Watch Dreamkeeper

Dreamkeeper is a 2003 made-for-television movie that was directed by Steve Barron and written by John Fusco. The movie is based on the mythical story of the Native American Lakota tribe of South Dakota, which is passed down through generations by oral storytelling. The story begins with Grandpa telling his teenage grandson Shane (Eddie Spears) about the sacred oral tradition of his ancestors. In order to pass it on to the next generation, he must go on a journey to find and bring back the "dream" of his ancestors. During the journey, Grandpa realizes that he needs Shane's help to complete this sacred task since he is unable to make the journey on his own.

The journey consists of a road trip across the United States, involving different cities and states, and different stories of the Lakota tribe, each told by Grandpa. The pair learns about the rich history of their tribe and learns important lessons about life, love, and wisdom.

As they make their way, the stories come to life, and we see Grandpa's versions of the tales, which range from complex to light-hearted. The storytelling takes on its own life as the characters transgress between stories through dreams and moving in and out of different storytelling worlds.

Each of the stories is beautifully crafted and is narrated in such a way that the audience feels like they are actually there. For instance, the story of the Star Maiden tells of a tribe who pray for rain that’s been non-existent for days. To rekindle the land, the tribe calls upon the sky people to open up the skies, and the sweet Star Maiden descends to earth to sacrifice herself to benefit the strangers who showed her kindness. When her sacrifice is complete, rain falls from the sky, and the tribe's gratefulness knows no bounds.

Other stories show slices of life as a young warrior, an old warrior, and a brave woman struggling to find their way in life. The tales handle issues of marriage, honor, respect, aging, and acceptance in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

One story shows a man who considers a woman as his soulmate, but his mother’s tribal responsibilities prevent them from marrying. Another story shows how a young man's reckless behavior leads him down a path of trouble until a wise old man teaches him the wisdom of patience and respect.

Throughout the journey, the characters meet new people, make new friends, and learn much about themselves and their culture. The bond between Grandpa and Shane grows stronger as they get to know each other better and learn from each other.

The cinematography is superb, capturing the diverse natural beauty of the landscapes traversing across the United States. The scenes are beautifully shot, and the music is entrancing, fitting perfectly into each of the stories.

Overall, Dreamkeeper is a unique and fantastic movie that recounts a mythical and magical story filled with passion, wisdom, and spirituality. The intention of the movie was to preserve ancient Native American Lakota storytelling traditions, and it carries out that job spectacularly. It is arguably the most thrilling and educational movie on Native American storytelling, which makes it a must-watch for anyone who loves stories that inspire and educate. The movie is well directed, written, and acted by everyone (it boasts a great cast), making it worth watching.