Run Woman Run (2021) User Reviews

Good low-key personal story, with that Tom Longboat hook

[gcsman · 6/10 · 4 April 2022]

Saw this yesterday at one of our local indy theaters, and enjoyed it. As far as I could tell, virtually every cast member was Indigenous -- and all filmed on the Six Nations reserve which is just a short drive away from us, so it had a very local feel. The most recognizable face in the cast is good old Lorne Cardinal, who's expert at turning in understated, likable, open performances, but everyone else fit in just fine. The movie really centers single-mindedly on Beck (Dakota Ray Hebert) and her deeply personal journey. It's all low-key and built out of scenes and settings that could not be any more ordinary and everyday, but what's at stake here is nothing less than the very core of her being: that is, salvation. I think that's part of the message that director Zoe Hopkins was getting across. (That didn't really hit me till afterward. Major transformations in a person's life aren't usually accompanied by a big Hollywood-ish splash.)

To drive home the point, Beck has a guide seen only by her, which is the spirit of long-dead Tom Longboat, the famous marathon runner. He's otherworldly by definition, but also (just like the rest of it) resolutely down-to-earth, which is enjoyably contradictory. Kind of like the amiable conversations young Lisa has with dead people in 'Monkey Beach' (2020).

All in all, a small-scale family-centered story with strong undertones.

A first rate Indigenous Comedy/Drama with Universal Appeal

[Brantford_Mark · 9/10 · 14 March 2022]

Last night I attended a preview screening of "Run Woman Run" in a huge Brantford, Ontario theatre. Beforehand, two of the indigenous musical artists on the soundtrack performed songs from the score. Wow! The movie was shot in 2019 on Six Nations territory less than 10 minutes from here.

The best films take you to places you've never been. Although it is set in their lands and acted by indigenous people, the story is universal. Still, its foundation is in a culture that is new for many, including me. It centers on a 30 something woman and her journey to improve from the inside out. The relationships felt real and the film was filled with equal measures of laughter and tears. A well-acted, highly polished film from its writer/director Zoe Leigh Hopkins. Its Canadian theatrical premiere is March 25, 2022 in London, Toronto and Hamilton. After that, the rest of North America could well follow. Will also be available as a streaming offering on Crave in the not too distant future. Catch it if you can. Highly recommended.

JUST LOVED IT

[everydaybellydance · 10/10 · 11 April 2022]

Very funny but also inspiring. Just an all around feel good movie. And really loveable characters. Very cool that it was filmed in the reserve closest to us. Enjoyed learning about the beautiful Mohawk language and spirituality. Also loved seeing Tom Longboat come up in a film - he deserves so much more recognition - a film of his own, really. So glad we went to see it. Going again next week! 😊

Hilarious and heart warming

[allieknegt · 10/10 · 8 April 2022]

Such an a great story line with laughs and a heart felt ending. Such a beautiful depiction of every day life struggles especially in Indigenous culture. Love the all Indigenous cast too! Would see again and again. Hope I can purchase a copy one day.

Actor didn't look like Tom Longboat

[blackopsstanmarsh · 2/10 · 21 May 2022]

Actor didn't look like Tom Longboat. What a disappointment to have such a legendary person be shown by someone that doesn't look like him. There's plenty of other indigenous actors that they could have picked. The writer made him appear as cocky too! He isn't Steve Prefontaine from Without Limits. It's like the writer never had a passion for him. We never seen him run or a flashback racing scene. When he ran, it didn't look authentic. Had to voice this concern before getting to the storyline.

The story was alright. I think there could've been more. I don't think we really got to know the main character. The romantic part of the film never finished after the run.

The start of the movie was good. I enjoyed the meat bingo scene............................ ............................................................................................................ . .... .......................... I hope they do more research on Tom Longboat and marathon running, and they become more passionate about it before trying to make another one of these films. I understand that the Longboat family was involved in the making of this film but those that made the film weren't. It makes me question how many of them ran a marathon before.....................................................................

Incredibly lighthearted and equally compelling

[yeederek · 10/10 · 1 October 2021]

Very well acted and touching story. One of the best of 2021 for me thus far.