Cinematography-wise, Among Ravens was a gorgeous film. The location they chose was great, and it was just very visual. A lot of the focus was on nature and the outdoors as much as it was about the conflicts between the characters, which I though tied in nicely with the parallels Johnny Sequoyah's character, Joey, was making between people (specifically her family) and ravens. Plot-wise it had a lot going on; all of the characters seemed to have their own issues and dramas that were revealed at different times, and the relationships between the characters were all pretty complicated (and at times confusing). I thought that Saul King's story thread was really interesting in particular, and both Joey and Chad (Will McCormack) were very sympathetic characters, whose friendship was probably my favorite part of the movie. Overall it was an enjoyable film.
14 Reviews
I must not have seen the same movie everyone else here saw.
i-3425215 July 2015
Warning: Spoilers
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.
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.
Depressing, even cute little girl can't rescue it
vchimpanzee21 February 2017
Everyone has some sort of relationship problem, if they are in fact in a relationship. Chad just has problems. After a while this gets tiring for me.
Another couple in the group has this peaceful, spiritual attitude I can't stand. Saturn Moon is worse than her male partner, but even she gets angry. And I enjoy it when he plays the ukulele.
In addition to the scenery, the fireworks show, and occasional comedy, the best thing for me about this movie is Joey, who occasionally narrates. Johnny Sequoyah does a great job for such a young actress, and she handles herself well among all the chaos.
Don't be fooled, though. This is far from a family film. Occasionally the sound went out when I saw it, with a character's mouth blurred. This happens frequently later on, and the words likely spoken are just garbage. When was the last time you heard the F-word used the way it was intended? I believe it is used a lot here for that purpose.
I don't know her name but the jewelry salesperson was so nice and did such a good job. But who sells a $250,000 ring in an ordinary store? Don't they sell those in fabulous places where the snooty British salesperson has his nose in the air?
I thought of something else I liked. Bikinis!
This is probably a good movie and there are some performances that are worth seeing. It just didn't do much for me.
Another couple in the group has this peaceful, spiritual attitude I can't stand. Saturn Moon is worse than her male partner, but even she gets angry. And I enjoy it when he plays the ukulele.
In addition to the scenery, the fireworks show, and occasional comedy, the best thing for me about this movie is Joey, who occasionally narrates. Johnny Sequoyah does a great job for such a young actress, and she handles herself well among all the chaos.
Don't be fooled, though. This is far from a family film. Occasionally the sound went out when I saw it, with a character's mouth blurred. This happens frequently later on, and the words likely spoken are just garbage. When was the last time you heard the F-word used the way it was intended? I believe it is used a lot here for that purpose.
I don't know her name but the jewelry salesperson was so nice and did such a good job. But who sells a $250,000 ring in an ordinary store? Don't they sell those in fabulous places where the snooty British salesperson has his nose in the air?
I thought of something else I liked. Bikinis!
This is probably a good movie and there are some performances that are worth seeing. It just didn't do much for me.
Unique, Moving, and Compelling
brandonfoster0521 July 2014
I wasn't sure what to expect when I sat down to watch Among Ravens. I had seen the trailer and was intrigued by the idea of "Ravens" as a symbol of family and it had been quite some time since I had seen Amy Smart in a film. Let me just say, I was pleasantly surprised and thought the film was completely delightful. Filmed in the incredibly beautiful wilderness of Idaho, Among Ravens is a fun yet very emotionally compelling drama about family and human relationships. In some respects it reminded me of The Royal Tenenbaums with all its quirky characters, but with some of the seriousness and dramatic undertones of August Osage County. Overall, the performances were strong -- Amy Smart was wonderful and if you're a fan of Believe (which was sadly canceled) you will be blown away by Johnny Sequoyah's performance. If you're looking for something different, filled with real heartfelt emotion, then sit down and watch this movie.
Beautiful nature and story
scpinon2 July 2014
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.
Beautiful story line! Incredible cinematography! A must see movie!
MyThumbelina30 June 2014
I've never reviewed a film before, but have to say something about this one. Among Ravens has a beautiful story line, incredible cinematography, and the score was magnificent! I love films about real life and relationships, so this was a perfect film for me. It was funny and beautiful and sad and lovely all at once. The dialog is smart and the characters are so believable. I particularly enjoy the storyline about the life coach, and I'm sure I'm going to be quoting Hal for years to come! It's a refreshing break from transformers and car crashes. Take a date, and enjoy a movie that will truly move you! (PS I think this movie would best be enjoyed by 30-somethings.)
A beautifully made and moving film.
jahbjammin19 July 2014
This film establishes Johnny Sequoyah as an up and coming big, big star. The script is unbelievably tight and each scene is just utter perfection. It's phenomenally well acted and produced, and the soundtrack is spot on. When they cut to Jason Isbell's God Damn Lonely Love in the bar scene I almost started clapping. And I was alone. The story itself is just great - it's tragic and beautiful and very funny. Shot entirely in Idaho, mostly in the resort town of McCall, it's visually stunning to say the least. The smoke from the ongoing forest fire seems to add the message that everything can burn, and there are relationships on fire in many different ways in this film. The ending leaves you wondering if "Joey" is Herman Hesse's Damian and you've just witnessed her coming of age. It's utterly fantastic!
Amazing
cw_tucab19 July 2014
It was a really surprising movie. the black humor, and the way how all the masks fell down, and all of them struggled to face the truth, in front of their noses. Also Joey's point of view, watching everything from above, like a bird. Her innocence in the middle of that sick environment, and finally she found someone who understands her, but judge by the others. Like ravens, no matter like a raven does, it will always be judge.It's like a lesson's life, if we live in a constant lie, trying to pretend something, that lie will catch us sooner or later, even when we try to fool other people, acting in front of them, but our life is a huge mess, anything will save us from that, the bomb explodes and no more lies.
Surprising character-driven film
katzen_mom4 August 2014
My first film review. I attended a screening because the producers and directors were doing a live Q&A in the theater. Also, I wanted to meet their daughter - the amazing Johnny Sequoyah - who I had "discovered" in the TV show "Believe," (even though she wasn't there for the show I attended). While most of the characters dealt with their own issues in the story, it took me a while to figure out their connections with each other. Johnny's character "Joey" is mesmerizing in all her scenes, and endearing in her bond with "Chad" - even when the rest of the characters turned against him. The staring contest between Joey and "Saul" (her real-life dad Russell Friedenberg) left me wondering why their bond was broken. There were a couple humorous bits, but I would have liked more to break the tension in the plot. Nonetheless, I did like the film, the cinematography, and especially Johnny. I look forward to seeing more films from this talented family. Thanks for coming back to Boise.
Will leave you speechless, literally - a rare mirror into the soul
tfmiltz30 July 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Well, it's been 15 minutes since the movie ended and I can not speak. Literally, my throat is closed.
The writer(s), director(s), and actors all reached new territories I wager.
I had no idea what the movie was about before watching it. The opening scene is breathtaking, however, diving into these peoples lives is breathtaking.
What a surprise - WHAT a surprise, no - not any scene in the movie, the entire ride.
The STRANGEST thing that happened to me watching this movie was I said to my wife about 1/2 way through when I started wondering where it's going, how things might turn out - I go "well honey, I just hope it doesn't turn out to be a Blair Witch" - no kidding, she looks up the actors and finds out one of the main actors? was from... Blair Witch.
I mean WHAT ARE THE ODDS?
I think the movie pivots around Joey and Chad in so many ways.
However, there IS a scene with Saul and Chad - when Saul goes "You tell ME what it's about" heads interlocked, I found genuinely moving.
random fact my wife looked up - Joey's REAL father in life ? IS Saul - he real father in this movie (no worry, that's not a spoiler, just an overlap from real life to this movie).
I really do have to despise 'provider dad' but not to the point I will let his character interfere with his future endeavors - I look forward to more offerings from everyone in this movie.
I will be watching it again, likely in a year or two or three just to revisit some of the delicate messages our Messiah Chad brings forth (again, that's no spoiler, I just chose to enshrine Chad in role of Messiah here - something unworldly about him - in a very good way).
I STILL can't talk - it feels like I have a baseball in my throat.
Do watch this when you have time to not think about a care in the world- no kidding, you will find EVERY care in the world by the time you are done. That way it will have full impact on you.
I could say this movie placed Chad in a complex Messiah like role, however, I could also say this movie is a coming of age story...
HOWEVER, I must be clear, it is a coming of age movie for anyone who sees it.
I just wonder if Blair Witch guy hooks up with the Jeweler and does Saul hook up with - oh wait - nope - that's not gonna happen now is it - or ghost man leaves 'not gonna be that mans vessel' woman.
I said to my wife is that Reese? Witherspoon, she goes no - remember Ratrace and I kept referring to her as my 5 bucks back lady.
Names are not important to me - I respect every actor in this movie, this kind of movie comes along RARELY.
I could only wish it was 3 hours long, instead of nearly 2, sure would have beat that Hobbit escapism trash that ran 3 hours, and how much of Sam and Bilbo can you really take with that pesky golemn.
By the way- FAVORITE scene in this movie for me is 4th of July parade - Chad lets himself join this world in entirety for a few moments, and then - that damned bird shows up in the sky to take him back- high above - far away - far FAR away where he always was - looking down. Indeed Chad brings a strong Messiah element here.
WATCH THIS MOVIE. heh. Be touched. Chad would want you to ! :)
I could only suggest one improvement to this movie- similar to Jerzy Kosinski's 'Being There' - in the movie vs the book ? One of the two has 'Chance' end scene - WALKING on the water, EASILY the Messiah element - or otherwordly element is there. I could only wish that as all watched from shore - Chad would have gotten up and walked on the water.
No real spoiler there, but I HAD to include that because it would have taken me over the top had it been in there.
One MORE tidbit - just watched an interview with Johnny Redwood Tree - she said her parents wrote her a part INTO this movie - has to be a very unique family experience there heh. "My parents are taking me to get the roller-coaster park this summer - what are you parents doing? oh? My parents are making a movie and they put me in it" heh... Too much in a good way.
Tim Miltz
The writer(s), director(s), and actors all reached new territories I wager.
I had no idea what the movie was about before watching it. The opening scene is breathtaking, however, diving into these peoples lives is breathtaking.
What a surprise - WHAT a surprise, no - not any scene in the movie, the entire ride.
The STRANGEST thing that happened to me watching this movie was I said to my wife about 1/2 way through when I started wondering where it's going, how things might turn out - I go "well honey, I just hope it doesn't turn out to be a Blair Witch" - no kidding, she looks up the actors and finds out one of the main actors? was from... Blair Witch.
I mean WHAT ARE THE ODDS?
I think the movie pivots around Joey and Chad in so many ways.
However, there IS a scene with Saul and Chad - when Saul goes "You tell ME what it's about" heads interlocked, I found genuinely moving.
random fact my wife looked up - Joey's REAL father in life ? IS Saul - he real father in this movie (no worry, that's not a spoiler, just an overlap from real life to this movie).
I really do have to despise 'provider dad' but not to the point I will let his character interfere with his future endeavors - I look forward to more offerings from everyone in this movie.
I will be watching it again, likely in a year or two or three just to revisit some of the delicate messages our Messiah Chad brings forth (again, that's no spoiler, I just chose to enshrine Chad in role of Messiah here - something unworldly about him - in a very good way).
I STILL can't talk - it feels like I have a baseball in my throat.
Do watch this when you have time to not think about a care in the world- no kidding, you will find EVERY care in the world by the time you are done. That way it will have full impact on you.
I could say this movie placed Chad in a complex Messiah like role, however, I could also say this movie is a coming of age story...
HOWEVER, I must be clear, it is a coming of age movie for anyone who sees it.
I just wonder if Blair Witch guy hooks up with the Jeweler and does Saul hook up with - oh wait - nope - that's not gonna happen now is it - or ghost man leaves 'not gonna be that mans vessel' woman.
I said to my wife is that Reese? Witherspoon, she goes no - remember Ratrace and I kept referring to her as my 5 bucks back lady.
Names are not important to me - I respect every actor in this movie, this kind of movie comes along RARELY.
I could only wish it was 3 hours long, instead of nearly 2, sure would have beat that Hobbit escapism trash that ran 3 hours, and how much of Sam and Bilbo can you really take with that pesky golemn.
By the way- FAVORITE scene in this movie for me is 4th of July parade - Chad lets himself join this world in entirety for a few moments, and then - that damned bird shows up in the sky to take him back- high above - far away - far FAR away where he always was - looking down. Indeed Chad brings a strong Messiah element here.
WATCH THIS MOVIE. heh. Be touched. Chad would want you to ! :)
I could only suggest one improvement to this movie- similar to Jerzy Kosinski's 'Being There' - in the movie vs the book ? One of the two has 'Chance' end scene - WALKING on the water, EASILY the Messiah element - or otherwordly element is there. I could only wish that as all watched from shore - Chad would have gotten up and walked on the water.
No real spoiler there, but I HAD to include that because it would have taken me over the top had it been in there.
One MORE tidbit - just watched an interview with Johnny Redwood Tree - she said her parents wrote her a part INTO this movie - has to be a very unique family experience there heh. "My parents are taking me to get the roller-coaster park this summer - what are you parents doing? oh? My parents are making a movie and they put me in it" heh... Too much in a good way.
Tim Miltz
Excellent Summer Flick
de_annmarks21 July 2014
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!
A Beautiful Film.
morgan-13523 July 2014
This is a wonderful little gem of a movie. From the cinematography, with sweeping views of the Idaho mountains to the nuances of each character and their interaction, or better yet, their lack of interaction between one another. It shows our distance with one another and mis communications between family and friends. lost love and un fulfilled dreams yet our grasp at holding onto what little honor we have left. Finding redemption with the last hope of guiding ones life to fulfillment. If you take every moment seriously in this film you may not like it, but if you're smart enough to understand that this is a hyper state of reality and dive into the realm of our great Russian playwrights chaos and humor. this one's for you. It's important we support our independent film makers and not forget just how difficult it is to make movie. This is a story that should be told.
Heartfelt throughout
steven-46-20808623 July 2014
One of the most heartfelt films I have ever seen. Right from the beginning, the film was beautifully shot and continued to the end.I also connected right away with all of the characters and enjoyed all that they provided throughout the film. I was so awaken with such gratitude of joy, sadness and spirit from all involved in the film. The writing throughout was heartfelt and touch me in ways that I need to thank all involved. All of the characters seemed to be dysfunctional, except for Joey ( the youngest member of the cast). The relationships between the characters were all connected in many ways and reminded me of those many moments in my life.
Thanks to all involved. One of the best films I have seen in a long time.
Thanks to all involved. One of the best films I have seen in a long time.
Beautiful Cinematography, and an insightful film that reminds us of the importance and wisdom of an untouched perspective
samanthamarkey149218 July 2014
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.
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