ViewGuide

Created Jun 28, 2011 10:13PM PST • Edited Jun 28, 2011 11:22PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Good 3.0

   A Jesuit missionary trying to bring the Catholic faith to the Indians of “New France” (French-Canada) enlist the help of the Algonquin Indians to find a lost mission in the land of the Herons. “If the winter doesn’t kill us, the Indians might, and if they don’t the English will” – a great quote that sums up the times fairly well.

   Visually astounding re-enactments of life during the 17th century colonization of Canada. The Indian costumes, teepees, canoes, depictions of settlements by the French, brutal winter, and expansive and beautiful scenery are all very well done. Based upon some reviews, apparently the movie is historically accurate .

   Not only were the depictions stunning, but the insight in to the Indian culture: following their dreams “Dreams are more real than death” it was said. Dreams are how they knew what to do. In the end, the Indians seemed more religiously pure than the French, and of a higher honor too. “There is no gift from the French that isn’t paid for” as one Algonquin put it.

   On the other hand, the different tribes weren’t so kind to each-other. The Iroquois greeted the Algonquians with arrows to the throat, group torture, and rape. Apparently, this is an accurate depiction as well. And unfortunately for the Herons, who accepted the Christian faith, were rewarded by routing and death at the hand of the Iroquois emboldened at this apparent weakness.

4. Acting

   Good 3.0

   An excellent job by Lothaire Bluteau as the steadfast Father LaForque. Aden Young does a decent job as the young Daniel smitten by Annuka (Sandrine Holt).

5. Male Stars Good 3.0

6. Female Stars Good 3.0

7. Female Costars Good 3.0

8. Male Costars Good 3.0

10. Film

    Very Good 3.5

    Excellent blend of historical accuracy, deep drama, well-done cinematography, and a fascinating story.

11. Direction Very Good 3.5

12. Play Very Good 3.5

13. Music Very Good 3.5

14. Visuals Very Good 3.5
15. Content

16. Edge

    Sordid 2.6

    Between the brutal killing and rape, this is not for the squeamish,

17. Sex Erotic 2.6

18. Violence Brutal 2.6

19. Rudeness Profane 2.6

21. Reality

    Glib 1.1

    Yeah, I think this movie is pretty darn close to how it was.

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.1

23. Biological Glib 1.1

24. Physical Glib 1.1