The Education of Little Tree (1997)

In 1935, an 8-year-old orphaned boy is sent to live in the Tennessee mountains with his grandparents. He doesn't yet know that he is half Cherokee, on his grandmother's side. As he learns about life and the Cherokee "way" from his grandparents, Little Tree's sensitivity to nature and to others grows.

At first it might seem easy to dismiss this movie as hokey, especially when Little Tree's Scottish grandfather teaches him to make whiskey and he befriends a dog. But the film gains emotional power when Little Tree becomes close to an older Cherokee who tells him about the Trail of Tears. When the government places Little Tree in an Indian school, where he is abused physically and psychologically, the tough issue of the forced assimilation of Native Americans isn't glossed over. Excellent performances and a gripping story make this well worth watching with children ages 8 and up.

An interesting side note: Forrest Carter, who wrote the book the movie is based on, was a one-time KKK member and speechwriter for George Wallace. It's hard to imagine how a former white supremacist could write such a moving tale about racism. Despite the controversy surrounding Carter, this sensitive film deserves to be taken on its own terms. --Elisabeth Keating Amazon.com

Sad

This movie communicates well some of the heart break of "normalizing" American Indian children, especially those with mixed blood. This is a heartwarming story with a great plot. It teaches many lessons for those open to learning. It is a glimpse at social/welfare system that believes that certain material advantages make a child safer and happier. It has a blind eye for the value of love, support, family bonds, simple living and nature in the growth and development of a child. A devoted American Indian made the greatest difference in the outcome of the story. An excellent addition to my American Indian related movies. July 20, 2008

bad movie

This movie was horrible. My five children ages 7-15 all walked away from it after 45 minutes. My wife and I continued to watch it for another 15 minutes, then we couldn't take it anymore and shut it off. The movie critisises on numerous occasions Christians and also white people in general, and the "grandpa" blasphemes and curses throughout the movie. Also, grandpa makes illegal whiskey and teaches his grandson the "trade" and also teaches him to lie to cover it up. If there was a 0 star rating, that is what I would give this movie. Do not waste your time. March 26, 2008

Excellent Movie

The Education of Little Tree is a great emtotional and clean movie with a great story. March 1, 2008

Hidden Treasure

I found this film by accident and it is extremely well made and very moving tale. It doesn't have any cliches and very new age in its treatment of life. You will be happy and sad as Little Tree spends time both with and away from his grandparents. The first part of the film before he goes to the boarding school seems compelete in itself. I was surprised by the second part and it is somewhat disturbing but ultimately, resolves itself. February 25, 2008

A glimpse into a different world.

This film will resonate with anyone who has ever felt caught between competing world views, whether cultural, "racial", parental . . . I am still stunned to think of the repression - to say the least - that was imposed on Native American tradition and religion for so long by a government that touted freedom of religion as one of the most basic rights of all. That being said, this film has great charm, an uplifting ending, and wonderful performances to energize it. February 23, 2008

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