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The Song of Hiawatha

Play trailer Poster for The Song of Hiawatha PG 1996 1h 54m Biography Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 1 Reviews 59% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
When white men begin moving west, Native American leader Hiawatha (Litefoot) must watch over the Iroquois tribe as they set up their new homes in a new environment. While Hiawatha attempts to protect his people from illness, he falls in love and pursues the beautiful Minnehaha (Irene Bedard). All the while, he attempts to get various tribes to work together in order to fight off their mutual foe: settlers and soldiers. As Hiawatha battles his enemies, his legend spreads far and wide.

Critics Reviews

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MaryAnn Johanson Flick Filosopher Rated: 6/10 Jan 1, 2000 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Mike W Litefoot did not portray Hiawatha well. The movie could have been improved if it had given Greene more to work with than grunts and rolling of eyes. Strathairn provided a breath of fresh air. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/18/24 Full Review Frances H Rather different from the poem, but impressive cast except for the lead character. Litefoot may be a good rapper, but he's a lousy actor, and that is a major flaw in a movie. I did like that the cast to portray the Native Americans was composed of all Native Americans. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/31/16 Full Review Audience Member Beautiful scenery - some so-so acting Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/12/23 Full Review ashley h Lite Foot does wonderful job as Hiawatha and Adam Beach is amusing as Chibiabos. Both show that they are capable of far more than this legend, however, it should not be taken lightly. This film was beautiful and carefully filmed. None of it appears childish, as one might think upon stumbling over it during regular daytime TV. Rather, it is humbling tale of suffering and searching for the salvation of the Indian Nation. It is well acted and well outfitted. I was troubled at first by use of so many differing Indians from so many tribes; this would only occur to someone who can trace tribal characteristics. It's heck of a lot better than allowing Whites to play Indians. In fact, it's so chock-a-block full of talented people that you can't tear your eyes from it. I was at first a little troubled by the lack of woodland costuming, but this would have been expensive and time-consuming to create. Woodland Flower beading and designs are intricate and lovely, but they were not missed after few minutes of viewing. The splendid acting grabs a hold of you. I enjoyed it immensely. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Song of Hiawatha

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Cast & Crew

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Jeffrey Shore

Director

Graham Greene

O Kagh

Litefoot

Hiawatha

Irene Bedard

Minnehaha

Russell Means

Mudjekeewis

Sheila Tousey

Nokomis
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The Song of Hiawatha

The Song of Hiawatha (1996) The Song of Hiawatha (1996) The Song of Hiawatha (1996) The Song of Hiawatha (1996) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis When white men begin moving west, Native American leader Hiawatha (Litefoot) must watch over the Iroquois tribe as they set up their new homes in a new environment. While Hiawatha attempts to protect his people from illness, he falls in love and pursues the beautiful Minnehaha (Irene Bedard). All the while, he attempts to get various tribes to work together in order to fight off their mutual foe: settlers and soldiers. As Hiawatha battles his enemies, his legend spreads far and wide.
Director
Jeffrey Shore
Producer
John Danylkiw
Production Co
Hallmark Entertainment
Rating
PG
Genre
Biography
Original Language
English
Release Date (DVD)
Jun 7, 2005
Runtime
1h 54m