Set against the backdrop of South Dakota in 1899, West of Thunder tells the story of a mysterious stranger who visits a small town on the outskirts of the Lakota Pine Ridge Reservation. His name is Henry Seed and he is driven by a singular purpose: to take revenge on residents who took part in the slaughter and forced removal of the Lakota Indians at Wounded Knee in 1890. His sense of justice even extends to those who stood aside, for to Seed, “Silence in the face evil is itself evil.”
Though this low-budget film has issues with lighting and sound, the mid-western landscape scenes are beautiful and sweeping. They immediately immerse the viewer in the rugged Wild West setting. Unfortunately, the acting just doesn’t measure up. The characters lack emotion and believability. It’s unfortunate because the film at its heart shares an important message about race, political issues, and the injustice of Native American rights in the United States, which carries relevancy today. This might serve well as an entertaining watch, rather than as an educational tool.
Another aspect that had promise, but was too heavy-handed was presenting Henry Seed as an abstract idea of the spirit of revenge itself. He seems to have mystical powers that allow him to control townsfolk who played a role in the violence against Native American rights (or sat idly by). The film does make one strong point, however – the scenes with Henry and the Lakota tribe members create a dialogue over whether or not to fight back against wrongs committed. As one of the characters, Albert Red Bear says, “It is up to us to choose…our path is either peace and brotherhood with all man, which will go on as a circle. The other is a path of revenge and retribution, which will also go on as a circle.”
The ending feels anticlimactic and falls short of its purpose. However, the shots of the Lakota tribe performing dances in traditional dress are a great informative tool that feels culturally appropriate. This would serve best in library programming for those looking for a mildly educational film that's entertaining yet low-budget.
Where does this title belong on library shelves?
This would fit with other historical fiction films that seek to entertain rather than inform.
What kind of film series could use this title?
West of Thunder would work well for film series on Lakota Native American history and the relationship between the U.S. and Native American rights.