Skins (2002)

A dark and moving tale of bitter helplessness turned to vigilante rage, Skins is the second feature film directed by Chris Eyre (Smoke Signals). As with the previous movie, Skins concerns two very different and determined protagonists who have grown up together: a cop, Rudy Yellow Lodge (Eric Schweig), on the Lakota reservation's police force, and his older brother Mogie (Graham Greene), an unrepentant drunk. Frustrated by Mogie's self-destruction and outraged by rampant alcoholism throughout the rez (with the disease's concomitant social violence and general hell-raising at an all-time high), Rudy resorts to off-duty, anonymous jungle justice--beating suspects and torching a Nebraska border-town liquor store--with tragic consequences. Eyre's unflinching eye for reservation horrors and the exploitation of Indians is compelling; his compassion for characters grasping at hope is equally strong. Skins benefits mightily from Schweig and Greene's strong performances; in all, this is an underrated drama waiting for a real audience. --Tom Keogh Amazon.com

Because we need to see Native Americans

Prior to Columbus, there were 100M Native Americans. Today, there are less than 3M, but their cultures are still alive and thriving.

"Skins" is the first movie filmed on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Pine Ridge is in the shadow of Mount Rushmore and Wounded Knee is part of the preserve. There are no 'set pieces' on this reservation. Yes, it looks like a Third World Country, because that is precisely what it is. Listen to the statistics at the front of this movie.

The story is old as time. Two brothers, Mogie (Greene), the fallen warrior didn't come back quite right from Vietnam. Wounded three times, he spends his time drinking away the memories, but he's still kept his love of family and sense of humor. The younger brother Rudy (Schweig) is a reservation cop and a vigilante. When Rudy tries to help the res by burning a white-owned liquor store on US lands, he ends up accidentally injuring his brother.

The story's told with stark detail and empathy by Chris Eyre (Smoke Signals) who is also a Native American--as are most of the cast and crew. The writer, Adrian C. Lewis, is also a Native American who believed the story needed to be told.

Don't stop watching at the end of the film. Aftward, the cast and crew get together to talk about their roles in the film and their Native American beliefs. One of the things they mentioned is how difficult the filming was, but the cast and crew burned sage and meditated every day. I think the love and effort every person put into this film clearly shows.

In addition to this, see:

The Powwow Highway (Contemporary Fiction, Plume)

Rebecca Kyle, July 2008 July 13, 2008

What can I say?

GREAT MOVIE! I have YET to see a movie with Graham Greene that WASN'T a fantastic film! June 14, 2008

Great Native American Movie

SKINS The Best Native American Movie Ever Made! Eric Schweig and Gramham Green are simply WONDERFUL at their craft in this one! A Must See! June 7, 2008

A Masterpiece

This movie is certain to be one of the most enduring examples of Native American cinema throughout history. The acting is great, and the story is magnificent. While it may be hard for a non-native to fully understand and appreciate the subject matter and story itself, repeated viewings are a must, and will open up a new level of conciousness to those open to it. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone, but prehaps especially to people who are just getting into native culture and want to understand it.
As for the actors, Graham Greene is fantastic, and this is the movie that got me started on Eric Schweig. The supporting cast is phenomenal too, with Zahn McClarnon, Gil Birmingham, Nathaniel Arcand, and more!

PS Remember this movie is not for kids, I've seen too many negative reviews from people that somehow think this is a family movie. It's rated R for a reason, and I admit that its stark reality may be almost hurtful at first. May 28, 2008

Wonderful movie

Graham Greene and Eric Schweig both give terrific performances, the writing and directing is subtle and down to earth - I loved this movie. April 19, 2008

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