Thunderheart – Review

FBI Agent Ray Levoi (Kilmer) is sent to a South Dakota Indian reservation after one of the tribal council members is shot to death. While Levoi looks like a typical Engl-American, he actually has strong Native American heritage, which is why he is selected for the gig by his boss (Thompson).

As he reaches the reservation, he meets local agent Frank Coutelle (Shepard), who has a short suspect list. As the pair begin their investigations, they run into “help” from the tribal council leader Jack Milton (Ward) and his wild group of hired goons, as well as tribal officer Walter Crow Horse (Greene).

Crow Horse does not enjoy the pressing into his own investigation, but knows how the Government is when it comes to reservation relations. Levoi’s internal struggles begin after he meets the suspects, and attempts to reconcile with his job, the tribe, and violent reactions to the police presence.

As the Agent’s investigation takes him into the life of a tribal schoolteacher, he must choose to follow the usual Government intimidating boot-first tactics, or try and actually solve the crime. What is the real motive? Can Ray “Little Weasel” Levoi get in touch with his heritage and gain the locals’ trust, or will violence and murder once again go unanswered on the Indian reservation?

While Thunderheart may move a bit slow, the overall story is strong and based on some real-life events. The cast brings enough to all their roles to give them distinction, and the plot dives deep into multiple life, race and criminal issues.