Review of Geronimo: An American Legend (1993) by Stuart K — 30 Apr 2014

Directed by Walter Hill (The Warriors (1979), The Long Riders (1980) and Southern Comfort (1981)) and written by John Milius (The Wind and the Lion (1975) and Big Wednesday (1978)), this is a thoughtful and epic western based on the life and times of a legendary Native American whose life and name have become legend, it's a good film but it does tend to drag about half way.

In 1886, a group of Apache Indians have come to an agreement with the U.S. Government to settle on a reservation approved for them by Brigader General George Crook (Gene Hackman). But, not all the Apache's can adjust to life on the reservation, one in particular, Geronimo (Wes Studi) leads a group of warriors to humiliate the government officials.

But they're ready to strike back, with Lieutenant Charles Gatewood (Jason Patric) leading the search for Geronimo, with help from scout leader Al Sieber (Robert Duvall) and young graduate Britton Davis (Matt Damon).

But, Geronimo's determination brings about respect from most people. It's well made, with an epic, rousing score by Hill regular Ry Cooder, and it has some good performances throughout, and Studi makes a good Geronimo.

But, it feels a bit old fashioned, and Hill had trouble when it came to editing the film and it was recut heavily, and he was unhappy with how the film was marketed.