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Smoke Signals

Smoke Signals

1998
Comedy, Drama
1h 29m
Though Victor and Thomas have lived their entire young lives in the same tiny town, they couldn't have less in common! But when Victor is urgently called away, it's Thomas who comes up with the money to pay for his trip. There's just one thing Victor has to do: take Thomas along for the ride! (Miramax)
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Smoke Signals

1998
Comedy, Drama
1h 29m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 50.98% from 226 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(226)
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Rated 10 Nov 2015
6
95th
In a just world Farmer would be a huge star, but I mean you know why he isnt. Calling this cliched is insane. I've had to sit through hundreds of films with white people doing white things. gimme a break. The end of this film is pure poetry. I know most white people who are the most progressive still wont get this movie and thats okay. It's not really your fault.
Rated 09 Apr 2010
70
37th
A unique look into a seldom-filmed culture (at least with a modern day setting). Though the movie has quite a few cliches, you can tell the people behind it really poured their hearts into it.
Rated 13 Nov 2015
91
93rd
So glad to have finally seen this. Dunno how this eluded me for so long. It would've meant even more to me as a young kid or a teen. A near perfect depiction of the battles you go through as a NDN person in "North America" as well as the struggles between what kind of NDN person you're going to project to white society. That ending scene tho. I fucking bawled for ten minutes.
Rated 12 Feb 2016
60
36th
Mance Rayder portrays each and every character within quite well, another top notch perforMANCE.
Rated 10 May 2017
65
45th
A solid movie that might be considered a bit better than it actually is because there just aren't many movies that give Native Americans a chance to shine.
Rated 07 Dec 2021
93
87th
Marketing this merely as a "Native American film" was an injustice. Instead, it's a fascinating story on a Gen-Xer that exemplifies 90's cross-cultural problems like racism, poverty, and adult children of alcoholics. For an indie it wonderfully uses location as a character by showing a reservation in amazing detail. And the stoic lead is phenomenal--with flashbacks haunting him up until the ending's cathartic (and earned) release. It's sad that Hollywood never made more films like this.
Rated 26 Sep 2007
4
83rd
Great buddy comedy with an interesting twist. One of the few Native American films that isn't insulting or racist.
Rated 29 Dec 2009
50
33rd
This was marketed as a movie made by Native Americans. Well, no argument there. It's just not that hot
Rated 10 Oct 2010
67
57th
Decent enough Dramedy. Enjoy the hit single "John Wayne's Teeth"!
Rated 06 Feb 2011
60
41st
I felt clever for catching the Dead Man reference, other than that it wasn't as good as I had hoped.
Rated 23 Sep 2011
83
75th
Wow, i was supprised I liked this as much as i did.
Rated 24 Feb 2012
68
44th
One of my best friends is a Native American and he described this movie as bittersweet. I've talked with him about it and it gave me at least a little more appreciation for the film. It admittedly has some issues, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Rated 09 Nov 2015
7
66th
Hey Victor!
Rated 04 Oct 2016
79
39th
I've gone through many years of education (and I'm still not done) and time and time again I've had teachers and professors pull this film out. It's kind of attained a classroom cult quality in my eyes. While it certainly has its amateurish moments, the film is admirable for managing to deliver a poignant father-son story while delving into Native American culture. Evan Adams probably deserved an Oscar nomination.
Rated 15 May 2021
6
55th
Adams was a real find here and while he's still in the game 21 years on, it's a shame his earnest and charismatic performance never led to a major career. I wish that he and Beach had a little more chemistry but it's a road movie of some charm, with a couple of laugh-out-loud moments.
Rated 29 Sep 2008
39
10th
I can't believe how overrated this is! Comedy part is weak and drama...well...weak as well. Flashbacks are pointless, character development nonexistent, acting laughable at best. At least it has one surprising plot twist (which could possibly be shocking if I cared about the characters at all) and is not too long. If I based my opinion about Native Americans on this movie, I would think they all look like women and speak nonsense all the time.
Rated 14 Jun 2022
64
51st
Smoke Signals is a decent film that feels dated mostly in the way the characters are portrayed. Beach plays a moody jock & Adams plays a nerd providing comedic relief. They go on a road trip that's more cathartic drama than comedic hijinks. There's a cast of eclectic character they meet along the way though their presence is limited. The film focuses on the relationship between Victor & Thomas and does a good job of expressing the impact of alcoholism, abandonment & idolism. Uneven but alright.
Rated 10 Oct 2023
7
61st
A likeable drama comedy set in Native American culture, sorta like Fargo without the murder plot.
Rated 19 Dec 2023
92
65th
Glad I finally saw this one. A rare movie dealing with life on the reservation (a drama with a comedic edge).
Rated 02 Feb 2024
6
70th
I think I half-saw this when my parents watched it like 25 years ago but now I watched it properly. Interesting look into native culture and balances comedy and drama pretty well. I didn’t realize the voice actress for Disney Pocahontas was so cute irl lol. Car crash stuff was a little weird and sudden & Adam Beach’s wig at the end was distractingly bad.

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