Neither Wolf Nor Dog
Neither Wolf Nor Dog

Movie spotlight

Neither Wolf Nor Dog

2016
Movie
110 min
English

A white author is sucked into a road trip through the heart on Native American Country by a Lakota elder and his best friend forcing the author into a deep understanding of contemporary native life.

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes100%
Metacritic85/100
Google Users96%
Director: Steven Lewis SimpsonGenres: Documentary, Western

Plot Summary

A Native American elder confronts the myth of the American West through his own life story and the wisdom of his Lakota ancestors. The film explores the spiritual and cultural dimensions of the Plains, contrasting the romanticized notions of the West with the harsh realities of Indigenous life. It is a deeply personal journey that questions the dominant narratives of history and seeks a more authentic understanding of identity and place.

Critical Reception

Neither Wolf Nor Dog received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its powerful performances, poignant storytelling, and authentic portrayal of Native American life and spirituality. Critics lauded its ability to challenge conventional Western tropes and offer a profound, introspective look at the legacy of colonialism. Audiences similarly responded with appreciation for its heartfelt message and the wisdom shared by its subjects.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its profound and authentic exploration of Native American culture and the myth of the American West.

  • Lauded for its powerful, understated performances and deeply spiritual narrative.

  • Hailed as a significant and necessary counter-narrative to traditional Western storytelling.

Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly loved the film, frequently highlighting its authenticity, emotional depth, and the wisdom imparted by its Native American protagonist. Many found it to be a moving and thought-provoking experience that offered a much-needed perspective on American history and culture.

Awards & Accolades

Winner of numerous awards including Best Documentary Feature at the Traverse City Film Festival, Audience Award at the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival, and nominations at various other film festivals.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the book 'Neither Wolf Nor Dog: Images of the Shepherd in the Great Plains' by Kent Nerburn, who also appears as a main character in the film.

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