Movie spotlight
Beans
Twelve-year-old Beans is on the edge: torn between innocent childhood and reckless adolescence; forced to grow up fast and become the tough Mohawk warrior she needs to be during the Oka Crisis, the turbulent Indigenous uprising that tore Quebec and Canada apart for 78 tense days in the summer of 1990.
Insights
Plot Summary
Set during the 1990 Oka Crisis, 'Beans' tells the story of a young Mohawk girl named Tekay who feels caught between two worlds. When violence erupts, she must find her strength and fight for her family and community. The film explores themes of identity, resilience, and the devastating impact of conflict on youth.
Critical Reception
Critically acclaimed for its powerful storytelling and strong performances, 'Beans' resonated with audiences for its sensitive portrayal of a difficult historical event. It was praised for bringing a necessary Indigenous perspective to the forefront, offering a deeply personal and impactful viewing experience.
What Reviewers Say
A gripping and necessary coming-of-age story set against a turbulent historical backdrop.
Features powerful performances, particularly from the young lead, that anchor the emotional weight of the narrative.
Effectively humanizes the Oka Crisis through a personal lens, highlighting the impact on Indigenous youth.
Google audience: Audience reviews praise the film for its emotional depth and important historical context, highlighting its ability to provoke thought and empathy.
Awards & Accolades
Won multiple awards at the 2021 Vancouver International Film Festival, including Best Canadian Film and Audience Award for Most Popular Canadian Film. Nominated for Best Motion Picture and Best Achievement in Cinematography at the 2021 Canadian Screen Awards.
Fun Fact
The film is based on director Tracey Deer's own experiences growing up during the Oka Crisis.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources