Though most of the movies made during Canada's tax shelter days weren't that great, I'd rather watch one of them instead of the typical art house crap the Canadian government funds nowadays. "Fish Hawk" actually isn't a bad movie. Not great, but not bad either. It does have some genuine positive attributes. First, the acting by everyone (especially Will Sampson) is surprisingly good. Also, the movie largely avoids racism when it comes to Sampson's character. His character is considered by most of the white people of his community to be an equal. Some have criticized Sampson's character to be another drunken Indian, but his character actually stops drinking and starts acting a lot seriously far before the half way point.
Still, I think the movie could have been better. The movie and its situations and characters are more often than not treated in a "soft" manner, which means that a lot of bite that could have been here is missing. Also, the friendship that grows between the boy and Sampson's character seems a little thin. More scenes showing the growing bond would have helped a lot.
But the movie is still an okay way to pass 90 or so minutes. One warning if you are planning to view the movie on DVD - the DVD manufacturer simply copied an ex-rental videotape, meaning the picture quality is both full-frame and not very good looking.
Still, I think the movie could have been better. The movie and its situations and characters are more often than not treated in a "soft" manner, which means that a lot of bite that could have been here is missing. Also, the friendship that grows between the boy and Sampson's character seems a little thin. More scenes showing the growing bond would have helped a lot.
But the movie is still an okay way to pass 90 or so minutes. One warning if you are planning to view the movie on DVD - the DVD manufacturer simply copied an ex-rental videotape, meaning the picture quality is both full-frame and not very good looking.
