I watched this over twenty years ago on a bootleg VHS. Although relegated to the straight to video market, The Dark Wind gained quite a lot of critical acclaim in the UK (it was heavily championed on Film '91) . At this time, Glasgow was going through a bit a of craze for all things Native American - the Home of Brave was a very successful exhibition back in '92; maybe I was swept up in all that.
As Officer Jim Chee studies for his all important examination as a shaman, he's grudging drawn into a straightforward criminal damage on a farmstead - an unfortunate coincidence that propels him into something far bigger. I remember a dehydrated corpse with the soles of the feet skinned off. Some great camera work of the desert.
Although he's a bit of a B Movie/straight to video mainstay, Phillip puts in an understated, intense performance as Jim Chee (I have not read the source material so can't comment on Tony Hillerman's interpretation). Also of note is a good turn from John Karlan - away from the domestics of Mary Beth and Harvey Jnr, he's quite impressive.
I doubt you'll get a chance to see it, but The Dark Wind is an interesting take on Native American. Culture and an intriguing mystery to boot.
As Officer Jim Chee studies for his all important examination as a shaman, he's grudging drawn into a straightforward criminal damage on a farmstead - an unfortunate coincidence that propels him into something far bigger. I remember a dehydrated corpse with the soles of the feet skinned off. Some great camera work of the desert.
Although he's a bit of a B Movie/straight to video mainstay, Phillip puts in an understated, intense performance as Jim Chee (I have not read the source material so can't comment on Tony Hillerman's interpretation). Also of note is a good turn from John Karlan - away from the domestics of Mary Beth and Harvey Jnr, he's quite impressive.
I doubt you'll get a chance to see it, but The Dark Wind is an interesting take on Native American. Culture and an intriguing mystery to boot.