Four Sheets to the Wind (2007)

An endearing, comic and eternally universal love and death story set among the modern traditions of the Oklahoma Indian. Starring Cody Lightning as Cufe Smallhill who finds his usually silent father even quieter than usual…dead from an overdose of medication. Without fanfare or hesitation, Cufe sinks his father's body in a pond according to his father's wishes. Without an autopsy or funeral, Cufe's deed creates a crisis in his family as he tries to understand who is father was and what kind of man he himself wants to become. It seems that only one girl really undestands Cufe and may hold the key to understanding the bonds holding a family together.

Great contemporary American Indian filmmaking and storytelling!

Pleasantly surprised with this film by Sterlin Harjo, I caught the tail end of this movie on the Sundance Channel one day and was immediately drawn to it by its narrative in Muscogee (Seminole?) language. I finally got a hold of the DVD and watched the entire movie. I wasn't too sure about watching this movie on Mother's Day because of some of its initial scenes. But in the end, it was a perfect movie for that day.
I think it is hard sometimes to make American Indian movies in contemporary settings without being sore about modern Indian social conditions such as alcoholism and racism. Sometimes such films start out only pointing to those issues and then next thing you know it's like we are yelling at or preaching to viewers.
This movie along with such films like Pow Wow Highway, Doe Boy, and Dance Me Outside recognize the sociocultural aspects of Native America but mostly emphasize modern American Indian storytelling by portraying traditional beliefs methaphorically. In any case, it is a movie about death, awakening, salvation, and rebirth. Four elements to the wind.
For this film, we see the portraits of contemporary living through Cufe, his mother, and his sister in Oklahoma. Yet through, the deceased father's 3rd person narrative, he tells us of the ongoings as if it was a Muscogee traditional folktale. Very neat and very original.
Cody Lightning is excellent as Cufe. But, Tamara Podemski gives the breakout performance of her career.
I give this movie only 4 stars even though it deserves 5. But, it is Four Sheets to the Wind. Get it? June 12, 2008

Four SHEETS TO THE WIND sterlin harjo

A wonderful film. I loved every minute of it. The actors were great. Cody Lightning was brilliant. The entire cast fit their roles perfectly. Sterlin Harjo [writer and director of the film] was amazing. The story was beautiful. I have viewed the film three times and will watch it again and again. January 2, 2008

Beautiful Film...

Four Sheets was one of the highlights of Sundance '07 and has captivated audiences at every theatrical festival stop along the way. A must see... a beautiful tale exploring the human condition. October 27, 2007

Hidden Gem of a Movie

"Four Sheets to the Wind" premiered at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in 2007 where it was greeted with a standing ovation. Though not commercial fare, the film is one of the best surprises of the year. Cody Lightning stars as a young native american who decided to leave his Oklahoma reservation for city life in Tulsa. There he meets up with his troubled sister. The relationship between the two is at the heart of this beautiful film. The lead performances are near perfect and was singled out for recognition during the festival awards ceremony. Don't miss this inspiring and dramatic story! October 23, 2007

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