Te Ata

This was such a great surprise find and absolutely loved by my entire family. Such an important story to tell about the history and culture of indigenous people in this country. An excellent production and superb acting made this a gem of native cinema, the original and greatest storytellers. Although so much of native American colonial history is dark and traumatic, this movie maintains a hopeful and family friendly presentation, but also without hiding or sugarcoating it. An amazing educational accomplishment. Highly recommended for all age groups and especially for people looking to learn more about the Chickisaw nation and their history.

A radiant story sharing culture and history, and the beautiful courage of a woman follow her spirit and tell the story she was born to tell. It is compelling and moving, with so much joy to be had, even amidst the tragedy of the time. There is triumph and struggle, family and beauty, love and life, and nature and wonder. There is a beautifully articulate quote in this movie that almost entirely encapsulate the spirit of the film. Referencing the importance of educating others, one of the leading characters continues, "It is imperative to open peoples minds to new things. Ignorance breeds fear and the only way to conquer that is to make the unknown known." Te Ata lived for so much more than herself and I am glad her story was told here. Highly highly recommend. Family, friends, date night, solo movie. Would watch again in a heartbeat.

I was glad to learn about Te Ata, and I read more about her after the movie. She was an exquisitely beautiful, gifted woman, and the love story is as moving as is her own story. But she deserved a better film than this one. Both leads are good in their parts as is the cast. It's when Kilcher is on stage and supposed to be telling Te Ata's stories that the film falls apart. She is awkward and unconvincing, as though she didn't feel the scenes or didn't practice them. They stop short of anything like the dignity and magic that we're supposed to see reflected in the audiences' awed faces. It's disappointing and even jarring. Instead, try the short film about her on YouTube where you see her beauty and confident dignity, hear the Indian voice and music in the background that soars and moves the heart. I'm glad the makers gave us a film about Te Ata; now another company needs to release a film that does her justice.

A period piece, beginning in 1906, and all based on a true story. Mary thompson (Q'orianka Kilcher) is a little girl, part of the chickasaw nation. She has an active imagination, but no-one appreciates her creative spirit. Against her father's wishes, she heads off to the oklahoma college, where she learns to tell stories, monologues, that tell the strories of her people. Overcoming bigotry, family tragedies and more, she went on to perform for the roosevelts, as well as the king of england. She was quite accomplished! More info at wikipedia dot org ... directed by nathan frankowski. It's very well done! Currently on the netflix.

Beautiful depiction of the life and Times of Te Ata, and the experience of her people in the early 1900's onward. At times it felt a little bit like a Hallmark movie but when she started singing in performance the tears started flowing -what a beautiful voice -what a beautiful message. Well done.

This is a must see movie. Talented performers and above average direction and production values. A movie that teaches us.

The only problem, which I could not understand was with such a good production why in the world could they not have decent wigs. The white wig on her dad you could see his real hair all the way around. When she was talking to Clyde down by the river apparently they forgot his wig altogether. It was just odd.

FANTASTIC, EDUCATIONAL FILM.... Following the life of a remarkable Native American spokeswoman, Te Ata Thompson Fisher of the Chickasaw Nation. Historically accurate accounting of the Chickasaw nation being unwillingly forced to become part of the state of Oklahoma. Prejudice against Native Americans in the early 20th Century being still quite strong throughout the United States. Te Ata rose above these prejudices to present the stories of indigenous people to the world. She was invited to perform at the White House for President Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, with whom she became great friends and personally honored in a national park. She even entertained the King and Queen of England at the behest of the Roosevelt's. Biographical history shared after the film is quite interesting. Te Ata lived until 100 yrs old. During that time she married and continued with her native calling.

The story of a famous Chickasaw woman that had to be told in film. A nice epic of a life that was not too ordinary. One of the best movies I have watched for long time.

Birds of different colors are all bids. Horses of different colors are all horses. People of different colors are all Human. On a recent road trip with my wife, we traveled through South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana, all with a large Indian population. We visited Mt Rushmore, Yellowstone and Glacier National Park, all amazing in their own right and I will always remember their beauty. But One of the most remarkable experiences of the trip was during a visit to an amazing sculpture one mile north of Deadwood South Dakota, commissioned by Kevin Costner. It is called Tatonka Meaning Buffalo, it depicts Indians hunting Buffalo by driving them of a bluff. As beautiful as the sculpture was, just as impressive was the Indian interpreter. I will always the pride he had as he talked to my wife and I about his people and his tribe the Lakota. As I watched this movie I kept thinking of that proud young man and how Te Ata expressed the same love and pride for their people.