The movie “Thunder heart” touches upon the social aspects of poverty, exploitation, cultural taboos, deviances and other anomaly that may exist in a certain society. This is a directional presentation by Michael Apted who is famous for his movies which touch upon the social issues and events of past incidents that have prevailed and in a less milder way haunted the free existence of different communities within a society. In this project he undertakes the same challenge of representing the social differences yet he has presented them in form of the political spectrum and scope.
It also sheds light on the elementary part of the political corruption that exists in nearly all the societies where the political heads as well as other influential ones use their power for accomplishment of unwarranted actions and desires.
An important dimension of the movie is its touch upon the political rejuvenation in the American society that took place in the 1970s decade where the individuals aimed to get active in the political sphere for the purpose of getting their political, social and legal rights protected.
Cultural context:
The protagonist of the movie who is an Indian descendant feels the cross cultural conflict and lack of assimilation on account of the task under taken by him and the element of inequality that he faces in form of being native American and the descendant Indian of other cultures that have long settled in the United States of America.
The protagonist Ray Levoi does not like the idea of discrimination and being affiliated with his ancestral background, instead he would like to be called a plan simple American first and last, facing difficulties in finding such recognition, he is taken aback by such calls and acts of non assimilate customs within the American society at that time. Being depicted as a member of Sioux community that long settled in the United States of America, he performs the role well and according to the characteristic traits that a Sioux member who depict. With element of rage, vanity, honor, dedication and cause in his actions
Ethnocentric element is seen on display where the Native Americans shed a trace of sense of superiority for themselves and look considerably low upon the others who have settled later in the American society. The point of conflict and debate in this regard is the Black Americans who have long settled here and have become part of the society now, yet as of present (to the dates and era of the movie) there is still considerable friction within that keeps the people from being united as a single force of one nation and one society within who share a common purpose, heritage, culture society and cause of existence.
Cultural awakening:
The movie provides the best form and lesson for cultural awakening with lack of coherence between the people who have descended from different backgrounds and at present find place a little away from their due position and recognition within the American society as it is depicted in those times.
The potential of being exploited on account of difference in ancestral linage is another malady that is on view in the script. Despite being at odds with the cultural lack of approval and acceptance, he is undeterred and takes up the role as a challenge and responsibility with more vigor and zeal and this makes up for the secret of his mission and its subsequent success that he finds in form of reaching to the culprits of the overall situation. With the odds against him and with aims of propelling him into negativity, he shows strong character and stands on his grounds in terms of motivation and moral values and show no compromise or weakness in terms of the resolve that he had earlier shown, and the kind of character that is expected of a such young man driven by motivation and resolution to work hard for the wellbeing of his community and state as well as lift his own name against all the odds. He through his actions tries to banish the concept of social non acceptance that was once a common concept and connotation in the American society.
Cast and contributions:
The main lead plays the role in a remarkable manner and does full justice to the task assigned. He shows the charisma of a man who has burden and badge on his shoulder and he lives up to the duty assigned. He further lives up to the duty by standing high and beyond the racial and social friction that may come to haunt him in different ways. Overall Val Kilmer has done sufficient justice to the role and task assigned. Other major leads of the movie include Graham Greene and Sam Sheppard (Flixster).
Conclusion:
Overall the movie serves well for a purpose and clear message. The strong theme of the movie is fully complimented by the good acting skills and directional contributions all around.
References:
Flixster. Thunderheart . 23 May 2010. 8 Nov 2013 <http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/thunderheart/>.
