Watch The Education of Little Tree

The Education of Little Tree is a 1997 Canadian-American drama film directed by Richard Friedenberg, based on a novel by Forrest Carter. The movie is set in the 1930s and follows the life of Little Tree, a young orphan boy who is taken in by his Cherokee grandparents after his parents die. The film explores themes of family, spirituality, and identity.

James Cromwell plays the role of Granpa, Little Tree's wise and compassionate grandfather. Joseph Ashton plays Little Tree, who is initially confused and overwhelmed by his new surroundings in the Appalachian mountains. Tantoo Cardinal plays Granny, Little Tree's grandmother who is both nurturing and tough-love when it comes to how she raises her grandson.

At first, Little Tree is not used to the traditional Cherokee way of life his grandparents teach him. He has been raised as a Christian and has to adjust to the spirituality of his new family. However, as time goes by, he begins to appreciate the beauty and simplicity of this way of life. He learns about nature and the importance of respecting it, as well as the value of community and hard work.

As Little Tree grows older, he begins to face various challenges, including poverty and discrimination against Native Americans. He learns to stand up for what he believes in and develops a strong sense of self. Ultimately, he comes to understand the importance of his heritage and the sacrifices his family and community have made for him to have the life he has.

The film is a coming-of-age story that deals with complex issues such as racism and cultural appropriation. It portrays the Cherokee way of life as being grounded in a deep connection to the earth and emphasizes the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge and traditions.

The cinematography in the film is stunning, capturing the beauty of the Appalachian mountains and the changing seasons. The soundtrack, featuring traditional Cherokee music, adds to the film's authenticity and emotional impact.

Overall, The Education of Little Tree is a heartwarming and insightful film that encourages audiences to respect and cherish different cultures and ways of life. The strong performances by the cast, the captivating storyline, and the exquisite cinematography make it a truly memorable film.

The Education of Little Tree is a 1997 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.