

This movie is at the top of my all-time favorite movies list for the simple fact that it has so honestly portrayed the scenery, citizens and mechanics of the middle 20th century Alaska bush. Sidestepping the traps of racism and alcoholism, its wide lens takes in, with amazing detail, the scope of both the physical country and the human struggle in an age when all that has been shown is newly threatened by petroleum greed. There is also the story of George Attla, who recovered from life-threatening tuberculosis, a fused knee because of it, and a seven-year separation in his teen years from his known world, to become debatable the world's most recognized dog mushing champion. His journey is covered from his time as a kid in his village, in his home, and helping his father on the family trap line, to his crossing the finish line to win his first North American Sled Dog Championship. And throughout each step the background, characters and landscape are filmed through the lens of reality, not the imagination of Hollywood set designers and pitch men. So real, in fact, that many Alaskans can recognize numerous credited and un-credited extras as local community members, including Bill Walley, Fairbanks' news announcer, radio station owner, and three-term mayor. And the pace of the movie matches the pace of the Alaskan bush (a term to denote anywhere outside the cosmopolitan spheres of Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Juneau; in this case Huslia, a village of sixty souls, and Tanana, a thriving metropolis of 200), which is a delightful change from the tight-wired speed of most commercial films. In exploring George's relationship with his father, his father's friend Moses Paul, and his dogs, the director, Ralph Liddle, has taken us into the heart of Alaska, its people and its land, as well as the world of early dog racing, and his portrayal of the Athabaskan characters without condescension or patronization creates a believable story regardless of race. And if you've never seen a Yukon fish wheel, you have an extra treat! I predict that in the present resurgence of documentary films, this beautiful work will make a strong comeback.

a moving true story

[alaskaspirit · 9/10 · 10 July 2006]

SPIRIT OF THE WIND tells a moving story from the heart and soul of Alaska at an especially changing time in the great northern state's history. As big as the wild country is the spirit of its Native people; the dream of a young Athabascan man from the bush to become a world champion sprint dog racer is ever so captivating because of the real life drama, which includes overcoming physical, mental and emotional struggles. The stunningly beautiful footage and soundtrack, including the music, are carefully weaved. The true storyline is both serious and humorous, but mostly inspiring. SPIRIT OF THE WIND is authentic and timeless- it's a film you can't help but enjoy . . . and remember!

A treasure!

[so0oz · 10/10 · 17 January 2005]

This is an important slice of Alaska. It was my honor to have met the man who is bigger then life. This movie is real life adventure without the special effects. If anyone wants a taste of life on the last frontier. The ultimate reality entertainment! Mr. Attla is an important part of not only Alaskan history, but American history. The fact that it was made on location in Alaska, adds to it's genuine quality. Mr. Attla's overcame crippling tuberculosis and in spite of a fused knee, is one of the top if not the top dog mushing champions of all times! This movie is an inspiration, as is the man! For those of you who have been to Alaska on a cruise, or travel tour, this is the Alaska you don't see. It is true stories like this that makes those of us who live here proud to call Alaska home!

The music made it unforgettable.

[chiyo-1 · 10/10 · 5 September 2007]

It's been 25 years or so but the memory of this film still touches me. I saw it at the historic Fairhaven theater near Bellingham, WA. Has anyone ever found out how to get a copy?

Please let me know. I have the soundtrack on LP and I guard it with my life, but I would like to find a clean copy of that, too. Buffy St. Marie was haunting. I sometimes perform "Beaver Dam" at open mikes.

Which means that a copy of all the lyrics and guitar chords would be helpful too. How could it just disappear like this? I'm Trying to create "10 lines" here: Where can it be seen again? Short of traveling to AK, that is.

Is this movie available for viewing?

[crooksr · 24 March 2004]

I saw this movie in the theater shortly after it was released but then saw it again several years later on a VHS tape. I would love to find a copy of the movie in any format to see it again (and would love to hear from anyone who can guide me to a copy.) As a physician with the Indian Health Service at the PHS Hospital in Tanana, AK in 1972-74, I was fortunate enough to meet George Attla several times and see him race at the dog sled races in Tanana. I knew his sister, Rose Attla Ambrose (the village Health Aide in Huslia)who played his mother in the film and visited Huslia several times. I'd recommend the movie to anyone who wanted to see realistic glimpses of Alaska village life, to learn more about George Attla, and see the historic use of Native American actors portraying Native Americans!

Great Film - Should be in wide distribution

[tomculhane1 · 9/10 · 9 May 2004]

I saw this film in a Boulder, Colorado art house theater in the early 1980's. At that time this movie was simply called "Attla". I am not certain as to when or why that the name of this movie was changed. I was very touched with its authentic depiction of Alaskan native life. Two of the scenes that stand out in my memory are the native fish trap sequence and Slim Pickens driving an antique snowmobile. I am truly disappointed that it is apparently not available on VHS or DVD. The true life story of George Attla deserves a better fate. I am left wondering if the midlife change of name of this film may be a factor in its failure to gain a following among those of us who saw it once and would like to see it again. It took some searching on my part to determine in fact that indeed its name had been changed to "Spirit of the Wind".

Superbly realistic portrayal of village (and George Attla's) life.

[lbouett · 10/10 · 30 November 1998]

'Spirit of the Wind' is a superbly realistic portrayal of village life, and of the life (as I know it) of George Attla. I lived in Fairbanks for 14 years (1971-84) and had the privilege of knowing George Attla and some of the 'Huslia Hustlers'. I was astounded by the feel for rural, village Alaskan life that is present in the film. The dialog is realistic; the scenery is realistic; and that terribly-difficult-to-describe 'feel' of Alaska carries one through the film from beginning to end--not to mention the fact that it's a damn good story.

Remembered by all Alaska Natives...

[Coolmess · 10/10 · 25 December 2002]

This movie is THE closest any film has come to showing what life was like here in Alaska. Also it was a first, in that a Native man was the main character, AND a Native man actually PLAYED the part. Every native person I know remembers this film, despite it's lack of distribution. We were able to relate to it. My own Grandfather once threw me in the snow to wake me up. Indigenous Peoples were never treated fairly in film, and many wrong first impression are encouraged because of this. Better known films (and poorer quality) have been made with larger budgets about smaller sled dog races. This film promotes the idea that a man can overcome life threatening obstacles, even those we create for ourselves, to achieve any goal. This is a very important message to Alaska Native people as we watch our collective heritage fade away into the new millenium's history. It made me want to be a filmmaker. See also 'Map of the Human Heart'- Vincent Ward and 'Dersu Usula' - Kurosawa.

The story of George Attla "the Huslia Hustler" (Dog sled racer)

[mlocher · 10/10 · 22 September 2017]

Awesome, awesome movie! Good luck finding a copy though, there's only one little shop in Anchorage AK (right on the Iditorod race course). George Attla has become my favorite athlete (not that I ever was a sports fan :^)

This was an independent film that didn't have much money, but they pulled it off shooting in 35mm and only having two known stars as supporting roll, a dare devil helicopter pilot taking some awesome aerial shots and the folks playing George Attla and his family and the rest of the cast really did a good job. An additional treat was hearing Buffy Sainte-Marie sing the original score (Spirit of the Wind) I cannot understand why this movie is not available for mass viewing, but I will be investigating it.

Wonderful portrayal of life in rural Alaska...with a healthy side effect of amazing scenery

[WayfarinStranger · 10/10 · 1 March 2014]

This is a truly wonderful film! I knew nothing about the film before seeing a showing earlier today, and could not resist purchasing a copy for myself as well as others as gifts for family. I don't generally watch movies repeatedly, but couldn't resist watching it at home for a second time tonight - the same day I saw it for the first time!

It is an excellent story...but it tells so much more than just the story of George Attla. There are so many challenges and social themes gently and beautifully portrayed throughout the film; it is truly a masterpiece! The scenery is amazing, and it is masterfully shot, in spite of the fact that it is a low budget film. The soundtrack is amazingly complementary and extremely well executed. The acting is truly wonderful - they make the story so easy to relate to, and be emotionally invested and involved in...in an amazingly subtle, gentle, authentic manner.

This is truly a heart-warming and wonderful story. It is told with a rare authenticity. It is truly a tragedy that this film was lost to the world for so many years; however it is so timeless that now is really not too late for it to finally reach the hands of the public!

More movies of this kind need too be made of us AK Natives!

[devlinscott · 20 June 2003]

I remember watching this movie when I was just a kid. My brothers and myself must have watched this show at least 3 times, it was that good. What was more of a treat for us was that we sat next too the real George Attla on a bus cruising down 5th Ave in beautiful downtown Anchorage. If I can remember correctly, My brother, Vince, recognized him first. We surrounded this GREAT guy in the back of a People Mover bus and had a fantastic time talking with him. My brothers (Vince and Eric) would remember the conversation alot better than i could, I'm the youngest. When we were parting ways, we made it a point too shake this mans hand! He actually walked with that limp that you saw in the movie. One of the GREAT experiences of my youth......It's was truely an awesome experience!

Scott D. Devlin

Found this DVD in Anchorage

[jerryvTN · 10/10 · 23 June 2019]

For those of you looking to acquire this DVD, I found it at the Rondy shop in Anchorage for $30. This review format will not let me post the url to find it, so google Rondy Shop Anchorage, then search The Spirit of the Wind in their "shop" button.

An inspiring story from the heartbeat of a frontier

[dharperaoi · 10/10 · 15 August 2014]

I really enjoyed this movie because I lived in Alaska when much of it took place. Spirit of the Wind begins in the Territory of Alaska before it became a state and proceeds through statehood into the late 70s. The movie reveals the raw yet simple life of Alaska during a unique time in its history. It's a story of grit, determination, courage and destiny. Although it tells of George Attla, crippled while still a child, it also reveals the story of daily life on Alaska's frontier.

This way of living still thrives in the heart of Alaska despite the lack of safety nets so many Americans depend on today. For those encouraged by the indomitable spirit of the human will to conquer nearly insurmountable odds, it is a must see. It will inspire some who possess physical challenges to rise above their circumstances and seize opportunities to excel to greatness.

Excellent and unique movie

[bobkelley1 · 10/10 · 18 July 2010]

This a movie that has always stuck in my mind since seeing it. Being Indian, and listing to the songs of Buffy St. Marie, having spent several years in the interior of Alaska and observed the rural life, I have wanted a copy of this movie for 30 years since I originally saw in one snowy night.

I lived many many miles from people, and always wanted to share this with other. Most people today understand nothing about being self sufficient. Also the comments after George lost one leg of the race, and his friend want him to just go out and get drunk....such a strong pull on so many of the native populations. I feel blessed that I was never bothered by this affliction, but had to leave a few friends behind because of it.