Dance Me Outside (1994) User Reviews

Loved it!

[debra193 · 8/10 · 12 December 2006]

I had to bid over and over at an online auction to get my copy. I loved everything about the movie. The casting was superb and the humor could be seen even though the plot line was of a dark nature. I am not Native, and can only guess that this is a close approximation of life on a Reservation to some degree. This film has caused me to wonder many evenings what was factual and what was fictional. Obviously, there are still some stereotypes regarding both people, Whites and Natives. What I liked was that the movie showed some real issues without getting too preachy. It pointed out what some of the basic problems facing Natives are and gave the audience a chance to learn through humor, and yes, horror. Since watching this Movie for the first time, I tend to watch for similar movies, such as Smoke Signals and Cowboys and Indians. I have not been disappointed yet.

An Independent Classic

[CrassActionHero · 8/10 · 13 March 2007]

Dance Me Outside (1995)

Review: I saw this movie one day out on a whim. I never heard of this before, Here's my take:

Dance Me Outside is something else. This is a good movie. We have ourselves a fine young cast, a nice location to film, and a good story. The story is rather grim and also this movie does deal with issues without getting mighty preachy.

This movie has humor, depth, and some very excellent dialog. This movie is really compelling. I had to watch this from start to finish. It captured my interest. After this was over, I wanted to see this again. This is a very good movie.

The Last Word: Underrated. Yes. This movie deserved a lot more attention. The characters are likable and overall is very interesting. Try to find this gem, it's worth the trouble.

Great Look At Reservation Life In Canada

[eric262003 · 8/10 · 26 September 2016]

In 1996 Canadian Governor-General Romeo LeBlanc declared June 21 be National Aboriginal Day. It is a pivotal time to honour and cherish the diversity and unique culture and the amazing strides Native, Inuit and Metis people have accomplished throughout Canadian history. Even through the impossible hurdles that the Native people had to overcome in order to survive in Canada which stands true as we speak, one thing's for sure, they were here first and forever they will stay. The significance of this holiday as a contributor to the progressive stages of redress and reconciliation which means bringing unity between Native and non-Native people and sharing our culture, language and customs to generate a feeling of identification and that our traditional ways are still practiced to this day. In terms of movies there are several that reflect on Native people, but one that really tugs at my heartstrings is the 1994 movie directed by Bruce McDonald "Dance Me Outside".

The focal central plot of "Dance Me Outside" is around two late adolescent boys named Silas Crow (Ryan Black) and his buddy Frank Fencepost (Adam Beach) who realize that they're procrastinating ways must come to a stop if they which to fulfill their dreams to get into mechanic school. One weekend, Silas' sister Illianna (Lisa LaCroix) returns home from Toronto with her new non-Native lawyer husband Robert McVey (Kevin Hicks). At the local dance hall The Blue Quill, she is approached by her ex-boyfriend reformed ex-convict Gooch (Michael Greyeyes) who's been expecting her, but she brushes him off.

Not everything's all right on the Kidabanesee Reserve as local non-Native miscreant Clarence Gaskill (Hugh Dillon) leaves the dance with Little Margaret Wolfchild (Tamara Podemski). By the next morning, Margaret's dead body was found.

The script involving the conflict of marrying-out and the murder was handled with absolute care by McDonald, Don McKellar and John Frizzell based on a series of short stories by the late W.P. Kinsella. With the marriage problem, Illianna can't produce a child because Robert's sperm count is very meagre much to the chagrin of Ma Crow (Rose Marie Trudeau). Due to a pathetic loophole in the criminal system in Canada, Gaskill was given a light prison system. This stirs oil into the fire as political rights activist Hobart Thunder (Vincent Andre Manitowabi) speaks up about the social injustices implemented by the Canadian penal system.

This puts a wedge between Silas as he's caught at midway point as he's faced with the murder of a Native woman and his sister married to a non-Native man. In an act of comedy, we see Silas persuade Gooch to get his sister pregnant, the extreme drama stems from Silas seeking revenge against a fiend who got away too easy.

After several failures, director Bruce McDonald has made a movie that was worth watching that's both insightful and important. It helps that he was accompanied by strict executive-producer Norman Jewison and following Kinsella's story with care, this coming-of-age story is saturated with scintillating substance. This is truly one of Bruce McDonald's best film in his career.

Totally Worth It!

[monique79 · 10/10 · 2 May 2004]

I purchased the movie a week ago and finally saw it last night. Unfortunately it is not something that blockbuster carries on a large scale. It was excellent, unlike another viewers comment I did not find it boring at all. The movie is very unique and different which is refreshing from the big Hollywood cookie cutter movies. Adam Beach, Ryan Black, and Michael Greyeyes did an awesome job. As somber as the story line is, there were many funny parts which really made the movie as well. Once you get into the movie you'll be hooked to see what happens to everyone and what happens next. I really recommend it and remember there is not a perfect movie that everyone will like 10 out of 10. I though myself give it a 10 out of 10. Check it out!

FRY BREAD POWER! A GREAT MOVIE!

[Elphaba4077 · 8 May 2004]

i loved this movie so much (it's descendant television series THE REZ is also wonderful was well)...Ryan Rajendra Black as Silas Crow was wondering and Jennifer Podemski embodies the strong native woman as Sadie Miracle...and Frank Fencepost...what can i say? Adam Beach was BRILLANT! My favorite lines of his are "There's a truck full of ugly" and when he is introduced to Sila's sister's white husband he says "HOW" and how could you not love them singing "Half Breed" in the truck after giving McVee his "indian name" this movie was wonderfully funny, and yet strikingly poignant as it touched on the injustice of Native Americans in the US and Canada. Tamara Podemski was a wonderful Little Margaret which made it horrible to see her white killer only get 2 years in prison for manslaughter...while his murderer would be charge with murder-1. It really makes you think...

Could have been better if morally sound

[cscetywa · 6/10 · 23 September 2022]

A good story to tell a view on life In the Rez , but when the sister cheats on the white guy who by all accounts is a good person it creates a moral question " are you really good when your only good to those like " a nice is watch with disappointing parts 1: the cheat was unnecessary, she says mom don't pressure him about baby's but the she goes and gets a baby from another man 2: why does the girlfriend(Sadie) suddenly leave Silas, we need more from this But overall it's nice to see Native Americans being played by Native Americans in 2022 we still have shows like yellowstone where a Chinese girls is playing a Native Women, so bigup for that.

Excellent film adaptation of an excellent book

[dbellmyer · 10/10 · 23 June 2005]

I had read several of the books by W.P.Kinsella about Silas, Frank, and the other characters living on the reserve in Canada. The books were full of humor, but they addressed some serious issues, so I decided to take a chance on this film. I'm really glad that I did, because it is a gem. The film manages to capture the humor in the books, while still showing the serious problems on the Rez. The actors all do a great job. Adam Beach made me howl with laughter as Frank Fencepost. Michael Greyeyes really captured the anger and the intensity of Gooch. Ryan Rajendra Black was excellent as Silas, the aspiring writer. And Jennifer Podemski was wonderful as a girl on the Rez who wanted more from life. I could go on, but there's no room. The music was perfect for the film; I especially liked NDN Kars by Keith Secola. Bruce McDonald has a reputation as a talented filmmaker, and he certainly stayed on track with this quirky, but impressive film. I thought so much of it that I bought it.

Three stars!

[zombieahoo · 7/10 · 21 August 2007]

Dance Me Outside (1995-Canadian) C-91m. *** D: Bruce McDonald. Ryan Black, Adam Beach, Jennifer Podemski, Lisa LaCroix, Michael Greyeyes, Kevin Hicks, Hugh Dillon, Sandrine Holt. Entertaining, likable comedy-drama about two buddies (Black and a fun, comic Beach) among others on a Canadian Indian reserve who respond differently to the ripple of a racial murder in their community. Invigorating direction, amusing vignettes—including a memorable naming "ceremony"—compensate for the absence of a strong, consistent point of concern to anchor the film. W.P. Kinsella's novel was adapted by three writers including director McDonald.

Should've gotten the attention that was showered on "Smoke Signals"

[dhults · 9/10 · 9 February 1999]

This is a really fine little film that far outshines the much more commented-upon "Smoke Signals". The dialogue rings true, and the characters are more than 2-D stereotypes. Some serious issues about reservation life are dealt with fairly and honestly, without falling back on condescending plot contrivances.

A poorly constructed film.

[otisalonzo · 4/10 · 18 August 2010]

Dance Me Outside was a disappointing film. It is often praised for its show of reservation life, for being composed of a Native American cast, and so forth. There are better films to watch if you want to see a slice of reservation life, such as Pow Wow Highway, Smoke Signals, or even Thunderheart.

Dance Me Outside's actors are hit and miss in their ability, the direction is mundane, the cinematography is common. Worst of all is the story, which in its attempt to fight against Native American stereotype creates its own racial stereotyping by having white men who are either morons or murderers. While such an attempt to stereotype whites could have been used as an attempt at irony and satire, rather it comes across as lazy filmmaking, as most racial stereotypes do.

In the end the film attempts to create a sense of unity among the Native American cast who are, throughout the film, being torn in different directions, whether through their life choices or from actions outside of their control. The climax of the film sees our supposed heroes choosing to commit an action that is utterly detestable (not mention a previous scheme to deceive an unwitting and innocent individual, conspired nearly by the whole cast) and the director expects the audience to praise it.

In its attempt to create a tension of moral dilemma Dance Me Outside fails where films such as the Jordanian movie Captain Abu Raed succeed. We understand why the temptation exists but we don't want our heroes to become the villains, Dance Me Outside seems to be unable recognize that.

A definite "hidden gem"

[jake4974 · 10/10 · 11 September 2005]

This qualifies as one of my favorite films. The opening scene is a film classic and sets the tone for the stereotype shattering, searingly funny, utter humanity that almost literally oozes from this film. Amazingly it achieved this without making me mildly nauseated. There are heaping helpings of truth in this movie, all of it not sugar-coated without descending in to excessive emotional manipulation (some degree of emotional manipulation is what the film medium is about). This film actually inspired a TV series in Canada, and launched the career of Adam Beach. There are several very sensitive issues dealt with in this movie, and quite masterfully. A very intelligent and funny film. I liked it so much, I bought the company, I mean, I give it a 10.

Outstanding

[Raleon · 10/10 · 11 November 2002]

On first watch it's just simply a good movie about an event in the life of two friends. On second watch you notice all the foreshadowing which brilliantly ties in as full circle at the end. I love this movie- it's much better than the show, more entertaining than the book, and probably Adam Beach's best performance.

favourite film

[mia-24 · 1 May 1999]

This is one of my favourite films. It is both realistic and uplifting and the characters are engaging and interesting.

The film deals with serious issues and problems but the witty dialogue and humour is a breath of fresh air in a weighty world.

I was glad to see "The Rez" as a pilot on CBC (same characters, most of the same actors), however it was short-lived and a bit of a disappointment.

Excellent

[ReesaTree · 9/10 · 11 January 2005]

I thought that this was an excellent film, and that it really addressed some very important issues. The description given here does this film NO justice at all, nor does the trailer. I first saw this movie about six years ago and hadn't seen it since until recently. I am currently doing research of native lifestyles and the politics of reservationist systems and this movie suddenly came to mind, from six years prior. It really stuck with me through what has been six years of pretty regular movie watching and it and I am glad that it did. It is MOST definitely work a watch at least once! Its the only movie that i can recall seeing that has any sort of good representation for use in my research.

Good portrayal of Native rez life in Ontario

[LaxFan94 · 9/10 · 26 January 2004]

Although I gave this film a 5 out of 10, I do think that rez life in Ontario was pretty well portrayed. There were hardly any misconceptions about this one. It was a down-to-earth, realistic and modern day look at the Ojibway people of that particular rez. I believe this kind of film was not meant for it "impress" viewers with its storyline. There didn't need to be anything flashy or fancy about portraying Natives and it was most certainly like those other stereotypical Hollywood made flicks that frequently misinterpret Native people.

But........ anyways........... this is the reason why I gave this film a 5 out of 10.

Surprisingly disturbing

[Dr_Coulardeau · 9/10 · 14 September 2013]

Surprising film indeed! It is Canadian and that is quite visible. Yet, that film tells a few disquieting things.

The first one is that we have teenagers, both boys and girls, a couple of mothers but NO fathers. That is surprising because I have never seen anywhere this idea that the Indian family was mother-centered with an absentee father, or are we to understand all fathers are in prison? This is of course very important since then the boys as well as the girls grow without the authority and the role model of a father. The result is thus going to be great fuzziness among boys as well as girls about what the heritage of the tribe, of the Indian culture may be, and that produces adults that are rootless.

The second thing is that they speak of a reservation but it is surprisingly not closed. Apart from the few half derelict buildings that are the homes of Indian fatherless families, some kind of cheap prefabs more than real houses, we see no Indian institution or Indian mark anywhere in this reservation. Is that the Canadian model? I have read a lot about Indian in French speaking Quebec. Here we are in English speaking Canada. But what I see does not correspond to what I have read on the Quebec side about the integration of Indians and the respect that is due to their traditions and cultures.

The third element is that there is a police, a "tribal" police mind you, all white and particularly anti-Indian not to say racist. An Indian girl is assassinated by a white man. He gets a two year sentence for it and even so he is apparently free one week later. Canadian justice indeed! Why not? But that is surprising.

The Indians want to take justice in their own hands. The boys are planning the assassination of this white murderer. They fail and yet the chap gets killed with a knife, his throat is slit. At once the "tribal" police captures all the male Indians, make them undress down to their shorts, we can imagine they may even have gone further, at least we saw them kicked out of the "tribal" police station in their boxer's shorts and barefoot. The "tribal" police will never be able to prove who did it, certainly not the Indian boys they brought in and detained. Is that what the police is in a reservation? The definition of reservation has little to do with what I know on the US side. We are here dealing with nothing but some colonial repressive uniform-wearing white militia.

Hope is in the end of the film, but a very bitter hope. The white murderer was killed by an Indian girl, alone, probably by approaching him sexually to get close enough. The main teenager, Silas, makes her burn her clothing when he reaches their prefab. But that is not justice and that is a shame Canada does not have a judicial system that should be equal for all.

The second hopeful element is that Silas and his closest friend are accepted in the car-mechanics school, which means he moves away for a year or so and goes to the white city close to the reservation. They might get some qualification that could mean a job. But their education is far from being a priority in Canada. And what about girls? Nothing visible here.

In one word then the picture is bleak and the story is squalid. If that is the fate of Indians in Canada today, and the film is rather recent, 1994, it does not reflect at all the great evolution that had been taking place in the USA starting in 1969 with the American Indian Movement. There is one episode toward the end of the film about some kind of Indian awareness: an activist is coming to speak to the people of the reservation one day and he calls for some action from Indians. He is accompanied by two white police officers in civilian suits, though we do not know what they are precisely. He asks them to stand and he mocks them as some kind of infringement on his freedom of movement and speech. Two of the boys take his suggestion in their own hands and go out and destroy one beautiful car they consider must be the car of the two police officers. Unluckily it is the car of the speaker and the two cops have a simple, even drab car and they gallantly drive the speaker to his hotel, which means outside the reservation. In other words that speaker has a luxury car and he is escorted by two cops more for his comfort and security than to infringe on his freedom of speech.

That last note is definitely negative and hopeless. There is no future for Indians from the Indians, by the Indians. And what's more, Silas's sister who has married a white lawyer, can't get a child from him because she says his spermatozoon count is low. She has Gooch, her old boyfriend she did not remained faithful to during his three years in prison, sleep with her in order to get pregnant while the boys are spending the night with her husband they initiate to some kind of Indian name-giving ritual that is in fact some kind of practical joke from them but he plays the game through and in the night he loses his glasses, hence he cannot see very well what is happening: he is being played the Mickey out of him while his wife is getting impregnated by her ex- boyfriend.

And they say this is the voice of the future. I mean that future does not seem to be very sunny and bright.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU

Important Canadian Work!

[jjstarmaker · 12 October 2002]

At the risk of sounding like an advocate, "Dance Me Outside" was an intriguing and important film. In an age of entertainment bombarded by white culture, and white values, and white people, it becomes increasingly necessary for people of color to be in film. This movie, although romantic in its interpretation of reservation life, shows the very real problem plaguing the non-white people of Canada in their efforts to attend post secondary institutions, as well as prejudices surrounding inter-racial relationships. More than this, the film makes a statement about consequences of imposing white values on the aboriginal people-- or any communities of color for that matter, and stereotyping. It does all this, and its entertaining, with a dark humor. As for the acting, performances by Adam Beach and Ryan Black were outstanding. This was a very good film. 4/5

I'm not sure if I wrote a spoiler... i don't think so.... but I like the movie...

[anitawright25 · 9/10 · 29 February 2012]

I like this movie because I saw it with my dad before he passed away.I remember these times as very good and hopeful for Native People, when Dreamkeepers was promising to show more Native actors... When Oka promised justice. At the time I was happy to see this, but after awhile, I watched it again... I thought, "hmmmm? I don't know... kinda bad acting? bad writing? rough looking clothes... everyone looked different..." not typical of Native areas... and no one dressed that bad.... everyone looked from different nations, usually they would look similar, you could tell if they were Cree or Blackfoot, or from BC. But not in this movie...and who wrote this? are they even Native? Obviously not, or at least I don't think so!~ so for me, it was not a good representation of Native people... It's not a typical Native Family... So, I don't know, I always thought art should portray truth... can I even say? I want to encourage Native actors... I appreciate that they are acting... in an all non native world.... watch TV, movies, anything you rarely see native people anywhere and it always bugs me... but this, I thought for sure, we should have written a story ourselves and acted it out... and put that effort and resources into our own work as writers... etc. it wasn't art to me... it was fulfilling someone else's agendas, not Native people's... a bunch of jobs, people playing the role and I felt there should have been some loyalty to the Native People... some art... It looked like someone outside looking in, but Native People acting it out for them...

A long time ago, we'd have feasts and put on performances for neighboring villages, it was an honor and our best performance...it wouldn't insult them... it would make sense and have meaning... our people are beautiful, strong, intelligent and this was an embarrassing portrayal... but I am loyal to them, the actors. I'd watch it and show my kids now. But look years later... it looks funny, rough... but I do love Adam Beach and Micheal Greyeyes! and coyote...handsome...

why can't they dress nice... look cool...have nice hair (adam beach)? oh well...

I like the movie, but I think it could have been done better..

I love how raw the characters are!

[bftgqcdky · 9/10 · 6 April 2023]

Throw pretentiousness out the window these characters are raw in how they feel & act & react with what life throws at them. Be it relationships highs & lows, forbidden fruits or a local murderer. They deal with all things head strong only blinded slightly by the only thing can pull a man any other direction that is girls.

Great little story. Would have LOVED to have seen more but this movie is definitely a little treasure. It really gives one a sense of how life is just beautiful when things are simple. You could call this a coming of age movie but its very unusual the things they do. Either eay anyone would most definitely enjoy this movie.

Great Movie

[b0mbenleger · 24 February 2003]

You'll like this movie, if you're a metalfan ;-) All the indian Kids are Metalfreaks and just hang around, drink beer, have some fun.Long hair and cool T-Shirts. *lol* I really like this film because the actors are great, lovely. The Story is not bad , too. Maybe for younger viewers.

Very realistic setting, disturbing commentary

[Calios · 22 October 2000]

The characters made this movie, but the dialogue and delivery by the actors were not very smooth, but when taken in context that some of the "natives" talk like this, can be overlooked. The script was choppy and bounced around subplots, one that has me concerned.

The side story of the lead character's sister's Anglo husband being taken out for the night of fun and her having sex with another "native" bothers me. This was just a work of fiction, but a reflection of the resentment that American Indians hold toward outsiders either that move into their space or in general.

Otherwise this is a very interesting movie, one that fills the time better than watching sports or gameshows.

Totally boring !

[fargo26 · 3 August 1999]

I am surprised to read so many people saying how this movie was soooooo great ... to me it was incredibly boring ... the "actors" (notice the quotes there !) are all terrible ... some dumb dialogues ... a story that I never really cared for ... a few silly scenes ... fights, people beating on an old car, typical drunken indians who want to pick a fight stereotypes ... this was a major disappointment ... at least I like the cover box ! ... I am only glad I just spent 1$ to see this ! 0.5/5