4/5 A great story, and a good film . . . .
  by Jerry P. Ferraccio (Currently Montgomery, AL)
I'm a bit bewildered by the few negative reviews that this movie has garnered here on Amazon. To set one reviewer's mind at ease: although I too consider myself a liberal, I would not hesitate to give any piece of art a bad review, IF it deserved it.

Since many more reviewers have stated their cases far more eloquently than I could, let me just say this: I think this is a charming, quirky, well-acted, thought-provoking movie. Its slow pace perfectly reflects the feel of life; it's not a shoot-'em-up, mind-numbing exercise in "entertainment," but a thoughtful study, a singular piece of art, a reflection of life. Perhaps, because it's texture and pacing are different, it seems quite unique and unsettling.

As Shakespeare says, acting (and by extension its venues, plays and movies) has a purpose: "to hold as 'twere the mirror up to nature: to show virtue her feature, scorn her own image, and the very age and body of the time his form and pressure." I think SMOKE SIGNALS does that quite well!

3/5 the two tonto road trip
  by R. Bagula (Lakeside, Ca United States)
Sons and fathers on the reservation where there is no future,
but a very bad past. Most Native Americans are the survivors
of a documented past and a stolen land.
We have two young Indian boys who become men
when the one who saved Thomas and fathered Victor
dies in exile in Arizona. The actors mostly talk with a Canadian
accent/ cadence.
Since the reservation gambling Native Americans have gained
some wealth and maybe a future, but this movie deals
with the isolation and desolation along with alcoholism
that has plagued them in the 20th century.
A culture or cultures on the trail of rebirth needs films like this
for identity.

4/5 Get ready for some zany fun !
  by Fierce & Fond Reader (Clallam Bay, WA USA)
This movie makes you think, giggle, even shed a few tears, & watch it again! Well worth the purchase.

5/5 Understanding Indian/Native Life & Humor
  by Michael E. Hendricks (Arizona)
If you've never been to Native community, or lived on a Reservation, this film should encourage you and help you understand! Native people love humor and friends, and it's a good study of how people who deal with terrible tragedies grow up and become who they are to be. Feel what Indian young people go through, learn a different kind of perspective, kind of sarcastic at times, but you know it's true to life and thats what a lot of us look for in a film; fun, cultural exploration, learning, feeling joy and deep hurts, sharing life with friends. Smoke Signals, shi k'is danolinigi, ayòò shi ya at'èèh.



5/5 Smoke Signals - DVD
  by Matti Kniva Spencer
A gem... great performances by all. This movie depicts life of Native American Indians in a very positive way. A classic!