Indian Paint

91 Mins
1965
en

star5.3/ 10

Nishko is a chief's son in the Great Plains, before Europeans arrive. During his rite of passage, he's determined to tame a painted pony. He approaches manhood while his peaceful clan is set upon by a nearby tribe willing to break a treaty. He must also contend with the kidnapping of three young women from his village, his pony's illness behind enemy lines, his mother's coma after a rattlesnake bite, the medicine man's urging that he sacrifice what he loves best, the attack of a cougar and of wolves, and his own injury while alone in the woods. His kindness, bravery, and quick thinking serve him well, but rescue come from an unexpected source.

Review

CinemaSerf

The title doesn't exactly help this, but it's still a decent observation of the growing up of a young man "Nishko" (a fresh-faced looking Johnny Crawford), the son of a chief who must contend with many of the travails a youth has to deal with - only this time, the film takes the perspective of this young native American boy. The location cinematography is glorious to look at - and there is an innocence to the plot and a simplicity to the dialogue that lends a bit of charm to the story as the young man has to make some very tough - and brave - choices that I wouldn't envy. Of course, there is little jeopardy to the plot and at times it runs to sentiment just a bit too much, but it's still quite an enjoyable, almost Disney-esque, coming of age story.