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The Only Good Indian
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Wikipedia article
'The Only Good Indian' is a 2009 American independent Western film directed by Kevin Willmott.
The film was shot almost entirely in Kansasthe only exception being a scene at Missouri's Ha Ha Tonka State Parkhttp://www.dnr.mo.gov/central/inner-res/08mayjune.pdf featuring locations such as the Monument Rocks and Fort Larned.
Filming took place in 2007-2008, and the movie premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival,Butler, Robert. [http://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/columnists/robert_w_butler/story/996445.html "Sundance audiences are loving Kevin Willmotts The Only Good Indian"], 'The Kansas City Star', January 24, 2009 subsequently showing at other film festivals. The film won Willmott "Best Director" honors at the American Indian Film Festival, as well as acting honors for Wes Studi and Winter Fox Frank in his debut as the Kickapoo youth.
Plot
The story is set in Kansas during the early 1900s. A Kickapoo youth (newcomer Winter Fox Frank) is taken from his family and forced to attend a distant Indian boarding school, designed to achieve to his assimilation into White society. When he escapes to return to his family, Sam Franklin (Wes Studi), a bounty hunter of Cherokee descent, is hired to find and return him to the school.
Franklin, a former Indian scout for the U.S. Army, has renounced his Native heritage. He has adopted the White Mans way of life, believing its the only way for Indians to survive. Along the way, a tragic incident spurs Franklins longtime nemesis, noted `Indian Fighter` Sheriff Henry McCoy (J. Kenneth Campbell), to pursue both Franklin and the boy.
The film featured both the Kickapoo language and members of the Kickapoo tribe.
Cast
* Wes Studi as Sam Franklin
* J. Kenneth Campbell as Sheriff Henry McCoy
* Winter Fox Frank as Charlie
* Paul Butler as Harkin
* Thirza Defoe as Sally
* Christopher Wheatley as Mean Joe
* Laura Kirk as Miss Harris
* Delanna Studi as Aquene
Reception
The film premiered in 2009 at the Sundance Film Festival, and was shown at numerous other festivals. It won awards for its director and leads at the American Indian Film Festival.
Robert W. Butler of the 'Kansas City Star' thought that Wilmott was well-intentioned but did not fully realize the reach of revisionist history. Audiences have liked it but the film has not had wide distribution.[https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/only_good_indian/ 'The Only Good Indian'], Rotten Tomatoes website; accessed 21 July 2016 'The Hollywood Reporter' praised Studi's performance.
Travis Keune, reviewing the film at the Saint Louis Film Festival, said that it started with a great premise and, while the execution was flawed, it was worth watching.[http://www.wearemoviegeeks.com/2009/11/sliff-2009-review-the-only-good-indian/ Review: 'The Only Good Indian'], We Are Movie Geeks blog, 20 November 2009; accessed 21 July 2016
References
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