Watch Sitting Bull: A Stone in My Heart

Sitting Bull: A Stone in My Heart is a feature-length documentary film that delves into the life and legacy of the legendary Hunkpapa Lakota leader, Sitting Bull. The film was released in 2006 and was directed by Steven Lewis Simpson. The Native American author and activist, Adam Fortunate Eagle, serves as the narrator of the film and provides his own personal insight and experiences.

The film is a deeply personal tribute to Sitting Bull and explores his life and legacy from a uniquely indigenous perspective. Through interviews with contemporary Native American leaders and historians, as well as archival footage and photographs, the film tells the story of Sitting Bull from his early years as a warrior and leader to his final days as a spiritual advisor.

The film begins with the birth of Sitting Bull in the 1830s and his early years as a warrior. It explores his dedicated service to his tribe and his commanding presence as a leader. The film portrays Sitting Bull as a fierce warrior who was dedicated to protecting his people and their way of life. It also highlights Sitting Bull's political savvy and his ability to negotiate with both Native and non-Native leaders.

As the film progresses, it delves deeper into Sitting Bull's spiritual beliefs and practices. The film emphasizes Sitting Bull's view that Native American spiritual beliefs were integral to their way of life and that these beliefs could be reconciled with Christianity. The movie goes on to explore the role of Sitting Bull's visions and how they influenced his decision-making.

Sitting Bull's eventual surrender to the United States Army and his time as a prisoner of war are also explored in the film. The movie's lens shows Sitting Bull as a symbol of indigenous resistance against manifest destiny and colonialism. The film delves into how Sitting Bull's legacy continued to influence native life after his death, including the Native American civil rights movement of the 1960s and beyond.

The film also explores the connection between Sitting Bull and contemporary Native American life. It features interviews with Native American leaders, activists, and scholars who reflect on Sitting Bull's legacy and how it influences modern Native American identity.

Through the use of contemporary interviews, archival footage, and Adam Fortunate Eagle's narration, the film paints a detailed and nuanced portrait of Sitting Bull that conveys both his historical significance and his continued relevance as a symbol of indigenous resistance and sovereignty.

In conclusion, Sitting Bull: A Stone in My Heart is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that explores the life and legacy of one of the most significant figures in Native American history. The film is a fitting tribute to Sitting Bull's life and beliefs and provides a unique perspective on the challenges Native Americans continue to face in contemporary society. The movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in Native American history, culture, and politics.

Sitting Bull: A Stone in My Heart is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.