Trudell

Play trailer

Trudell

PG,

2005,

1h 20m,

Documentary

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

31%

29 Reviews

Tomatometer

76%

2,500+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

31%

Tomatometer

29 Reviews

76%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

Filmmaker Heather Rae documents the life and work of American Indian activist John Trudell. In the late 60s, John and a community group occupy Alcatraz Island for 21 months, bringing international recognition to the American Indian cause. In 1979 John burned a U.S. flag on the steps of the FBI headquarters in Washington DC and within hours his family perished in a suspicious fire. He spent several years wandering the country until he found a new way to present his ideals through music.

Critics Consensus

John Trudell has led a fascinating life -- unfortunately, Trudell the documentary largely fails to translate it into a compelling viewing experience.

Read Critics Reviews

Sheri Linden

The Hollywood Reporter

Mar 30, 2006

Rae's reluctance to delve into more complex, personal or specific territory -- with anecdotes, for example -- limits viewer involvement.

Go to Full Review

Kenneth Turan

Los Angeles Times

Mar 10, 2006

2/5

By preaching so relentlessly to the choir, this film misses an opportunity to show what got them to sing in the first place.

Go to Full Review

Erin Meister

Boston Globe

Mar 10, 2006

3/4

Despite the rambling finish, however, overall the film is a thought-provoking and graceful portrait of a tenacious peace warrior whose frankness is his greatest weapon.

Go to Full Review

Felix Vasquez Jr.

Cinema Crazed

Apr 29, 2009

An ultimately forgettable account of the poet and historic speaker for Native American rights

Go to Full Review

Kam Williams

Upstage Magazine

Mar 18, 2007

4/4

A bittersweet bio-pic which presents an articulate, defiant and sensitive soul who promises to remain committed to resistance till he draws his last breath.

Go to Full Review

Maria Garcia

Film Journal International

Mar 1, 2007

Like many "documentaries" that are essentially homages, Trudell often lacks context.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Heather Rae

Director

Robert Redford

Actor

Kris Kristofferson

Actor

Sam Shepard

Actor

Amy Ray

Actor

Val Kilmer

Actor

The Gambler

17%

71%

The Gambler

Watchlist

The R.M.

64%

73%

The R.M.

Watchlist

Gabriela

70%

Gabriela

Watchlist

No Smoking

55%

71%

No Smoking

Watchlist

Erskineville Kings

62%

Erskineville Kings

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Synopsis

Filmmaker Heather Rae documents the life and work of American Indian activist John Trudell. In the late 60s, John and a community group occupy Alcatraz Island for 21 months, bringing international recognition to the American Indian cause. In 1979 John burned a U.S. flag on the steps of the FBI headquarters in Washington DC and within hours his family perished in a suspicious fire. He spent several years wandering the country until he found a new way to present his ideals through music.

Director: Heather Rae
Producer: Elyse Katz, Heather Rae
Screenwriter: Russell Friedenberg
Production Co: Appaloosa Pictures
Rating: PG (Violent Images|Language|Thematic Material|Some Smoking)
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 20, 2005, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 12, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $21.8K
Runtime: 1h 20m

Join The Newsletter

Join The Newsletter

Cookie Settings