200912: In some ways, this film is an absolute disaster by modern standards and would likely be a target of the cancel culture. Two reasons include the English used by the First Nations characters and secondy, caucasian Warren Oates portraying "Walter Charlie" as well as Columbian Frank Ramirez portraying "Gabriel Jimmyboy". When the film began, I was immediately concerned because it was a Disney production and I was tortured enough by those in my youth. Then I realized it wasn't truly a western but rather a modern western...well, at least by 1969 standards. If one is patient, however, this film shines with it's message of equality and kindness. In fact, this film was quite progressive considering the release date. Kudo's to Disney afterall. The payoff is in patience. Await Chief Dan George's testimony, he carries "Smith!" much like he's done in other classic productions. Personally, I ended up smiling upon the credits, even with this film's hindsight flaws.
