I saw this movie because it was rated 9.5 at this site on April 9, 2010. Minutes into the film, I could tell that this was rating was due only to the subject matter and not the quality of the film itself. The script and acting are mediocre to poor, and the story is predictable from start to finish. If you don't know Native American history, this film should be an eye-opener. If you do, as I did before watching the movie, you will be pleased to see that this important aspect of Native American history was made into a movie. If only it had been made into a movie worth seeing. I could see that everyone involved with the making of the film tried their best, but it didn't work. Very disappointed. 9.5? No, it's just a 5.

Good cast, but not so well done as a movie. I love Adam Beach and Wes Studi, and was surprised to see Bradley Cooper. I watched the movie online and thought I had some issues with loading, but perhaps it was just poor shooting/direction. I didn't care for lack of resolution regarding one government man. However, I appreciated the story and the history. Personally, I am working with the Navajo and love to learn about native culture. (This movie reservation was in Minnesota). I have heard testimony of some of this boarding school history. This movie was disturbing, with disturbing images and concepts, but I believe that much was based on truth. I wouldn't recommend this for young kids, but would love for older youth to learn about this native history.

This film is very powerful since it delves into all the horrific traumas that Native kids went through at boarding schools everywhere in the States, not just in Minnesota. This one should take the blinders off of every white person who thinks that Indians "have always had it easy" or "good"!! Viewers of this film should realize the horror of these death camps that were disguised as "boarding schools"! Many children died at the hands of the priests, nuns and all the other school personnel. I strongly suggest watching this for anyone who dislikes Native people for their "bad qualities"; the ones who think that Natives are only "one of society's many problems". You'll know what I'm talking about after watching it. I hope the film will literally open your eyes and see the truth! That's why this film was released, to make the public aware of the atrocities that occurred. ANYWAYS...that's why I gave this a 9 out of 10.