Indian Horse
Indian Horse

Movie spotlight

Indian Horse

2018
Movie
96 min
English

Follows the life of Native Canadian Saul Indian Horse as he survives residential school and life amongst the racism of the 1970s. A talented hockey player, Saul must find his own path as he battles stereotypes and alcoholism.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes76%
Metacritic62/100
Google Users88%
Director: Stephen CampanelliGenres: Drama, Sport

Plot Summary

Saul Indian Horse, a young Ojibway boy, is taken from his family and sent to a residential school where the brutal realities of the Canadian Indian residential school system are revealed. Despite the trauma, Saul finds solace and escape in hockey, developing extraordinary skills that give him a chance at a professional career. However, the deep wounds of his past continue to haunt him, forcing him to confront his identity and the systemic racism he faces.

Critical Reception

Indian Horse received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its powerful performances, emotional depth, and unflinching look at a dark chapter in Canadian history. While some noted its familiar narrative structure, most agreed that the film's sincerity and the compelling portrayal of its protagonist made it a significant and impactful drama.

What Reviewers Say

  • A deeply affecting and important film that sheds light on historical trauma.

  • Features strong performances, particularly from the young actors portraying Saul.

  • While sometimes predictable, the film's emotional weight and social relevance are undeniable.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally commend the film for its emotional impact and its important subject matter, with many highlighting the powerful performances and the story's ability to evoke empathy. Some viewers found it to be a difficult but necessary watch.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Motion Picture at the Canadian Screen Awards.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the award-winning novel of the same name by Richard Wagamese, who was an Ojibway author and journalist and a survivor of the Canadian residential school system himself.

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