User Reviews

Great movie. Saw it a long time ago. It is a movie that is worth keeping in your collection.

The best part of the movie is not its story but the way the characters are handled. But if you are in the mood to have fun when you are watching the movie, this is not for you. Watch it alone and you enjoy it more. If you are watching it with people who are more interested in the popcorn than the movie, you would never understand the movie.

There are some movies that are meant to be watched and some to be seen. This is a movie that needs be seen and felt....heavy huh? :-)

Happy watching

If you like the old west & tales of Indian spirits, then you'll love "Windwalker". It is truly a classic film & is superbly done in the fashion of Hollywood movie making. The story is also typical of Indian legend. The movie tells of the "Great Spirit" & the power that can beheld from believing & having faith. The performance of all members of the cast is truly an adventure you won't want to miss. This movie is a western adventure that is hard to duplicate in todays times as far as movie making & story telling goes. "Pull your hat down tight, take a deep seat & let Er buck" cause this is one picture you're gonna love, come hell or high water! David Garber

Srt in 1797 Utah, an aged Cheyenne (Trevor Howard) patriarch helps his kin to fight off a raiding party of rival Crow warriors and while he tells his grandchildren the story of their family. Along the way hee must risk his own life by passing a hard proof . Narrated by a voice-over , Smiling Wolf (Nick Ramus) , telling the perilous life of the starring Windwalker from his youthful (James Remar) falling in love for Tashina (Serene Hedine) and while suffering several dangers from a raiding party of enemy Indians . He conquered love and death...now he walks the winds of eternity!

Simple and plain Western with breathtaking outdoors filmed in naturals parks , being an independent project filmed in the Crow and Cheyennes Indian languages and subtitled in English throughout . An unique tale of 'Indians without a single cowboy' with great cinematography , splendid landscapes and rousing musical score . Including fantastic inspiration in the Native habits , showing spiritual apparitions and weird dreams, as well as the spectacular outdoors fom Diamond Fork Canyon, Utah, Smith & Moorehouse Reservoir, Uinta Mountains, Utah, Uinta Mountains, and interior shots on sound stage : Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah. Stars the classic actor Trevor Howard who gives a nice acting playing an ancient Indian warrior who has reached the end of his life is brought back from his 'death' to save his family , as he's the only cast member who isn't a Native American . Being well accompanied by a decent cast, such as : James Remar , Nick Ramus , Serene Hedin , Rudy Diaz and brief appearance by Billy Drago.

Here stands out the gorgeous cinematography , though being really necessary a perfect remastering because of the film copy is washed-up. Nicely financed by Arthur R Dubbs , an expert producer of nature films such as : Robinson Family , Across the Great Divide , The Mountain of the Robinson Family , Wilderness , Wonder of It All , American Wilderness . The motion picture was well directed by Kieth Merril . He is a good professional , a nice director and producer, known for The Great American Cowboy (1974), Amazon (1997) and 12 Dogs of Christmas: Great Puppy Rescue (2012) , among others . Rating : 6.5/10. The flick will appeal to Indian Westerns enthusiasts . Well worth watching .

This movie is so incredible. I was instantly swept up by it. I was mesmorized, enchanted, bedazzled, bewitched. I love this movie so much and I haven't seen it for 10 years. I am almost afraid to watch again in case I can't feel the magic. Every once in a while you need to have something like this to hold on to. I was so manipulated by this film. Sometimes you prefer a movie that takes your imagination away from you and says, now look at the world like this. If you can get yours hand on it please do. If you loved "Black Robe" you will love this film.

There are days when you awake and turn on the TV and watch whatever is in front of you. This was one of those morning. I found myself locked in as the story developed. James Remar was so young and he didn't even look like himself. I read the information on the story but was intrigued as to how the actual story was developed into such a well told tale. The fact that it was told in subtitles didn't make a difference due to the great directing and greater actors. I wish I had seen this movie when it first came out because of the cinema effect used on some of the scenes reminded me of the other great fantasy movies of that time. Movies like Merlin, The Superman Trilogy,and Legend. I loved that glossy throwback effect from the 1930's. I think anyone would love to watch this and the simple magical tale it depicts. Howard seemed physically weak throughout the whole production and I am sure he knew it was one of his last screen appearances. I highly recommend this film.

My father wrote the book Windwalker so I am privy to a few facts you might find interesting. First of all to all those who objected to Trevor Howard, the director of this film wanted to have all Native American actors and had arranged for Chief Dan George to play the title role, but he became really ill just before shooting. There wasn't any other actors available who were Native Americans, and they were lucky to get Trevor Howard, who in most opinions did an amazing job. Every part of this film was authenticated and was extremely well received by the Native American communities. It may seem slow but then you are missing the point. It was not billed as an adventure movie and I am afraid you are comparing it with those that are. This movie was quite simply the story of a family that finally brought some respect to Native Americans who for years had been portrayed as awful cookie cutter images that were neither flattering nor accurate. Another interesting fact is that the committee that nominates films for Academy Awards did want to nominate this film but they had a dilemma. The movie had to be in the category of foreign films as it had subtitles, but a movie that is in that category has to be nominated by the country it represents. This made it a catch 22 and at the time they could see no way to circumvent the rules and so the nomination fell through.

If you have never seen this movie, you are truly missing a Gem of the Best Native American Films Ever. It is Authentic for all the actors, languages, costumes and the way of the Native American. It is the most enjoyable Family movie and everyone will learn something. It's poignant, touching, dramatic and humorous. It has all the ear marks of an award winner that you will want to see again and again. One you hate to see end and wish it had another sequel and a prequel. It is one of the most outstanding movies of it's time to shed some truth on the much ridiculed Native Americans. It shows how intuitive they are and with tons of ingenuity with a love and respect of this beautiful country we call America. I hope one day you all get to see it.

"Windwalker" will hold interest, but you have to pay close attention to the rapidly changing subtitles. This is sometimes difficult and leaves only a couple seconds to marvel at the fine cinematography. Also, I found the almost constant time changes to be somewhat of an annoyance. The "Native American" costumes, rituals, and language gives the film an authentic feel. Sorry I cannot say the same for the cave scenes, as they looked totally fake. Trevor Howard does a good job, and Billy Drago gets to play yet another deranged role, this time as a sexual predator "Indian". Though slow at times, and a bit confusing, authenticity overcomes the few faults. - MERK

Released in late 1980, "Windwalker" is an unconventional Western in that there are no white people (cowboys, cavalry, etc.) and all the dialogue is spoken in Native languages with English subtitles; the story takes place in what later became Utah in 1797 with flashbacks to 50 years earlier. Trevor Howard plays an aged Cheyenne who's about to die and James Remar plays the younger version of the same man. The plot revolves around the Cheyenne's family and their skirmishes with a small band of Crow warriors. Nick Ramus, Serene Hedin and Dusty McCrea also have significant roles.

This is a beautiful and well-intentioned film, but it's not without some weaknesses. The Utah wilderness locations are picturesque and the score is pleasant, albeit dated; it sounds exactly like what it is: early 80s New Age music made for an historical fantasy film about Native Americans. And whereas the Cheyenne and Crow characters look generally authentic, they somehow appear too clean, like they put on their brand-new Native clothing a few hours before filming; in other words, it smacks of fantasy more than reality. The depiction of Natives in "Jeremiah Johnson" eight years earlier was noticeably superior. Another negative is the usage of white dudes in major Native roles and Asian boys as Indian children, but I guess they had to do what they had to do to get the film made. And, besides, Howard has Indian-looking facial features despite the color of his eyes and I wouldn't be surprised if Remar had Native blood in his veins. As far as the Asian boys goes, didn't Native Americans originate from Asia in the first place? In other words, they're acceptable substitutes to genuine Native Americans.

Despite the negatives, this is definitely a beautiful film; I just wish the story was more realistic and interesting, like the depiction of 17th century Natives in 1991's excellent "Black Robe," one of my all-time favorite movies. Although a lot of the story in "Windwalker" is good, there are a lot of comic book elements and it's at times fantastical. Moreover, the story raises questions, like how does this elderly man, just risen from death or near death, kill and skin a bear? And how long does it take him to tan the hide? It looked like a day.

Still, the movie's worth seeking out if the positives trip your trigger. A lot of people love "Windwalker."

The film runs 108 minutes.

GRADE: C+

A native Indian family fleeing from an area struck by disease, is forced to be on the move during winter, and grandfather is sick. With the last of his strength the old patriarch ascends to his death platform to join his ancestors. In these hard times resources are dear, and a sick and dying old man with nothing more to contribute to the family must do the noble thing and not be a burden to his kin. He would slow them down and consume food, blankets, space and warmth that should nurture those who will carry on his line. He must go with dignity and walk on the wind. It is his time.

But as it happens this old man's greatest adventure and finest moments are yet before him, and as we shall see, he will not only contribute a much greater boon to his family than they or he could ever imagine, but he will ultimately find closure to a great tragedy he suffered in his own youth.

Windwalker is a refreshingly different film. All dialogue is spoken in authentic native dialects, with subtitles where necessary to aid the telling. The story unfolds through the use of the sparing English narration and wonderful visuals.

Also refreshing is the absence of any caucasian/native interaction and angst. All characters are native North American Indian. Good guys, bad guys, those whom the viewer decides himself/herself are good bad or otherwise, all are seen in a setting that predates the arrival of Europeans on the scene.

Too, it can be seen that the indigenous way of life really wasn't idyllic just because Caucasians had yet to come along and 'ruin' it! There is disease, famine, rapacious attacks from neighboring rival bands... Sort of like Europe in a way, wasn't it?

Free of heroic 'indian fighter' themes such as early cowboy movies had, Windwalker is also free of the latest theme in which the 'white men' are portrayed as having destroyed the native's presumed blissful former lifestyle. It is a blessing to be able to watch and share a movie with a North American native setting that is completely free of any political leanings one way or another. No racial tension or posture exists because it's all native. Bravo!

The story unfolds with enthralling straightforward simplicity, and spiced with occasional dry humour, reaches a satisfying conclusion. Suitable for all ages, this is a movie well worth watching.

Yes, the dialog is in Cheyenne and Crow, and the actors do a remarkably good job with pronunciation, tone, pacing, etc. Yes, the wardrobe is largely authentic, although in many cases the characters wore *way* more clothes than real Cheyenne or Crow would have. Yes, a lot of the Cheyenne and Crow traditions, motives, etc. were accurately portrayed. Yes, some of the children were portrayed by real Navajo kids.

The story was an OK telling of the life of a man and his family, shown in both forward and backward chronology. But for me it raised too many unanswered questions to make sense in the end.

How are we supposed to cheer for a brash douche-bag of a young Cheyenne who steals enemy Crow horses as a dowry without considering the horrible impact it will have on himself and all the people around him? What year was it, anyway? Horses didn't come to the New World until Spanish settlers/invaders brought them in the 1600's, and they didn't reach Cheyenne territory until the 1700's. One of the Crow wears a Hudson Bay blanket jacket, but those didn't make it past the Great Lakes until railroads arrived in the 1800's.

What was the deal with the central character having blue eyes? The actor who played the old man wore tinted lenses, clearly visible in close-ups. James Remar, who played the same character younger, has naturally blue eyes. In the book does the main character have blue eyes too? Was it even necessary to the story? If the actors are in colored lenses, why not brown ones? How does an old man, just risen from death or near death, kill and skin a bear? And how does he tan the hide in a day? And (this isn't a question) no Cheyenne, Crow, or other Native American would leave the blood of his enemy on his own skin after a fight. That's sort of like willingly turning yourself into a voodoo doll for your enemy to abuse.

Likewise, Cheyenne women would never be as passive as they were portrayed. They'd be fighting fast and brutal along with their man, no hesitation, no hiding.

The story? Kind of OK, nothing special, but mostly it was a vehicle for sumptuous tableaux showcasing beautiful Natives against nature's golden splendor. You know, stuff you'd see airbrushed on the side of a customized van.

..or if I dreamed this. I remember my older brother taking me to see this film when I was six years old. I was captivated by it then, and over the years, I forgot the name of the film and nobody knew what I was talking about when I would describe it. Not even my brother remembers.

Well, thanks to the wonders of the internet, I was finally able to remember the name and I ordered it not really expecting it to be as enchanting as when I was six. But I still find it to be an amazing film. Very well done with some great camera work. It is refreshing to see a Native American film without the indians merely being a catalyst for the heroism of some cowboy.

A great story and I love that it is done in Native Language and subtitled English. I noticed that they gave the "If you like this movie, you will like 'Dances with Wolves'" recommendation. Well, this is a much better movie. If only because we don't have to see Kevin Costners bare a**e. This film stands on it's own without the marquee names or the white actors with the wig and tanning cream. Check it out.

I bought a DVD of the film years ago because it is great. It is a really good example of cinematography, not requiring a lot of dialog to tell the story. It is simple, clean and clear.

Gee, I need to add more lines to my review so that it will get added to the other reviews.

Acting is good and timeless. Photography is great and timeless. Beautiful scenes, panoramas, and close ups. The seasonal shots are magical: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter (snow).

To me it belongs with a set including "little Big Man" and "A Man Called Horse". If wanting to know something about Native American culture and history.

It even contains some simple humor.

"Dances with Wolves" and "The Last of the Mohicans" fit into a different category of "Indian" movies.

January 1, 2016 I really like this movie, the story, etc. and now that I have a 65" 4K TV, I really wish it was available in 1080p widescreen HD on BlueRay.

I picked up this movie at a tag sale since I am very interested in Native American type films. Obviously Dances with Wolves is now the standard by which all Native American subject films are measured....

WOW... what a nice surprise to find this film that I had never heard of. Although it is a 1980 film, and Hollywood tended to use white actors for Native roles, who cares. What a great story. It is very subtle in the way the story unfolds, and leaves you guessing about what is happening and what is going to happen. I thoroughly enjoyed this film. If you liked this movie, you will love Last of the Dogmen (1995) even more.

This is the kind of film that gave liberals a bad name. Cliché-ridden, sentimental, patronizing; you know you have a bad film about American Indians when you have noted British actor Trevor Howard pretending to be one. Of course all he does is lie on his back mouthing Cheyenne with a very bad accent, so I suppose the director hoped his presence wouldn't interfere with this precious little message film; but it is the key to all the wrong that follows the opening sequence.

I confess I only got half-way through the movie; but it stank solid for sure, so I just had to get out for a breath of fresh air, and by the time I got back, the movie was over - thank god.

Everybody over-acts; all the events are predictable. The cinematography is wretchedly television-style, and the muzak is so banal, my girl friend had to take a break to wash her ears out - I mean. this film would define "mediocre" except that some mediocre films are at least watchable; so I guess this is just a really bad film, after all.

There are some films that I've seen where I can't fathom for the life of me of how overrated they've become on IMDb - many of them having hundreds of reviews and over inflated ratings - and then there are also films where I can't fathom how underrated or unknown they are, having very little in the way of reviews or fame. 1980's "Windwalker" is one of those films that sadly falls into the latter category. Starring English actor Trevor Howard, it's a movie that simply shouldn't be as good as it is, mainly because of the fact Trevor Howard, one of the quintessential English actors of his generation, stars as an aging American Indian (or Native American, whatever you prefer) Cheyenne warrior! Just hearing that fact alone would probably have you believe that the movie is one to be panned almost immediately. And yet my friends, nothing could be further from the truth.

The movie takes place in the rugged western wilderness of pre-European North America, during the brutally cold winters of that area, and focuses on a family of Cheyenne, and in particular, on aging and dying warrior patriarch Windwalker (Trevor Howard). As he lays dying of old age and decay, he accepts that his time has come, and begins to recount to his grandchildren his days as a young man (those scenes being played by James Remar), of how he came to "win" his wife and true love Tashira (Serene Hedin), the birth of his twin sons, and how in one instance, one of them was snatched and taken away and his lovely wife killed. Saddened by this memory but content that he has lived a good, full life, Windwalker dies and his laid to rest in the Cheyenne way. But little does the old warrior know, the great spirit in the sky is not quite ready to let Windwalker's spirit onto the wind just yet, for as his family is traveling back to lair, they are attacked by a band of their hated enemy, the Crow tribe. Using a combination of wisdom and powerful magic, Windwalker sets on to his final adventure to save his family and make it more stronger in ways he never could have imagined.

"Windwalker" is perhaps the most authentic movie ever done on Native Americans, one reason due to the fact that there's not a single cowboy in sight and another because - other than some narration in English at times - the dialogue is spoken entirely in actual Cheyenne and Crow languages and dialect. Trevor Howard, despite being English, is absolutely (and shockingly) believable in his role as the Cheyenne warrior chief embarking on his last adventure, becoming completely immersed in his character, and in many ways, actually becomes Windwalker. Adding to this is the performances of the other actors - some of whom are actually Native American - who all do a fine job, be it James Remar as the young Windwalker, Nick Ramus as Windwalker's son, the beautiful Serene Hedin as Tashina, even Billy Drago as one of the Crow scouts turn in believable performances.

Another strong aspect of the film is the sets; filmed in the wilds of Utah, there were many times I thought I was watching a portrait being painted simply because the outdoor locations were so mesmerizing and beautiful. Director Kieth Merrill expertly takes all of these elements and weaves together a brilliant film that shows beauty, the power the human spirit has when it comes to survival, and also shows that violence and war are in no way limited to just one group of people. Indeed, life among the native tribes was not as idyllic as some would have you believe. How in the world this film is not more widely known or did not even get one Oscar nomination is something I will never figure out for the life of me. To put it bluntly, folks, you are robbing yourselves by not seeing underrated gem, and that's a phrase I use very sparling my friends. If you should ever have the opportunity to see this, don't pass it up. I promise you are in for a real treat with this one. Also marks the first appearance of animal actor Bart the Bear.

This exceptional movie is now in the long-awaited dvd format. It was a pity about the vhs original being poor quality--this "little gem" didn't deserve that sort of treatment--evidently the video was recorded on long-play to keep costs down and the clarity suffered. Now that this film is on dvd,it should be even popular than before.

When I visited my sister in Arizona she told me that an old girl friend of mine had been in a movie, quite some time ago. We went to one of the video places and rented the tape. (DVD was not around yet). We actually rented the movie to see Dusty Iron Wing McCrea, as that was the girl that I went with back in the 50's. We really liked the movie. My sister is actually my half sister and half Sioux Indian. So is another half sister and brother. We lived around the Sioux in South Dakota up until the mid 50's and learned of their ways and customs, so the movie was meaningful to us. I will try to get it on DVD as some of the other comments say the quality is much better than the tape.

What initially peaked my curiosity was both Nick Ramus and James Remar in the heading. Ramus was awesome and memorable as Chief Black Kettle in the series 'Dr. Quinn; Medicine Woman'. And I've always loved James Remar; fantastic actor, and incredible 'Warrior'. He's equally incredible here, as Windwalker Young Man.

At first I wasn't sure what to think of this gem; it had been literally ages since I've sat down to watch anything with Native American, and forever since I've seen The Call of the Wild or Jack London. Both were lost screen gems. But for any fan who grew up on the likes of Grizzly Adams, Jack London, or Dances With Wolves, this film is a beauty.

I duly recall the days of my youth when Disney or like, were credible for producing films like this. Kids and parents used to fill the cinemas on the weekends, just to see Native Americans on the big screen. Those days have been long gone, with exception of Dances With Wolves.

I love the fact that it's all natural; only Native-American actors, and the English subtitles. And the photography and cinematography are fantastic.

Any list of great Western movies must include the native American story. This is that "missing" Western. Why include big name films with sullen, guilt-ridden white guys (Dances With Wolves, A Man Called Horse), when there is this overlooked masterpiece that takes place all within a completely native American universe?

I love how the stark winter survival scenes of the family lead to the heavenly reunion with long lost kin. This is a simple, universal story of love, family, good guys (Cheyenne) and bad guys (Crow).

I am not a Cheyenne or an anthropologist, but to me this movie looks and sounds more authentic than anything before or since.

My list of greatest Westerns in order of release: 1. Stagecoach 2. My Darling Clementine 3. Red River 4. High Noon 5. The Searchers 6. The Good, The Bad and the Ugly 7. The Wild Bunch 8. Windwalker 9. Unforgiven 10. 3:10 to Yuma

I'm sure that there is a story behind the casting of Trevor Howard as the old Cheyenne Indian who has led quite a life in Windwalker. We already know that Chief Dan George was originally supposed to be cast in the title role and that would have made rational sense certainly. Still Howard brings a certain noble dignity to the part of the old Cheyenne warrior though film fans on both sides of the pond are used to seeing him as ardent lover in his youth and barracks roisterer in his middle age in British films.

As a young man Howard saw his wife killed and one of his two twin sons kidnapped by the Cheyenne hereditary enemy the Crow. Later on in old age Howard is as custom has, put while not quite dead on the funeral pyre. When he doesn't die being out there in the cold it occurs to him that their might be some higher purpose for him being kept alive. He rolls off that pyre and goes back to his family. And the rest of Windwalker is Howard learning why the Great Spirit has kept him alive.

Windwalker is one of those sleeper films that people enjoy discovering. It is a film about Indian culture out in the plains and Rocky Mountains before the white man arrived. It is caringly and lavishly photographed in some rugged terrain the more realistic to make this film. It was what Dances With Wolves came to be later, the ultimate film about Indian life and lore. Nick Ramus and James Remar are wonderful as the two sons.

This film came and went very quickly. Back in the day in 1980 when it first came out. I met a young man in one of our fabulous gay bars back then named Tommy Barker who had lived on a reservation though he was not an American Indian. He was quite steeped in the culture and we went to see Windwalker. It was great to see it with someone who really appreciated the film and its authenticity. I lost track of Tommy shortly after that. He was a great person and I certainly hope that he's not in the past tense for good. This review is dedicated to him.

The phrase that Charles Dickens used in describing Dr. Manette in A Tale Of Two Cities "Recalled to Life" is how I think of Windwalker. I think you'll be blown away when you see it.

There was "Windwalker".

It's been ages since I've seen this movie. In fact I think the last time I saw it was in the theatre or on HBO a few months after it had been pulled from its initial release. I think most of all I remember the ending, and thinking how heart felt and touching it was. It's nice to think that in someway we will consciously be reunited with loved ones when we die, but the truth is we aren't when we pass on, though it makes for some great mythology.

And that's the thing that struck me about this film, that is how it shows (unintentionally) the parallels of other cultures that went through a tribal period of development. A time when your society is just realizing who they are, and are trying to come to terms with nature, an always impersonal and sometimes hostile environment in which it is a struggle to survive, not to mention other individuals or groups who want what you have.

And we see the first person narrative of a man trying to come to terms with his surroundings. He applies his own sense of order upon an nature's impersonal surroundings. And that's true of all cultures, and, as an amateur scientist, it was interesting to see how the drama unfolded in this time before the historic clash of cultures of European and Asian cultures visiting the Americas (the Vikings not withstanding). It's a period drama that focuses on a culture that's more basic. There's a technological base which is not quite bronze age, not quite medieval, but a bit beyond the stone age.

Other positive aspects are Reed Smoot's artistic lensing, which really adds a sense of authenticity and by capturing the majesty of of the Rocky Mountains or Sierras where the film take place. The cloud enshrouded mountains dusted with snow, the coniferous forests which are lush and green, and the wilderness in winter and spring. It really is a pleasure to watch for that alone.

The other high point of this film is the music. We hear the echoing flute giving us some basic melodies that accentuate the expansiveness of rugged North America populated by animals and Native American tribes. The music, like all good scores, accentuates the emotions of the scene without being too narrative. It adds auditory flavor, and helps give us a sense of wide open spaces, or tracks of land that are untapped, rugged, wild, and are there to be used to sustain the life of the tribe. There's a kind of mysticism that could be gleamed or interpreted from the music, and that's probably intentional, but I don't put stock in spiritual themes. It is man's own early interpretation that we're witnessing here as he fights for survival against cruel odds.

But not all is struggle. There are tender moments in this film, although perhaps a bit too few, though one begins to think that if there were more, then the film may have verged on being saccharine.

The story itself is not uncommon, but has a kid of paleolithic twist by virtue of it being about Native American tribes. Yet it should resound with all cultures across the globe. From Russia, to the Middle East, to Southeast Asia, the South Seas, and certainly Europe and Africa. There really is a commonality expressing who we are as human beings in this film.

There's a lot of things in this film that can be commented on. But, in the end, it's a kind of love story and story about survival and coming to terms, in a primitive way, with nature.

Definitely worth seeing at least once.