Don’t worry. I’m not going to wax philosophical in a nauseating retrospective that have become as common and welcome as those hideous inflatable snow globe lawn ornaments. 

Nope.  Just a few ideas on how to enjoy the leisure time most of us have the next few days.  Like watching a few of our favorite Native and Native-themed movies, that is.  So here’s a start, a few must-see (and accessible) films that are available at Amazon and other video retailers. And no, I don’t list  Dances With Wolves… 

Skins.  Not a flawlessly executed film; but Chris Eyre’s labor of love has plenty of heart about the loss and redemption of two brothers played by Eric Schweig  and Graham Greene.  Adapted from the book by Adrian Louis,  Skins  will have you laughing and crying in the same scene.  Raw, real, touching and one of my true favorites. 

Pow Wow Highway.  The original Native road movie.   Stars Gary Farmer and A Martinez in a funny  and poignant feel-good comedy/drama.  In many respects, can be credited  for jumpstarting the genre of Native films that followed. Roger Ebert calls  Farmer’s performance “one of the most wholly convincing I’ve ever seen.”  Yeah, Gary is THAT good.  

Little Big Man.  Arthur Penn’s 1970 blockbuster blew the doors off the old western stereotype and introduced real Indians playing Indians.  A bit earnest and dated by today’s standards, but come on. It has Dustin Hoffman,  a whimsical Chief Dan George and a slutty Faye  Dunaway. Earned a best supporting actor nomination    for George.  

Christmas in the Clouds.  Because it’s Christmastime, homies!  You might get a sugar high, but the inclusion of Graham Greene, Sheila Tousey and Wes Studi adds some protein.  Greene is hilarious as the vegetarian chef forced to prepare meat dishes for the resort diners.  And you gotta check out Wes’s kilt. 

Dreamkeeper.   To be honest,  the first time I watched the miniseries on television it didn’t overwhelm me.  But I bought the DVD; and it’s been worth it.  Meticulous retelling of Indian legends with the parallel story of a wayward teen bonding with his family and his heritage through the stories told by his grandfather.  Just about all of our favorite Native actors make an appearance here—August Schellenberg, Eddie Spears, Dakota House, Gordon Tootoosis, Gil Birmingham, Alex Rice, Misty Upham, Nathaniel Arcand, (Yep. OUR Misty and Nathaniel) Sheila Tousey, Gary Farmer, and many more.  

Edge of America.  The theme of a girl’s basketball  team fighting their way to the state championship channels  the 1986 movie, Hoosiers,  but that’s okay.     I  liked  Hoosiers and you’ll like Edge of America.  Chris Eyre shows his growth as a director in this 2005 release; the film has fully developed characters played by Delanna Studi and Misty Upham.  Wes Studi looks like he had a blast playing against type. 

The Doe Boy.  Small movie, awesome movie.  Stars James Duval in a coming-of-age story about a half-Cherokee hemophiliac.  This film works so well on so many levels—powerful script about the relationship between Duval’s character and his Caucasian Dad and Native mother; a touching love story; the interplay with his grandfather and peers.  Tight writing and directing  by Randy Redroad and understated, natural performances by Duval, Kevin Anderson, Jeri Arrendondo, Gil Birmingham, Nathaniel Arcand, and Gordon Tootoosis.   

Okay, not a complete list, for sure. But a start to a great weekend, don’t you think? For those who celebrate, have a peaceful Christmas…and for all, may you have a leisurely regeneration of your heart, soul and mind as we prepare for a new year…

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year…:)