Ghost Dance
Ghost Dance

Movie spotlight

Ghost Dance

2006
Movie
118 min
Japanese

A third-year high school girl who lives in Kawasaki City. She secretly has feelings for her classmate Shinya, but Shinya dies in an accident without being able to tell her. When she is wandering around the city in her dazed state due to shock, she is invited by a young man (Ishida) to a gathering to hold a Native American ritual called "Ghost Dance" to meet the deceased. Children who lost their parents, parents who lost their children, old men who lost their comrades, husbands who lost their wives, and many other "leftovers" gathered there.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Michael BadenGenres: Documentary, History

Plot Summary

This documentary explores the complex and often controversial history of the Ghost Dance movement, a spiritual revival that swept through Native American tribes in the late 19th century. It delves into the beliefs, practices, and tragic consequences of the movement, examining its roots in prophecy and its ultimate suppression by the U.S. government. The film features interviews with historians and descendants of those involved.

Critical Reception

Ghost Dance (2006) received moderate attention, primarily within documentary and Native American studies circles. While praised for its historical exploration and attempt to present a nuanced view of the Ghost Dance movement, some critics noted its limited distribution and the challenges of fully capturing the spiritual depth of the subject matter.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its historical research and effort to provide context for the Ghost Dance movement.

  • Acknowledged for bringing attention to a significant, yet often misunderstood, chapter in Native American history.

  • Some viewers found it to be a somewhat academic and less emotionally resonant exploration of the spiritual aspects.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific documentary is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The documentary was directed by Michael Baden, who is also a forensic pathologist known for his work on high-profile cold cases and death investigations, bringing a unique analytical perspective to historical events.

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