Woman Walks Ahead

Loosely based on fact this interesting historical drama tells of Catherine Weldon's (Jessica Chastain) journey out west to paint a portrait of Sitting Bull. Saskatchewan Cree Indian, Michael Greyeyes gives a slick performance as the famous chief, during his latter days on the reservation. It might seem a curious topic for English director; Susanna White to tackle but she turns in a competent (if a little slow) rendition of this unique event. The New Mexico locations provide a nice setting for this rather odd story - although historical accuracy seems to be a little wanting. The white woman and the chief sharing a Tepee together might be a bit of a stretch - just as the ending also seems to wander from other recollections, still, much time has passed and recollections do become hazy. Some may find it no Dances With Wolves but it should maintain interest for those with knowledge of this sad time and the tragic events that unfolded during a dark phase of pioneering USA history. It looks at the pros and cons of Ratification and Ghost Dancing - the latter that caused controversy for its war connotations.

There's an emotional sense to the film, the images, direction and dialogue have a honest but poetic tone. Cinematography was beautiful. And it's a tragic and moving subject. The destruction of a varied and rich culture, the nations and the resignation of these indigenous people. I felt the profound loss through the character of Catherine Weldon, the determined painter who was captured by the spirit of Sitting Bull while trying to capture him in paint.

The performances were noteworthy, I always like the projects chosen by Jessica Chastain and Sam Rockwell. And Michael Greyeyes has a lot of charisma portraying Sitting Bull especially with scenes with Jessica.

However, the story does lack in some pacing and factualness. The story was a very loose representation but it still makes it's point in the theme. Some have suggested this a white savior movie and it may well be. Yet, one doesn't take away a sense of pride in any of it. It's still a white story, just a sad and not particularly flattering one.

My wife and I found this movie streaming on Amazon Prime, with high-def picture and D-D surround sound. Quite nice presentation and beautiful cinematography. Filmed in New Mexico.

It was the 1880s and Native Americans had already been defeated and controlled by the American government. A New York painter, Jessica Chastain in the role of Catherine Weldon, becomes sympathetic to the plight of the Natives and decides to travel to North Dakota to meet Sitting Bull, paint his portrait, and assist him and his people resist.

The movie isn't completely fact-based, it doesn't even mention her son, and the events that led to Sitting Bull's murder in 1890 are highly dramatized in the script, but overall it is a good dramatic depiction of what the relationship consisted of.

Canadian actor Michael Greyeyes is very good as Sitting Bull, powerful chief relegated to potato farming. This is a good movie but it is a sad reminder of how poorly the Native Americans were treated back then.

Entertaining. Well acted. Good cinematography. Slow paced, character-driven, decent script that does have several historical inaccuracies, but also portrays some informative historical facts on the 1887 Dawes Act, the Sioux Bill, the treatment of the Hunkpapa Lakota Sioux and their leader Sitting Bull, and the unrest in the Dakota Territory. Not sure why it has the R rating, no blatant nudity or language with 2 mildly violent scenes. If you watch, not for historical accuracy, but purely for entertainment value, this is a compelling and enjoyable movie worth 7 stars IMHO! (to get the historically accurate info, I suggest looking up Sitting Bull and Catherine Weldon after watching the film and check out the Imdb trivia posted for this movie) /April 2021.

I absolutely loved Michael Greyeyes portrayal of one of the most iconic Native people in history. It was refreshing to see a Native person being seen as a 3 dimensional person with a sense of humor, intelligence, humility, etc. I am a native woman and was delighted to see our people seen as people. The story wasn't word for word accurate but the heart of the story was captured with grace & dignity. Thank you for making this film and respecting the person & people it represents.