I grew up in New Mexico, 20 minutes from the Navajo reservation. This movie depicts life on the rez as it is. I think the story is solid and the cinematography is on point.
Sarah Natani was a delight to watch and listen to. I loved watching her weave, and how the film portrayed the spiritual importance of weaving, especially in the Navajo tradition. I also loved listening to her speak real Navajo. She brought back a lot of memories with her stories. I'm also pretty sure I'm going to be speaking with a Navajo accent for a few days after this.
The only thing that disappointed me is not all the actors are Navajo. Most people watching this probably won't know the difference, but it's glaring for those of us who do know. Still, the non-Navajo actors were respectful of Navajo culture and beliefs. They played their parts well enough that if it weren't for their faces, I wouldn't have known different.
This is by and far the best depiction I've seen on screen of the Navajo people and their culture. I will watch this again and recommend it to my friends, even my Diné friends.
Sarah Natani was a delight to watch and listen to. I loved watching her weave, and how the film portrayed the spiritual importance of weaving, especially in the Navajo tradition. I also loved listening to her speak real Navajo. She brought back a lot of memories with her stories. I'm also pretty sure I'm going to be speaking with a Navajo accent for a few days after this.
The only thing that disappointed me is not all the actors are Navajo. Most people watching this probably won't know the difference, but it's glaring for those of us who do know. Still, the non-Navajo actors were respectful of Navajo culture and beliefs. They played their parts well enough that if it weren't for their faces, I wouldn't have known different.
This is by and far the best depiction I've seen on screen of the Navajo people and their culture. I will watch this again and recommend it to my friends, even my Diné friends.