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Trudell

Play trailer Poster for Trudell PG Released Jan 20, 2005 1h 20m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
31% Tomatometer 29 Reviews 76% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
Filmmaker Heather Rae documents the life and work of American Indian activist John Trudell. In the late 60's, John and a community group occupy Alcatraz Island for 21 months, bringing international recognition to the American Indian cause. In 1979 John burned a U.S. flag on the the steps of the FBI headquarters in Washington DC and within hours his family perished in a suspicious fire. He spent several years wandering the country until he found a new way to present his ideals through music.

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Trudell

Trudell

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Critics Consensus

John Trudell has led a fascinating life -- unfortunately, Trudell the documentary largely fails to translate it into a compelling viewing experience.

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Critics Reviews

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Sheri Linden The Hollywood Reporter Rae's reluctance to delve into more complex, personal or specific territory -- with anecdotes, for example -- limits viewer involvement. Mar 30, 2006 Full Review Kenneth Turan Los Angeles Times By preaching so relentlessly to the choir, this film misses an opportunity to show what got them to sing in the first place. Rated: 2/5 Mar 10, 2006 Full Review Erin Meister Boston Globe Despite the rambling finish, however, overall the film is a thought-provoking and graceful portrait of a tenacious peace warrior whose frankness is his greatest weapon. Rated: 3/4 Mar 10, 2006 Full Review Felix Vasquez Jr. Cinema Crazed An ultimately forgettable account of the poet and historic speaker for Native American rights Apr 29, 2009 Full Review Kam Williams Upstage Magazine A bittersweet bio-pic which presents an articulate, defiant and sensitive soul who promises to remain committed to resistance till he draws his last breath. Rated: 4/4 Mar 18, 2007 Full Review Maria Garcia Film Journal International Like many "documentaries" that are essentially homages, Trudell often lacks context. Mar 1, 2007 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member This is a good movie for anyone interested in American Indian politics. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/13/23 Full Review Audience Member "He's extremely eloquent ... therefore extremely dangerous," the FBI said of this hero of mine, John Trudell. This is an important movie (thank you Robert Redford)! It should be required viewing. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/28/23 Full Review Audience Member found a new poet to look into (and so continues my native American binge) Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/05/23 Full Review Audience Member a must see for freedom lovers. further proof of what he government really protects: corporations. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/02/23 Full Review Audience Member Native American History Lesson Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/23/23 Full Review Audience Member This film (actually made in 2005) is a chronicle of legendary Native American poet/activist John Trudell's travels, spoken word performances and politics. Revolutionary, inspiring, and full of enlightening quotables. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/26/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

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Heather Rae

Director

Robert Redford

Actor

Kris Kristofferson

Actor

Sam Shepard

Actor

Amy Ray

Actor

Val Kilmer

Actor

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Trudell

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Movie Info

Synopsis Filmmaker Heather Rae documents the life and work of American Indian activist John Trudell. In the late 60's, John and a community group occupy Alcatraz Island for 21 months, bringing international recognition to the American Indian cause. In 1979 John burned a U.S. flag on the the steps of the FBI headquarters in Washington DC and within hours his family perished in a suspicious fire. He spent several years wandering the country until he found a new way to present his ideals through music.
Director
Heather Rae
Producer
Elyse Katz, Heather Rae
Screenwriter
Russell Friedenberg
Production Co
Appaloosa Pictures
Rating
PG (Violent Images|Language|Thematic Material|Some Smoking)
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jan 20, 2005, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 12, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$21.8K
Runtime
1h 20m
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