Indian Horse (2017) User Reviews

A good film for a very timely subject

[proud_luddite · 7/10 · 10 June 2018]

Based on the novel by Richard Wagamese: in the 1960s, Saul Indian Horse (played at different times by Sladen Peltier, Forrest Goodluck, and Ajuawak Kapashesit) is an indigenous boy in northern Ontario who is forced into a Catholic residential school where he eventually develops exceptional skills as a hockey player.

In addition to successfully focusing on a personal story that reflects probably the worst part of Canada's history (more on that later), "Indian Horse" fascinates in some segments that involve conflicting values. One involves generations of an indigenous family in which an elder practices traditional spirituality while the younger adult generation (brainwashed in residential schools) insists that Christianity is the only acceptable belief system. In later scenes, interpretations of Christianity itself present a conflict in the residential school. On the one hand is a reforming priest who believes in a compassionate approach to the children; on the other is a nun (a true creature from hell) whose approach is literal and uses any means necessary to "Christianize" the children.

The film's conclusion is quite touching in its recollection of Saul's difficult past as he tries to come to terms with it.

The fact this film was made and distributed (and playing for more than a month in some theatres) is a victory in itself - not only because it is a film of good quality but mainly for frankly addressing some of the worst parts of Canadian history - recent and not so recent. Hopefully, similar stories will be told. - dbamateurcritic

Important History

[baileymagnusson · 8/10 · 10 October 2018]

This film helped me understand what really happened to kids that were taken to residential schools. I also could feel the pain that they felt, it was the first time I was able to put myself in their shoes. I think this film has a very strong message, this film should be shown in high schools across Canada, for history classes. I think the actors did a good job acting even though it was a really hard subject. It probably caused them a lot of pain. The places they chose to shoot the film and the way they edited it made a huge impact on the emotions of the film. This movie is full of sadness, but also has a lot of importance.

Prepare to have your heart torn out for these youth

[remember-315-777907 · 8/10 · 25 April 2018]

It was a heart-wrenching well acted movie. It showed briefly how disgusting the residential school life/death would have been for these youth. How self-righteous the priests & nuns really were despite the sexual abuse, cruelty & inhumanity they displayed towards children in their "care"...all the while insisting it was in the name of their GOD!

Indigenous Canadian boy suffers abuse from childhood into his thwarted professional career in hockey.

[maurice_yacowar · 7/10 · 15 April 2018]

Dolby Sound is a vital force in this film. The narrative is framed - beginning and end - by unseen people around the theatre speaking as if before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. That was established to explore Canada's historic abuse of its indigenous citizens - from the notorious Catholic schools to the current injustice in the treatment of natives, especially the women. When the film narrative unfurls it's the hero's own long and cripplingly suppressed story of his suffering. The surround sound voices put us in the committee, make us a witness and potentially a sharer of the speaker's horrid experience. That stereo adds to the immediacy of Richard Wagamese's source novel. The story is so riveting and the social predicament it exposes so compelling that one can suspend ordinary judgments upon such things as the acting, the narrative rhythm, the emotional manipulation. The cause justifies the means. All three actors who play Saul at various ages hold us, from the child's innocence through the adolescent's promising success to the adult's defeat. The climactic revelation of the six-year-old's exploitation provides an unexpected and summary shock. Wagamese celebrates Canada's indigenous culture and spirituality in the face of its national oppression. The film does both his fine work and Canada's shame justice.

GREAT MOVIE!

[sherimunroe · 10/10 · 6 May 2018]

Every Canadian needs to watch this movie to learn of Canada's actual history towards the Indigenous people or as I would say "The First People" of this country. Perhaps if people watched this movie they would get a better understanding of what the government has done to generations of Canada's First People.

Some scores early on, penalties later

[gizmomogwai · 7/10 · 22 April 2018]

I actually had a chance to meet Richard Wagamese very shortly before he died; he was an inspirational figure. I knew he had written novels about the residential school experience. Soon we're going to get the great Canadian film about the tragedy, but so far there haven't been many attempts. Indian Horse seemed like a promising candidate, but falls short.

In ways a sports movie as much (or more) than a story about the residential schools, Indian Horse rarely rises above TV movie-level in its direction. There are some great shots- the first glimpse of the nun coldly looking down on the children, flashbacks when toys are being thrown onto the ice and how these toys blend into the memories- but these are few. The film starts off with a strong look at the cruelties of the school under Catholic control, but veers from that. (Incidentally, Canada's association of Catholic bishops recently released a letter denying involvement in residential schools. This is a blatant lie, or put in their words, bearing false witness under God). Part of the drift away from a strong film involves the less-than-stellar performance of Ajuawak Kapashesit. This is a decent film, but we should be looking for more.

The uncomfortable truth

[idrincon · 10/10 · 2 July 2018]

It is a tough and painful movie to watch, so you should. For those who know something about Canadian History, the residential schools is one of those topics some prefer to evade. But you can't and very few (if any) movies have shown the reality as it was. Crude, painful, disturbing. There were a few scenes I had to turn away and pretend I did not see just because they are too strong. Midway through the movie you are led to believe there is a reason why this is happening, just to quickly realize there is not and this is just a big tragedy with no winners. Be brave, open your mind and watch this masterpiece.

The book was better.

[ashtonkornelsen · 6/10 · 19 May 2020]

It is a tough movie to watch, because of the content it deals with, but I think they could have done a better job. The acting wasn't great, which made it a little less powerful. If you want know the story, I recommend reading the book.

An authentic, emotional and intellectual drama that should be watched in Canadian history classes

[kluseba · 9/10 · 18 April 2018]

Based upon Richard Wagamese's novel of the same name, Indian Horse tells an authentic, hopeful yet tear-jerking story that too many First Nations people have gone through in Canada over the course of the past two centuries and beyond.

The movie tells the story of Saul Indian Horse, an Ojibway boy from Northwestern Ontario, whose family runs away from white men who are forcing children to go to residential schools where they must assimilate to European culture by any means necessary. Isolated in the wilderness, Saul's brother dies of a disease he caught at school and his parents, who already got assimilated to Christianity, decide to move south to bury their child. Saul stays behind with his old grandmother who gets increasingly sick but his parents never return. His grandmother and Saul decide to join some family members before the harsh winter starts but the weak grandmother dies on the journey. Saul gets discovered by two white men who bring him to a residential school. He witnesses severe mental and physical abuse as First Nations children aren't allowed to speak their mother tongues or live their traditional lifestyles. The only thing that makes Saul's desolate life more joyful is when he discovers ice hockey. He watches games on television with a young priest who also builds a hockey rink and organizes competitive tournaments. Saul's skills get discovered as a teenager and he moves south to the mining town Manitouwadge where he lives in a caring foster family and plays in a local hockey team. He soon becomes a respected star player but also starts facing racism from fans and opponents. A scout then convinces the young adult to move to Toronto where Saul plays for the farm team of the Toronto Maple Leafs and has a promising career ahead of him. Saul however cracks under the increasing pressure of being targeted by racist fans and opponents on an almost daily base and quits hockey to live the life of a nomad, accepting odd jobs between Thunder Bay and Sudbury. He develops a serious addiction to alcohol and is told by a doctor that his next binge drinking could lead to his death. Saul realizes he must face and overcome his demons of the past and find a place called home to save his life.

There are numerous elements that make this film one of the best dramas in recent memory. First of all, the story that is told here is relevant as it exemplifies the cruel fate of many First Nations members. Secondly, the movie is very emotional, meandering constantly between sadness and hope in all stages of the main character's life. Thirdly, the acting performances are absolutely great as the main character doesn't speak much but tells us so much more about his inner demons through facial expressions. Fourthly, the settings are intriguing and shift from beautiful isolated landscapes over isolated schools to mining towns and big cities. Fifthly, camera, lighting and sound techniques are calm, decent and precise which suits the slightly gloomy mood and slow pace of the movie very well. Sixthly, it's interesting that the movie introduces us to distinct characters and not just racist antagonists but also encouraging coaches, welcoming foster parents and driven team mates. Seventhly, I liked that the movie ended with a minor twist that makes us re-evaluate the scenes we have seen prior to that moment. Indian Horse certainly offers a lot of food for thought.

Indian Horse is a movie that should be watched in history classes at Canadian high schools as it exemplifies the fate of many First Nations members in that country over the past two centuries and beyond. Indian Horse is authentic, emotional and intellectual all at once which makes it one of the best dramas in recent memory. Anyone who is interested in the history of the New World should watch this film. Those who like ice hockey should also give it a try. Anyone intrigued by Canadian culture should also give it a shot. To keep it short, there isn't any reason to not watch this brilliant movie.

My Review for Indian Horse

[sigmer · 7/10 · 3 June 2020]

Overall, I enjoyed the movie! It gave me a better understanding of what happened during those times and what it was like for the children. I like the settings they chose to film the scenes. The characters were the same as the book which is important to understand the whole story. I enjoyed how they took literary devices used in the book and wrote them in the script for the actors to say. The directors done a good job shooting the movie with the different edits they added. I feel like the book gave more detail and information about everything. When watching the movie i noticed they left out scenes that were included in the book. Like when Saul moves in with Erv Sift and works for him. That was an important part in Saul's recovery as an alcoholic. I would still recommend watching the movie even though I liked the book better.

deep and intriguing

[anneeswain · 10/10 · 9 October 2018]

This movie shows the brutal, harsh reality of life in a residential schools. not only do we get a look at saul through out his life but we also see the damage to other students along the way. sauls acting stayed consistent through out the movie which was surprising considering it is all different actors. this film gives you a look at something we wouldnt be able to understand in this depth if the film werent made.i was emotional during this movie beacause this movie is real, this isnt a nightmare we can wake up from, this is real.

Good film tough subject

[landonkg · 7/10 · 11 October 2022]

I enjoyed watching this film the scenery was very realistic they didn't try to hide how bad the school was, the acting as Saul gets older isn't as good as when he was a teenager that's why I didn't give this film a 10/10. I would recommend watching if you can sit through a lot there's a lot going on in the movie it's a lot too take In. If you cherish movies that make you feel and think, 'Indian Horse' will give those gifts to you. As a proud Canadian, it forced me to acknowledge some very unpleasant aspects of my country's past. If you go into this expecting a hockey movie, you will be disappointed. Hockey is simply a plot device. The acting wasn't great, which made it a little less powerful. If you want to know the story, I recommend reading the book.

review for school

[sheldoncourchene-91703 · 5/10 · 28 May 2020]

I really enjoyed the book, but when watching the movie it didn't feel as authentic as the book did. I felt the movie was not as good because of the acting the scenes that were suppose to hold power i feel were held back due to the acting. Overall the shooting of the scenes we good the choice for setting was good.

ray

[coosha-54688 · 7/10 · 28 October 2022]

How I felt about Indian horse I felt like they could do a little better the fact that if this was trying to be like a real story they could have had somebody family member that went to the school that could play it because the pain doesn't just stop the acter of soul could have acted better it just didn't make it, it was just like he didn't want to be there but it also kind of made it because his voice sounded hurt like it was real but little soul could had took his acting a little bit better because residential schools where not always happy and joy full times it was a sad and scary place to go they took them from their families but if they could have brought the pain out because he also lost his grand mother and it was like when he went to the school it was like he was okay with it but if you think about it would you be happy to go to a place where your brother comes from and then was to sick to live or would you want to stay far away from there and fight back it was like he wanted it and then was happy though the whole movie until the end.

Beautiful, fascinating, excruciating

[gcsman · 8/10 · 22 April 2018]

The systemic racism and government-sanctioned damage done by the residential school system in Canada has been much in the news in recent years and deservedly so. This film -- which was just put out in general release in our area a week or two ago, though it made the rounds of film festivals last years and has multiple awards from those -- is a searing look at what was done to native children in one such school, but it's more than just that. From beginning to end it amounts to a pretty comprehensive biography of one man, Saul Indian Horse, from age 6 to middle age, and covering the 1950's through the '80's.

One thing that runs through the whole film that really just draws you in unspoken is the ambience of quiet and often stillness -- it's more of an attitude exuding from the First Nations characters in the story than anything to do with the action, but it's something that became evident once we had left the theater.

Young Sladen Peltier plays Saul as a boy and he's excellent. The opening scenes show him with his parents, brother, and grandmother living in the wilderness and more or less on the run from the white authorities who are bent on taking the boys away. We see them in stunningly beautiful landscapes and doing just fine. Anyway -- thanks to a series of family tragedies Saul is taken away and the main story starts. It's a chain of deep lows and transcendent highs from there, as Saul survives the brutalities of the school system but finds daily escape in hockey, which he turns out to excel at: on the ice, he's fast, elusive, and a genius around the net. This is his ticket out of the school and on to a series of bigger and better league play. He's strangely standoffish from the teacher who seems to be the most supportive, Father Gaston (Michael Huisman), for a reason that's revealed only at the end (and you can probably guess what I mean). Saul is played at successively older ages by Forrest Goodluck and Ajuawak Kapashesit, who are also right on the mark.

But at the level of the Toronto Monarchs (a feeder teem for the genuine big leagues) the relentless abuse from the (then) all-white opponents proves too much -- and although this remains unsaid, his own teammates don't 'protect' him as they would another star player. The inevitable meltdown occurs, he disappears from sight, and falls into the familiar cycle of alcoholism and low level jobs. Finally, meetings with a recovery group bring him back to some level of equilibrium and peace.

This story doesn't end like the Jackie Robinson saga. Saul doesn't reach the glory and fame in the major sporting world that he had the talent to gain. The highs and low finally settle somewhere in the middle -- he returns to the only place that he was comfortable, happy, and welcome as a teenager and young man.

Clint Eastwood was a co-executive producer for Indian Horse. Apparently he was surprised and shocked that this kind of systemic abuse happened in Canada, which he thought was so civilized and 'polite'. It was everywhere. For one of the Australian takes on the same issue, go back and see Rabbit Proof Fence, which also deeply affected me two decades ago when I saw it. The First Nations are finally more able to tell their own stories.

It is powerful, but it could have been more

[steiner-sam · 6/10 · 16 October 2021]

It is a coming-of-age story of a First Nations boy from age six through his residential school experience, efforts to become a professional hockey player, and struggle to overcome his memories. It's based on the 2012 novel by Richard Wagamese.

Saul Indian Horse (Sladen Peltier, Forrest Goodluck, Ajuawak Kapashesit) tries to escape from being sent to residential school but is seized after his grandmother dies. We see many glimpses of life at the school, some of them quite horrific. Father Gaston (Michiel Huisman) provides an outlet for Saul to play hockey. Saul's natural ability allows him to escape to a certain extent, especially when he is allowed to leave the residential school and star for an indigenous team in his mid-teens. While there, he lives with Fred Kelly's (Michael Lawenchuk) indigenous family. However, even here, Saul's experiences are decidedly mixed and become worse when he joins the Toronto Monarchs, a feeder team for the Maple Leafs. He crashes and becomes an alcoholic as he remembers some of the tragic events in his life. A sliver of hope appears when he returns to the Kelly family.

I was deeply moved by the novel when I read it. I wish this movie could have been so much better. It tries to cover so much territory that it jumps quickly from incident to incident. No one but Saul's character is developed enough to have depth, with the possible exception of Grandma (Edna Manitowabi). And the film is unrelentingly dark, with only a minor flicker of hope at the end. The narrative style with the adult Saul voice is also not as effective as it could have been.

It is powerful, but it could have been more.

Well Worth Watching

[theunknownfactorx · 10/10 · 30 April 2018]

I knew alot about the residential schools before watching this movie. I really like how this movie was directed. It showed the true horrors of the residential system maybe not in full detail, but close enough. I like how the only seemly good person turned out to be the worst person in Sauls life. Showing this clip at the end of the movie was perfect. It really makes it stick into the audiences head what these poor unfortunate souls went through/ still go through. I'm glad this movie was made.

Indian Horse

[johhay · 6/10 · 11 October 2022]

I think the film makers did a good job of presenting the setting in a realistic way. You could feel along with the indigenous children as they were strpped of their culture right from the start of their time spent at the residential school. I thought that Sladen Peitier did a great job of acting for something that would obviously have hit home and may have made it more difficult to deal with the added emotions. It was also presented in a good way to get people to really feel the pain or emotion that the Indigenous people went through.

I thought it was hard to watch as no one should ever be treated so poorly.

Tragic story, well told.

[dougdarwish · 9/10 · 23 April 2018]

Not easy to watch. 6 of us went and discussed afterwards. Worth watching and leaves you thinking...

I prefer the book better

[hamiltoncecily · 6/10 · 4 June 2020]

I enjoyed reading the book, then having to watch the movie I never expected it to be the way it was. The actors who acted for Saul did good themselves, it was hard to read and watch at some parts to see him be thrown around or be treated the way they were being treated. I prefer you to read the book before you watch the movie.

Powerful

[srgymrat33 · 8/10 · 18 April 2020]

I really liked this movie a lot . Admittedly I went in thinking it was an inspirational sports movie , but it ended up being something much more powerful.

Residential schools are a black mark in history and this showed in a very real way the tragedies that took place . The ending really hit me in the gut and showed how much childhood trauma impacts all of life . I liked the way hockey was tied in as a metaphor for life as well, and concluding that fame and skill does not fix anything , it's a sense of belonging , heritage and faith .

Highly recommend. Keeps you drawn in, entertained and makes you think about your own prejudice , bias and the power of belonging .

Good reflection on Canadian history but bad acting

[korbro · 7/10 · 6 October 2022]

Overall, I enjoyed this film and thought it was a good representation of residential schools in Canadian history. It showed the real events that took place in the residential schools (even the ones that are hard to watch) and showed how trauma like that can be passed down through generations. Three actors had taken part in portraying the journey of Saul's life and I was disappointed to see the acting done by Forrest Goodluck and especially Ajuawak Kapashesit. However, Sladen Peltier, the youngest actor of Saul, did amazing acting and definitely showed that he was relating or trying to relate to what was happening in the scenes. Watching the film, I saw that they did not show enough emotion to what was happening in the film. In general, I was very impressed with the camera, lighting and sound techniques used in this film. Those were all used to create some astonishing scenes that created an amazing representation of the events that were happening.

Poorly acted

[Ash_Hail_To_The_King_Baby · 1/10 · 31 December 2017]

Here are some lovely performances from the younger actors, but for the most part the cast fails to support the weighty material.

Director Campanelli (Momentum) and screenwriter Dennis Foon (Life Above All) are clearly trying to pack as much of Wagamese's book into a feature film as possible. But their approach renders most of the secondary characters one-dimensional, leaving actors like Michael Murphy, Michiel Huisman and Martin Donovan struggling to breathe life into bland expository dialogue.

The three actors who play Saul Indian Horse over some 30 years of his life - Sladen Peltier, Forrest Goodluck and Ajuawak Kapashesit - are uniformly terrific all others should look into a different field of work, and the film does have its moments. But there's no doubt in my mind that the story would be better served at miniseries length.

Indian lives matter

[fmwongmd · 6/10 · 28 June 2020]

Late to the political wars the plight of the native Americans bears resemblance to that of the African Americans. This one is a fair depiction.

Wow my heart is broken

[vgarris-13875 · 10/10 · 8 April 2020]

Watched this with my 7 year old son. We were in tears. He had so many questions. It ended up being a history lesson. My son being of mixed race with brown skin, can not understand why people were so evil back in the days. Great job on telling the story in this movie.