Review of Thunderheart (1992) by Another V — 03 Dec 2016

It's been quite a while since I've seen Thunderheart, starring Val Kilmer. It was made about 25 years ago and was based on true events, of Sioux Indians standing up to the government trying to steal their tribal land and resources to be handed to a corporation. Sound familiar? Not a feel good happy movie, but if you want to be aware of some things that have gone on it's worth a look.

This movie is what comes to mind when I read news about the Dakota Access Pipeline in the works right now, cutting across multiple states, and being heavily protested by Standing Rock Sioux, environmental activists including Shalene Woodley, and some white farmers who are not to be compensated for the taking of their land for the project. The Ogallalla Aquifer, one of the world's largest aquifers, could be affected by a major leak.

The Sioux and other "Water Protectors" are now being attacked with military gear while they protest peacefully, nonviolently. Interestingly, hundreds of veterans are coming to protect the "Water Protectors" as the deadline for the governor's mandatory evacuation or arrest order approaches.

The dramatic standoff is potentially material for a sequel to Thunderheart.