Lakota Woman: Siege at Wounded Knee (1994 TV Movie) User Reviews

An accurate account of the life of Mary Crow Dog

[LaxFan94 · 8/10 · 31 January 2004]

After watching this film I really felt for what Mary Crow Dog had to go through in her life before she became part of AIM. The American Indian Movement put pride back into the hearts of the all the warriors and youngsters, including Mary. Despite all her hardships, she was a true survivor partly because of AIM but also because she had the sheer willingness to overcome everything that was put in her plate.

However ........ anyways........... that's why I gave this film such a high rating. The whole story really came straight from her heart and the way she narrated it gave the film more life and atmosphere.

Three stars!

[zombieahoo · 8/10 · 21 August 2007]

Lakota Woman: Siege At Wounded Knee (1994) C-100m. *** D: Frank Pierson. Irene Bedard, Joseph Runningfox, Floyd Red Crow Westerman, Tantoo Cardinal, Michael Horse, Lawrence Hayne, Lois Red Elk, August Schellenberg. The odyssey of Mary Crow Dog is muted in this TNT version depicting childhood, teenage aimlessness and purpose as a member of the American Indian Movement. Evocative, well-made and cast with an authentic script by Bill Kerby that reflects how this woman was led to the famous 1973 siege. Bedard is excellent in the lead. Based on the autobiographical book Lakota Woman by Richard Erodes and Crow Dog, who can be glimpsed in peyote scene.

RIP Mary Brave Bird

[ShelbyTMItchell · 8/10 · 28 August 2013]

Irene Bedard makes a great and impressive debut as Mary Brave Bird. Who had to face a lot during her life. In order to become an activist for the Indian Movement.

As there was a seventy-one day standoff at Wounded Knee in the 1970s. As she was really one brave lady. In spite of the hardships she faced as a child and later, young adult.

And the way that her people had to suffer hardship to be treated justly. The late Russell Means was one of those at Wounded Knee for those of you who did not know.

A moving movie and really something to right the wrongs of justice with the American Indians. Come a long way but have a long way to go.

Great drama, great history

[alanjj · 10/10 · 22 August 2000]

I rented this movie because I was interested in what happened at Wounded Knee, both in the 1890s and in the 1970s. This movie was an excellent recap of the 70s standoff, with outstanding and genuine performances. It also goes back to the 1890s to review the outrage committed by US forces against the Lakota Sioux. I highly recommend this movie both as drama and as history.

This movie is based on the true story of Mary crow dog a lakota sioux woman

[christinaemma · 10/10 · 30 November 1999]

Lakota woman is about Mary crow dog's experience living on a reserve, attending residential school and then becoming apart of the American Indian movement.

It is in my opinion an excellent film to watch and definately gives you a history lesson about the aim movement and the seige that took place at wounded knee.

If you have not seen Lakota Woman go out and rent this film it is an uplifting and genuine true story

Irene bedard's portrayl of Mary Crow dog is true to what Mary 's character really is. I think it deserves 10 stars **********

Excellent for diversity discussion groups.

[leslie-goat · 9/10 · 14 April 2004]

Particularly timely in 2004, as we watch native resistance to U.S. military power in Iraq, this film is also a valuable historical documentary of a movement that all Americans can learn from and be proud of. The equal status of Native American women in decision-making and in economic life is also something for all Americans to strive for.

Politics aside, the story of Mary Crow Dog is personally engaging and the courage of both the Native American activists and Mary's family are inspiring. Humorous, lively, spiritual, passionate, the Native American characters are wonderfully acted, in all their diversity. The non-natives seem stereotyped--this is a film with a message.

I would use this film in diversity discussion groups for all ages. It would be particularly resonant for middle- and high-school kids as it provides models of diverse personal strengths and how they come together in the pursuit of one goal.

Slick, made for TV version of a powerful book

[davieb · 4/10 · 24 April 2006]

Irene Bedard looks great as she smiles through parochial school, which is described by Mary Crow Dog like this in her book: "When I was a small girl at the St. Francis Boarding School, the Catholic sisters would take a buggy whip to us for what they called 'disobedience.' At age ten I could drink and hold a pint of whiskey. At age twelve the nuns beat me for 'being too free with my body.' All I had been doing was holding hands with a boy. At age fifteen I was raped. If you plan to be born, make sure you are born white and male." The worst we see of school is the cutting of the braids and louse powder. Mary Crow Dog described hellishly turbulent times in the book, yet the movie glosses over them. Racism, brutal living conditions, drunkenness and poverty, are all addressed in detail in the book, but sanitized for the viewer's protection in the film. All we see is Mary smoking cigarettes and refusing beer in the back seat of a car.

The happily-ever-after ending of the film fails to address the many years and thousands of dollars it took to get her husband, Leonard, out of prison following the events. Oh, wait, the film didn't even show her marrying Leonard Crow Dog! Just a vague hint that he might be the father of her child.

The book also describes many tribal customs and rituals that the movie glosses over, which makes it look like so much mumbo-jumbo, "oh, look, they're dancing around in a circle," without any understanding of the significance to the Lakota people of the Sun Dance and Ghost Dance, which are covered in detail in the book.

Although I like Irene Bedard and think she's a fine actress, I just don't think she conveys the rage and anger that leaps off every page of Mary Crow Dog's book. Ultimately, though, that rage isn't in the script for her to convey.

Read the book.

A touching drama

[mitsubishizero · 8/10 · 13 August 2019]

I never read the book though i'm aware that the movie glosses over certain details to keep it family friendly. With that being said this's a good movie. I think it's well acted, written and shot. The movie chronicles Mary Crow Dog's (Irene Bedard) troubled childhood and adulthood. It begins with her getting kicked out of school after publishing newspapers detailing the injustices committed by the white man against the natives. With nowhere to go she returns back home to her mom who reminds her that she has few prospects at this point. Hopeless, she drifts aimlessly with some other drifters who drive aimlessly and spend whatever money they have on beer.

One day while drunkenly driving they drive onto a railroad track and almost die. This causes Mary to straighten herself up and put her life back on track. She joins the American Indian Movement and helps stage the 1973 occupation of Wounded Knee. Even with the support of various tribes and Vietnam veterans it's no easy task as they're constantly preyed on by the U.S. Army. Irene Bedard does a great job playing the main character. I feel like she really conveys the anger and pain that Mary was feeling. The choreography is great. There's a feeling of beauty, courage and mystique while also tension and hopelessness at times. It may not be a classic but it's still enjoyable to watch. With that being said I highly recommend you check it out.