The Education of Little Tree Reviews

• Tale Of Lost Opportunity

  
  By A37F1G84K35FCZ on 2002-08-26
  Like another movie I recently watched and commented upon, "The Education Of Little Tree", is not a five star film, but it becomes one when its message is included. James Cromwell, Tantoo Cardinal, Joseph Ashton, Mika Boorem, and Graham Greene all give wonderful performances. Joseph and Mika are both young children, so their performances are all the more worthy of praise.

  The Native Americans that are included in this film are The Cherokee People, and their story, including, "The Trail Of Tears", play a prominent role. Like other Native Americans, The Cherokee lived without destroying the land and the wildlife they coexisted with. They only used what they needed, greed did not drive them to exploit nature and destroy her, as we and our ancestors have, and continue to do.

  The movie is beautifully filmed in the mountains of Tennessee, and the director took the time to capture the natural beauty that European settlers were to exploit and ruin. It's true some of this beauty still exists, but is largely because it has become national parkland, rather than having been left unmolested out of respect for its intrinsic value. Poignant moments are frequent in this film, and one is certainly when a young boy who is half Cherokee is sent off to a Dickensian nightmare of a school to be abused because of his, "Indian Blood". Upon his arrival he is stripped of his Native American name and given an, "American replacement", Joshua. It appears that biblical names were originally written for re-naming true Americans.

  Graham Greene is a familiar face to many moviegoers and he is a pleasure to watch in this film. Tantoo Cardinal who plays the role of the young boy's Cherokee grandmother is also wonderful.

  The movie does not resolve its tale on a completely happy note, nor one of complete despair. As it has in real life, time has shown all that was lost when Genocide was carried out against Native Americans as federal government policy. Had good judgment, and lack of stupefying greed worked to integrate the newcomers to this country with the natives that were here, I have little doubt our country would be better for it, and the facts of the country's history would not include the genocide of those people we deemed to be in our way.
  
  

• A Movie With Heart

  
  By on 2004-02-19
  As a Native American I am well aware of all the blatant stereotyping out there. What I like about this movie is the underlayment of good values. Yes, there is the moonshining, and it was illegal and booze has definitely had a detrimental effect on all races of people. However, this just showed that people during those times were really scrapping to keep their lives going. The Grandparents were not sitting around drinking. As with Casinos, they were selling their product to Dominant culture people. No, I am not a drinker and I teach abstinance.A perfect moment if parents are watching with their kids(as they should), to field children's thoughts about it. Do some teaching.
  I wonder how many people know that during the Depression when other races of people were just hungry and homeless, Indian peoples across America- some people literally starved to death. On the bottom economically. Only 75 years ago! In our country?

  The connection of the people to the land and nature was very evident, but, understated, and they were not stereotyped as turning into mystical beings, but, rather, being one with the beauty around them- poor but rooted there. My humble Grandparents also took me to rock ledges and the woods to pray. Showed reverence for all living things.

  Someone has mentioned that characters were stereotyped as typical of mountain people. I would like to say that one of the reasons I like this movie is that I was very moved by the way a filmmaker set down scenes and family interractions that I experienced. There are people still alive who I have known well, who are good nurturing souls like the Grandparents and John Willow. Even now, in Hollers and on country cowpaths, there are folks like these, believe me. So much hurt and antifamily abuse came out of so many Indians going off to Indian boarding schools. But, here and there, and where I am from, there are pockets of country Indians, registered tribal people, living in harmony. Holding us together.

  Could have been my grandma's cabin,inside and out, or my adopted Dad and Mom. There was much good said in this movie, and implied, about traditional values of kindness and caring. About family, friends, and how if an Indian child does not have relatives, they are given relatives and taken care of. The Ongoing, the future of the community. Closeness to the land.
  
  I marvel that the author of the book from which this movie is loosely adapted, had dubious racial ties. I do not support the KKK in anyway, but, the movie reflects the moviemakers,not the book author, and I do not believe that people like American Indian stars Tantoo Cardinal and Graham Greene would have supported a movie that they did not find worthy. Blessings and Balance.
  
  

• This is a heart warming movie that is a must to be seen!

  
  By on 1999-09-13
  Despite the fact that the book on which the movie was based was a fraud (sold as an autobiography, which it wasn't), this movie was wonderfully done. Growing up in the East TN and Southwest Virginia mountains with a Scotch/Irish Grandpa and a part Cherokee Grandma, I saw a lot of our family in this movie. It is true to the depression era of East Tennessee (and yes, a lot of children participated in moonshining). I highly recommend the movie to everyone. It's a shame that movies like this have to be made in Canada, but other than "Smoke Signals" so far all the truer stories of Native American People are. Maybe one day our country will accept our heritage and do this.
  
  

• Gripping

  
  By A2RQ0AT4XZUIXL on 2006-03-11
  These days I watch the first scenes of a DVD rather cautiously, waiting to see if I'll get hooked. To my surprise, this DVD was totally absorbing: the beauty of the countryside and the even-handed portrayal of story and characters.
  
  I actually liked the way the child got involved in the moonshining action, showing how it's hard to define activities as "good" or "bad." Many citizens believe the moonshine laws did more harm than good, like the war on drugs today.
  
  I also liked the way the movie gave us an ending that was satisfying but not sugary. Bad things happen. The child was learning to differentiate between nature's cruelty and invented human cruelty.
  
  And I don't think the whites were stereotyped as bad. The grandfather and his fellow moonshiners were a great bunch. The church scene was a little extreme but offered some much-needed comic relief.
  
  Why four stars and not five? After watching the video, I learned the author's story, and I felt a little cheated. But after reading reviews by native Americans and Cherokees, it's reassuring to know the film managed to tell an accurate story. When I lived in Alaska, I heard many horror stories about the way governmet treated Native Americans. No surprises on that score.
  
  

• Enjoyable and Warm

  
  By AEB37RZY0XH8S on 2005-01-23
  The Education of Little Tree is one of the best keeper movies I have had the pleasure of watching in years. My 18 year old son watched it 3 times in 2 days. My best friend loved it, and cried during some of the touching scenes. The few places where there are curse words used are unfortunate, as there are families who would completely enjoy this movie, but won't buy it because of a few words. I have native ancestry and thought this movie was respectful to my background. This movie left me warm and wanting more of the same.
  
  
• The Education of Little Tree
  By A3B9PO2WIE62EZ on 2001-08-23
  I am buying this video for my 8 yr old grandson. He needs to know this factual part of U.S. history, but there are many other lessons to be learned from this movie. It is beautifully done, entertaining & enlightening. Each time I watch it, I am amazed by the wonderful cinematography, and also moved and inspired to search my own soul and examine my own life. I only buy movies that I can watch repeatedly and still discover something new each time. This one is a movie I could never tire of seeing. It's terrific.... "And you can have them clobbers too!"
  
  
• Charming and Simple
  By AYZLXLVMJGTJV on 2004-04-26
  I loved the mountains in this movie. I don't know if it was filmed in the Appalacian mountains or somewhere else, but I want to go there. To have a grandma and grandpa so loving and spiritual would be such joy for any child. Little Tree has Indian blood in him from his grandma and White blood from his grandpa. His parents die and he lives with them in the mountains. They educate him with love and wisdom. The simplicity of truth. I felt awestruck by such simple honesty and the beauty of nature. It seems Little Tree kept his grandparents with him throughout his life, holding him in his spirit as they held him within theirs. Looking at the Dog Star and knowing, really knowing that he could be heard. What a feeling of saftey. This movie weaves that safe warmth as you view it.

  Lisa Nary
  
  

• One of my all time favorite movies
  By A3QJ0YK9N0O0KD on 2002-06-07
  this movie will go into my library and be treasured for years to come. while it touches on the 'sensitive' issue of the persecution of Native Americans, it maintains a good connection with the 'white' sector of america as well bearing in mind little trees 'roots' (half native american half white). everyone will relate to the tender relationship between little tree and his grandparents while still getting a realistic idea of the plight of native americans in having to relinquish their children to missionaries running so-called schools, and the abuse children had to suffer at the hands of these individuals. the balance of tenderness and reality is well-done and i found myself smiling frequently...nevertheless, a tear a two did fall, but in real life tears and smiles intermingle. Recommend for people of all ages, and all races and ethnicities.
  
  
• Life from another perspective
  By A33QUI9LSAEYFA on 2000-04-19
  This movie is very powerful. One to make you stop and think how intolerant we have been in the past. I felt that it accurately portrayed the book. (Something that very few movies can pull off.) It allows you to see the "Trail of Tears" in a whole new perspective. The acting is well done, and the profound, homespun wisdom should make us all miss a venerable, aged loved one that has passed onto their own "understanding." If you want a good heart-warming story that will bring the tears to you and teach your children sound morals, it doesn't get much better than this. WATCH IT!
  
  
• Inspiring
  By A22M70VGILPHKS on 2000-02-06
  I fell in love with the Smokies as a child when we'd go to Virginia every summer to visit my dad's family. I've been back to Tennessee numerous times as an adult and never tire of the beautiful scenery. The movie dealt with things dearest to my heart: The Smokies, the old ways, spirituality. I'm inspired by it, and as someone else said, I've watched the movie twice since I rented it and plan to watch it with another loved one tomorrow. It's the kind of movie you want to share with the people closest to you because, like Little Tree's grandma said in the movie, when you come on something good in life you gotta share it with someone else so the good can just keep on going.
  
  
• KKK?
  By A3ATBTVAQVDLB7 on 2003-12-22
  I learned a few years ago that the author of this book was a member of the KKK. Let me tell you all something interesting. I am Iroquois and New York Hill Billy and the book was reccomended to me by a Jewish relative. I also have an uncle that is Eastern Band Cherokee (North Carolina) So having Jewish ancestry and Iroquois ancestry, and having an uncle in law that is Cherokee. I was amused to find out this weekend that one of my ancestors on my mothers side, (Mind you it's the Iroquois side not the Jewish side)Was a leader of the KKK in Columbia County, New York. I have always hated racism and find my self more comfortable when I am around people of other races and cultures. I would love to laugh at my ancestor because he had no idea that this would happen to his family. We are a damn cool family too. Some how we escaped the damnation and are a family that is dedicated to furthering the cause of love. I am not ashamed of my anscestor for that very reason. His hatred and stupidity died with him. I don't know that he murdered anyone back then but if he did, it is quite possible that this far down the line we have become relatives of those families too. That would mean that he is their anscestor as well and why should they be ashamed? This is a great story and their should be a story of the life of the author if anyone would be interested in writing it. Peace My wife is a Tatar Muslim from Russia We just keep getting browner while Great Great Gran'dad turns over in his grave.
  
  
• Beautiful Movie
  By A2ZHH7AK83JB5G on 2006-08-17
  This movie is beautiful to look at and also has a beautiful respect for the Cherokee culture. James Cromwell is an excellent actor and as usual is wonderful in this film. Joesph Ashton is adorable as Little Tree. Tantoo Cardinal (though looking a bit too young and healthy for the role) and Graham Greene also give great performances. I wasn't thrilled with the idea of Little Tree being taught the moonshine business but in the context of the story it does fit and is not offensive. I suppose someone could be offended by the portrayal of some of the mountain people especially in the church scenes but again it fits in to the storyline and has some historical accuracy. I have never read the book and was unaware of any controversy about the author until I read other people's reviews and I hope the book's author's affiliations don't keep anyone from enjoying this film.
  
  
• Answering hate with hate
  By A32FJR4QCI7HPP on 2001-04-17
  We were so disappointed with the Education of Little Tree movie. The Cherokee were treated sympathetically, but the whites were stereotyped as badly as native Americans have been in the past. The language and subjects addressed made it inappropriate for children and we had to fast forward through more than one portion. Most upsetting was the presentation of fundamentalist Christians. The characters were so one- dimensional they were like paperdolls. It was clear that the film makers do not understand or care to know the Scotch-Irish people. Well, at least the scenery was breathtaking.
  
  
• Little Tree, Big Controversy
  By on 2003-06-18
  This video, which is based on a fictional story often portrayed as an authentic autobiography, is one more example of "playing Indian." It would be nice to see this story left in the dustbin of history where it belongs, with more genuine stories of Native Americans getting attention. Personally, I don't want my kids reading or watching a story about Native Americans written by a notorious KKK member. The appeal of the book and the video should make readers and viewers question whether they are partaking of a myth. There are several good films about Indians. This isn't one.
  
  
• Great portrayal of Cherokee Native American spirituality
  By on 1998-12-08
  Despite the positive light shed on the Native American culture,the white mountain folks are grossly stereotyped.The moonshining industry depicted in East Tennesee is true to life...it's just a shame that the main character Little Tree is shown actively learning this trade and working in it as a child 8-10 years old. With a few changes, this movie could have been true G-rated family fare.as a native American,I would still highly recomend the movie,but not for under 12 years old.It could not be shown in schools in most localities.
  
  
• LIFE'S EXPERIENCES
  By A6IKQOVUT6AI4 on 2000-09-11
  Nineteen hundred and thirty-five was a pivotal year for the eight year old boy called Little Tree. It was the time when his mountain grandfather and Cherokee grandmother came to retrieve him from a relative determined to break his spirit. These two remarkable people take their grandson into the mountains where his real education begins. Reminising about that time, the adult Little Tree's voice shares with us his story, his heritage and his determination to be the person that he is regardless of the hardships which come.

  Listen to his story as we're taken into the Smokey Mountains of Tennesee where some Cherokees were fortunate to hide after being on the Trail of Tears. Hear Willow John's tale of his people that he passes down to Little Tree. In sharing the Cherokee story, Willow John insures that his people will never die. For their story lives in their young people who will carry it to their children.

  The scenery of the Smoky mountains is fantastic. You get to know the mountain people during the depression. See grandfather make the best corn whisky in the area as he tries to hide from the revenuers. Feel the compassion that a young boy has for a little girl only to have the prejudice of her father stand in their way.

  Learn the painful lesson of Native American children torn from their families, sent to a boarding school, stripped of their names and language and forced to suffer indignities which no child should suffer. Those sordid parts of American history makes you want to cry in sadness and anger. Little Tree is able to endure even at his young age due to those life's experiences and lessons taught to him from his grandparents. These lessons are not found in a book but are read from the heart.

  This is an excellent movie that deals with identity, loss of innocence, prejudice, poverty and bureaucratic insensitivity. Through it all a young boy's spirit stays vibrant as ever. Sentimentality won't be found here. Love, dignity and pride are what endures. Take heart the lessons of Little Tree.
  
  

• Poignant
  By A3CNLVS39ZI52N on 2005-08-02
  this is one of the most beautifully done movies-from-a-book that i've ever seen. the music is haunting, and so is the story. certainly in a genre by itself - pure and worthy - in this day of trashy movies.
  
  
• Magnificent movie, heart warming, true to life!!!!!!!!
  By on 1999-01-04
  I am a Cherokee woman and I loved this movie, it was very true to the stories that I was told by my mother who attended an Indian boarding school, our relatives also walked on the trail where they cried. The acting was superb and the story was great. I found it quite entertaining and heart warming. James Cromwell, Tantoo Cardinel, Graham Green, and Joseph Ashton deserve recognition for a job well done on a story that warms the cockles of your heart....
  
  
• Great family movie
  By A1GYFF26PFMWCM on 2003-12-03
  I was required to read The Education of Little Tree in a college freshman course and became hooked immediately. I use the book and movie now in my own classroom instruction. If you are looking to buy the movie as a replacement to reading the book, don't. The movie is very different from the book by Forrest Carter. Basically the movie is geared more toward children but is still well worth watching for all ages. Buy the movie and buy the book, both are great even with the questions about Carter's past.
  
  
• Insight of orphaned natives
  By A1VY6DW9Y3RHGK on 2004-04-20
  I loved this movie because my Hopi grandfather had a similar story but had nobody to raise him, and in desperation he asked an immigrant farmer in Phoenix to raise him. He ran away from the indian boarding school or orphanage because of the abuse. This movie is so moving and beautiful that it is a must have if you have can or cannot relate.
  
  
• The Education of Little Tree
  By A3QWKZTS7QE32P on 1999-12-10
  As a breed that was born in 1949 I can truley relate to this story . To this day I want to go back to the mountians for my final Resting. You must go to the smokies for pictures just do not do justice. Let my bones be covered by the rocks of Mother Earth there.
  
  
• Having lived
  By A3V28QIIXTS8P on 1999-08-22
  Having experienced life as 1/4 Cherokee, and being ridiculed because my family's history is from the eastern part of Kentucky, I thought this was a fine portrayal of people and families, getting back to what should be most important in life. Children, tradition, and the true values of life itself. The author and writer has accomplished a great task in providing us with a true portrayal of the good and the hard times, that we, as People, no matter what race, should never take for granted.
  
  
• In the great understandin'
  By A2Q2K99GP4I6SR on 1999-11-30
  Sometimes there are just things that hurt a heart beyond words. Beyond understandin'. And you can wait a real long time. Till one day day maybe or never, the understandin comes.

  The Education of Little Tree came to me as an understandin.
  
  

• The book was better
  By AMRMJ3PNZE003 on 2005-11-28
  Like Craig said, it doesn't follow the book. I can understand why film makers have to make changes to the story line to fit an entire book into a couple hours, but some changes here just didn't make sense. The story as told in the movie was certainly heart-warming and well done, but the way Carter originally wrote it is so much better I can't give this adaptation more than three stars. I wish this rendition was as faithful to the original as Clint Eastwood was with Carter's other book "Gone to Texas" when he turned it into "The Outlaw Josey Wales."
  
  
• Education of Little Tree
  By A2O2QYPJS228U6 on 2006-06-29
  A tremendous story in spite of the fact that it is fiction. Now you know why so many schools have it on their reading lists. The screen script follows the book with some cutting.
  
  
• This is a must see!
  By A1SVL8DVPONMMT on 2007-01-12
  My husband made me watch this and at first I was not interested but then after a few minutes I was hooked. This is a must see. You get a good insight of just what things were like in the 30's and how the children of American Indians were treated. Don't pass this one up.
  
  
• It's good, but the book is better.
  By A3SL6JWB3NUXDK on 2007-04-22
  You'll miss the importance of the Native spiritual beliefs if you just watch this DVD. It is made for entertainment, and does well along that line. But, when Little Tree listens to what the tree says...well, that isn't included in the movie, just the book.
  
  The whole reason behind the name Little Tree is in the book.
  
  
• A moving, thought provoking "family "movie.
  By on 1999-06-02
  The movie was funny, sad, and entertaining. The two best things about this movie were 1. It was real and not all"happy ending" 2.There were lessons in it to be learned by children and adults.The scenery was magnificent.
  
  
• Brittoney from Oklahoma
  By on 2000-03-06
  Oh My gosh! I loved this movie sooooo much! It was my favorite movie. If you haven't seen it you have to. It's about a kid that does not want to live with his mean aunt and he goes to live with his grandparents that he adores. They adore him to. They teach him alot. He enjoyes it very much! He meets alot of new people. My favorite part is when his grandpa teaches him how to make moonshine. It is a very heart warming movie! I just love it! Thanx 4 reading!
  
  
• BEST MOVIE I HAVE EVER SAW
  By A2Z9RU3OZR2NQK on 1998-11-26
  BASTED ON AND FLIMED IN THE SMOKEY MOUNTAINS WITH LOTS OF GREAT MOUNTAIN SENCES IF YOU"VE NEVER CRYED WATCHING A MOVIE YOU WILL THIS ONE THE VERY BEST EVER.
  
  

• Dreamkeeper
• The Last of His Tribe
• The Doe Boy
• The Education of Little Tree
• Smoke Signals