Neither Wolf Nor Dog

I heard from two dear friends about the Kickstarter to get this movie made and the rest is history, as they say. I received my Blu-ray of the movie a few weeks ago and was finally able to sit down and watch it. It is a wonderful film that compliments the wonderful book. If you liked the book at all this is a must watch!

It starts off slowly, but that is to be expected and in doing so the film draws you into the world subtly. This is the second movie I have watched in the last several months that made me feel like I was watching a documentary more than a movie (the other movie was Loving). Everything felt so real! I felt like a fly on the wall simply watching Dan, Grover, and Nerburn. They felt like real people and not actors. The music, cinematography, use of sound, all of it coalesced to create this real world. It almost seemed like if I talked they would all be able to hear me.

I love movies and have several that engross me every time I watch, but only a select few (this and Loving) have hit me with how subtle and yet how very real they were. Watching this made the book come to life in a truly real way and it was wonderful. The slow pace worked perfectly as, like the book, you want to soak it all in and really hear and absorb what is going on and being talked about. Just like the book it leaves a lasting impression that ripples far beyond the end credits.

Amazing movie, Went to see it today at the film festival and truly touching, and moving movie. Having read all three of Kent's novels beginning with Neither Wolf nor Dog and Russell Means autobiography, this does not cover up the true pain that our fellow human beings of Native America have endured. The acting was out of this world and left me feeling emotional after the movie. I really admire how the film captured the true humor Native Americans have.

Well done Steven and the team for such a touching couple of hours as I was transported back to the novel and to get a gasp of some of the life my fellow Native American have.

Feeling yuwakape

Having been a huge fan of Kent Nerburn's book, I have been eagerly awaiting this film adaptation for quite some time. I admit I was concerned about how the message of the book would be conveyed in a film without being too "preachy". It's one thing to read Nerburn's beautiful prose coming out of the mouth of the elder, Dan, but how would that come across in a film?

Well, I worried needlessly. Steven Lewis Simpson and Kent Nerburn collaborated to write a screenplay that, while adjusting to necessary film adaptation, has retained the message and the flavor of the original and is the beautiful, moving film I had hoped it would be.

The acting of every single actor is superb – it really would not have been the same with any one of them replaced with another. In particular, Christopher Sweeney as Nerburn and Richard Ray Whitman as Grover are exceptional. Zahn McClarnon's all-too-brief appearance is electric. And words are not sufficient to acclaim the work of Dave Bald Eagle. He is truly a treasure.

I highly recommend this film not only because the message is one that needs to be heard, but also because the film itself is extremely well-made and showcases the beauty of the country that is South Dakota. Well done to all participants – you should be proud of this fine work.

Director Steven Lewis Simpson respectfully, lovingly, carefully created a film that stays true to Kent Nerburn's book, but is also its own amazing creation. The perfect cast, particularly Dave Bald Eagle, who brings the Native elder Dan to life, with his sense of humor, and his tears for his people, with balance and grace, never becoming maudlin, but never shying away from the truth either.

Seeing the film I felt like I had a true glimpse of present day Native life, and another glance at what America has lost.

This is a remarkable film, especially knowing it was shot in just a few days on a threadbare shoestring budget with a handful of actors and crew - and yet every minute is so meaningful and alive.

The message that we can still help one another and work together to provide a beautiful world for our children's children has never been more needed....thank you to all involved for the reminder, which could save our lives and our planet, "We are all connected".

This film is based on a book by the same name; authored by the beautifully poetic Kent Nerburn. If you've never read his books, it's a must if you enjoy language blessed with deep meaning. The mingling of Nerburn's writing and the native perspective brings a subtle magic and spirituality to life. The layers of sound and silence, the mystical heritage and sensitive souls of the people in the books and this film make this viewing experience one of the richest you'll ever feel. Because of the sublime transference from book to film, both quiet and powerful, your heart and mind will expand. The movie is true to the original. AND while entertaining, the best feature of this film is the message. There's a valuable and not-so-hidden message which exposes a point of view seldom revealed. Neither Wolf Nor Dog is a cultural gem that everyone can relate to. The film adds important punctuation to American language in that diversity of thought, speech and act can crossover the borders of tribal lands and make a place in all our daily lives through increased awareness and sensitivity to the knowledge and experience of our oldest people. Cherish this film. Watch it over and over again. Share it. Read Nerburn's other books as they are purity and magic together.