Smoke Signals [DVD]

I have now seen this film several times. The reason I saw it again just recently, is because I purchased it for my grandchildren. It seems every time I see it, I see something else in it. Now this is quite different for a Native audience than for a dominant culture audience. There are always those things we keep to ourselves, which is true for any culture, and of course it is very difficult to impossible. for someone from the dominant culture to walk in the moccasins of a Native. For example, in the reviews of the film on the back of the container, the critics comment on it as a comedy. I didn't see comedy in it. Of course there were those times where we saw samples of Indian humor, but other than that I didn't really see it as a comedy. Now those reviews were all done by European-Americans. I have always seen many levels of meaning in this film. There is the cultural stuff which is quite educational by itself. There is also the Spiritual stuff, especially from that wonderful character Thomas, who tells wonderful stories. He tells contemporary stories in a traditional way. Then there is the story itself. The father of Victor who is quite tragic, and the tortuous ambivalence Victor has toward him. There is a young man (Victor) lost from his culture, and who is brought back through a series of stories and events by Thomas. In other words, it covers culture, alcoholism, Reservation life, Spirituality, tragedy, humor, etc. Of course there is the wonderful ending when Thomas's grandmother asks him,"Tell me what happened Thomas. Tell what what is going to happen, Thomas." Thomas's role here is very clear. He is a story teller, but a very gifted and very Spiritual and wise story teller. Some might say he has a gift for the Medicine Way. We learn in the end what he seems to have known and orchestrated all along. A wonderful film!

Outstanding

This is among my top 10 favorite movies. I've owned a VHS copy of it for many years and just recently purchased the DVD. I do not know how many times I've watched and am always on the look-out for other similar Native American produced films. I am non-native but feel I understand a good deal of what is going on in the film - I've been trying to learn as much as possible about NA's since I was a child and later took several NA studies classes at University (thankfully with NA professors), have read innumerable books, worked with several NAs as an Archaeology Tech, and took care of a few sick and injured as a nurse. IMO there are many things any viewer can take away from this film. Though there are elements specific to the NA experience in America and their culture(s), we all share a common humanity that is relatable to us all. Those of Euro-American extraction might feel a few stings of reality from the frequent ribs, which we should. As a few other reviewers mentioned, the description on the case labeling the movie a "comedy" is completely silly. It has several very funny moments but these are also mixed with a lot of pain, heartache and inner struggles. Many of us have had similar problems coming to terms with how we feel about our fathers and how/if we could forgive them; many have experienced similar periods of love and loss, alcoholism, family discord, etc.

Funny and great. Just like i remember it in theatres.

About a month ago I heard an interview with the writer, Sherman Alexie. As they say in the old movies "I really liked the cut of his jib." He talked about his writing and this film called Smoke Signals. The interviewer, who happens to be a movie critic, gave it high praise. So on to Amazon I went and ordered this DVD. This is a wonderful little movie about friendship and family. The direction, by Chris Eyre, is great and the movie is visually appealing, with notable dialogue. (Sherman Alexie wrote the screenplay.) Victor as played by Adam Beach had a troubled childhood marked by all things that plague Native Americans in 20th Century United States. Throughout his life he has been befriended by Thomas, played supperbly by Evan Adams. Thomas was saved, as a small child, by Victor's father. Victor's father has been gone from the family for 10 years. Victor is full of swagger and self-confidence, Thomas on the other hand is kind of a nerdy nudge. But, God puts us where He wants us and it seems that it is Thomas' mission, so to speak, to help Victor come to terms with his past. Smoke Signals should be seen by all and shown in most of our school systems. I think a lot of stereotypes about Native Americans still prevail in this society. The screenwriter does an excellent job of showing us that Native Americans are people, who in many ways, deal with the same issues you and I do, but also have the added burden of a social structure that seems ever in conflict. Buy this DVD watch it, but watch it with your family. A great film.

This is one of my family's all time favorite movie!

Love this movie. Had to have it. Arrived safe & well cared for

Classic

I received the product that was stated on amazon and it was brilliant. i received it earlier than i expected. i was not disappointed. the quality was superb in new condition like statd. in all a good buy. thank you to the seller for making my first amazon buy a brilliant experience.

Excellent service exactly what I was expecting and very happy with it, Would deffo shop with this company again thank you

One of the more underrated films from the US. One downside is it has no closed-captioning or subtitles, so it is difficult to watch with non-native English speakers as the Native American accent is a little tricky.

Came within a few days! I was so happy to see it being sold on amazon. I've been wanting to buy this movie forever! But couldn't find it anywhere. I saw it in high school / and as a kid. No damage done, works on my ps4.

Great movie..... is in region one so you'll need a player that will play it