Pow Wow Highway

Starring:A Martinez, Gary Farmer, Joannelle Nadine Romero, Amanda Wyss, Sam Vlahos, Wayne Waterman, Margot Kane, Geoffrey Rivas, Roscoe Born, John Trudell, Wes Studi, Tony Frank, Chrissie McDonald, Sky Seals, Maria Antoinette Rogers, Nicholas Anthony, Kandi Brooks, Dalin Gomez, Rodney A. Grant, Graham Greene (II)
Director: Jonathan Wacks
Studio: Anchor Bay
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Gary Farmer (Smoke Signals) is the standout in a fine film by Jonathan Wacks about an oversized Cheyenne man-child (Farmer) who decides to go on a spiritual quest, while simultaneously giving a ride to his lifelong Indian activist friend (A. Martinez). The film takes us through some pretty desolate Indian communities, but while Wacks makes a point of revealing harsher aspects of life on some reservations, the emphasis is on Farmer's delightful performance. A bonus: among the cast are Graham Greene (Dances with Wolves) and Wes Studi (The Last of the Mohicans), neither of whom were well-known in 1989, the year this film was released. --Tom Keogh

Description

For the Northern Cheyenne tribe of Lame Deer, Montana, the American Dream has taken a grim detour. Here, Buddy Red Bow (A Martinez) is a committed activist battling a suspicious land-grab. Philbert Bono (Gary Farmer, in a performance Roger Ebert calls "one of the most wholly convincing I've seen") is a serene spiritual warrior guided by sacred visions. But when Buddy's estranged sister is framed and jailed in New Mexico, the two men take Philbert's rust-wrecked '64 Buick `war pony' on a road trip that makes some very unexpected stops along the way. Jonathan Wacks (Producer of REPO MAN) directs and Graham Greene (DANCES WITH WOLVES), Wes Studi (THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS, HEAT) and Amanda Wyss star in this acclaimed comedy/drama about Native Americans understanding the past, fighting for their future and discovering a few surprising truths along the POWWOW HIGHWAY.

Customer Reviews:

A Welcome Native American Perspective.......2007-05-16

This film accurately depicts life in Indian Country; the pervasive poverty, racism and lack of opportunity. Despite this bleak reality, there is great humor, culture and spirituality. Gary Farmer embodies the pathos, humor and dignity of this tremendous resilience while remaining completely grounded. He was also in a similar Indian road-trip adventure; "Smoke Signals" based on stories from Sherman Alexie's book: "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fist-fight in Heaven".

There aren't nearly enough Native American made films but this one is a welcome and much needed addition to the genre. The best film reflecting contemporary Native American life is Chris Eyre's "Skins" starring the excellent Eric Schweig and Graham Greene.

Pow-WOW!.......2007-04-08

Powwow Highway is a touching, realistic, slightly lighter look at the way Native Americans have lived and been treated for quite some time. Though it doesn't concentrate solely on their lives, what you do see, does touch you.

The film is about two best friends, Philbert, played by Gary Farmer, who is absolutely charming and wonderful in this role, and Red Bow, played by A Martinez, who is also great in his role. All the performances are wonderful, especially Gary Farmer's touching performance, and the scenery is absolutely beautiful.

Although the ending is a little unbelieveable, it is still a great movie and I highly recommend it.

Pow Wow Highway - A Must See for A Martinez fans.......2007-03-24

Loved Pow Wow Highway from the first time to the hundredth! A great A Martinez film. Lots of plot and a lot of fun. Got one for my son, too.

Powwow Highway.......2007-03-15

The product came in great shape. It was a DVD which played nicely. Powwow Highway is a good movie that is funny and uplifting.

PShaah!.......2007-02-12

If you want a view on life on the Rez and what it was about then in 1989, and still is today then this is your film.
If you want a hero for your life then look no further than Philbert Bono. Gary Farmer's character is a gem.
The film is funny and sad at the same time, and even after nearly 20 years it speaks today with a voice perhaps stronger, and more poignant about how to walk through life...with beauty all around...and with a simple faith.
A Martinez and all the cast do a great job and the scenery of the big sky is superb. Dont miss the voice of Floyd Crow Westerman as the CB trucker. Or a cameo from the great John Trudell and another from Wes Studi and his shining smile!
You'll never look at your old car in the same way again!

DVD:

DVD List

DVD

DVD

Trekkies 2

Cedric The Entertainer : Video

C'est la Vie (REGION 1) (NTSC)

DVD: A Girl Thing

Encyclopaedia Of World War 2 - Vol. 1 - Afrika Korps To Clau