An ultimately forgettable account of the poet and historic speaker for Native American rights

| Apr 29, 2009

A bittersweet bio-pic which presents an articulate, defiant and sensitive soul who promises to remain committed to resistance till he draws his last breath.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Mar 18, 2007

Like many "documentaries" that are essentially homages, Trudell often lacks context.

| Mar 1, 2007

| Original Score: 2/5 | Apr 8, 2006

The movie tries to do too much, sandwiching in extraneous histories of the Indian occupation of Alcatraz, for instance, and skimming quickly past the mysterious fire that killed Trudell's wife and children.

Full Review | Original Score: 1/4 | Mar 30, 2006

Rae's reluctance to delve into more complex, personal or specific territory -- with anecdotes, for example -- limits viewer involvement.

Full Review | Mar 30, 2006

"Trudell" may be a one-sided work of propaganda, but it's effective, well-crafted and informative propaganda.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Mar 23, 2006

This documentary feature is more concerned with telling us about Trudell's many exploits than with telling us about the man. As a result, it feels superficial, and the tone is much too reverential.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Mar 17, 2006

By preaching so relentlessly to the choir, this film misses an opportunity to show what got them to sing in the first place.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Mar 10, 2006

Despite the rambling finish, however, overall the film is a thought-provoking and graceful portrait of a tenacious peace warrior whose frankness is his greatest weapon.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Mar 10, 2006

Short on the meat of documentary -- archival detail-- and long on hero worship ...

| Original Score: C | Mar 10, 2006

How could a movie about someone with one of the nation's longest FBI files be this dull?

Full Review | Mar 9, 2006

A tribute to the focused and prophetic Native poet and activist who loves the Earth and has made many stands for the dignity of his people.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 9, 2006

...should all be interesting, but Rae goes that extra mile to make it alternately dull and irritating.

Full Review | Mar 9, 2006

Trudell's activism is more compelling than his poetry or performance art.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5 | Feb 25, 2006

Rae borrows a bit heavily from the Oliver Stone school of filmmaking: Quick cuts of seemingly random footage do more to draw attention to a possible dearth of relevant background materials than to evoke ideas of Native American history and struggle.

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | Feb 24, 2006

Serves as both a timely tribute to the man and an important reminder for those in danger of forgetting the issues at stake in the Native American struggle for rights and dignity.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Feb 24, 2006

Politics aside, Trudell plays like an infomercial for its subject rather than a serious examination of the man and his beliefs.

Full Review | Original Score: 1/4 | Feb 24, 2006

More tribute than true documentary, Heather Rae's reverential biography of Native American activist John Trudell sells everyone a little short.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Feb 24, 2006

Strident environmental warnings and political rhetoric do not a movie make.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/10 | Feb 24, 2006