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Trudell

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Trudell

PG

Released Jan 20, 2005

1h 20m

Documentary

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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.

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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Marjorie Baumgarten

Austin Chronicle

Rated: 2/5

Apr 8, 2006

Full Review

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

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

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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

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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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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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