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I saw this when it aired on tv, and it made quite an impression. I had read Thomas Marquis' book, Keep The Last Bullet For Yourself, which I highly recommend for further enlightenment about the events of the Little Big Horn. I was impressed with the overall attention to detail and for the most part, historical accuracy. Neither side was painted one way or the other, although the Americans really could not come away looking noble and in the right. The dual narrations, one by Libby Custer, his devoted wife, the other by Kate Big Head, helped the viewer draw comparisons to how ordinary people were touched by and viewed the events they witnessed. I was quite surprised at how well Gary Cole portrayed Custer. While Rodney Grant doesn't favor Crazy Horse physically, his respectful portrayal of that great man is mesmerizing. Earlier movies portrayed the 7th Cavalry as brave men dying heriocally, when it was nothing like that. There are many resources available that tell the story from the Indians' side - and history can never be balanced when told by one side only. Through the old warriors' recollections, we get to witness the Battle of the Little Big Horn (Greasy Grass) through their eyes. Their stories went untold for a long time because popular American sentiment would not have accepted the statement that Custer's men committed suicide - an act unthinkable to Sioux and Cheyenne warriors. The movie showed very well Custer's recklessness, immaturity, and overwhelming desire for glory which led to his and his troops' demise. It shows his relentless brutality, dishonesty, and disrespect in his dealings with the Indians. He was a loving husband, but failed to see that the Sioux and Cheyenne loved their families equally, and had every right to protect them from him and his cavalry, and did so on that day. It is one I will watch again, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn further about this pivotal event in our country.Read full review
The story of George Custer culminating in the battle at the Little Bighorn is still one of the most interesting and instructive stories for both Native Americans and the European Americans. Son of the Morning Star attempts to weave into one story the reflections of Custer's wife Elizabeth (Bacon) Custer and a Native woman's recounting of Custer. Son of the Morning Star is the best single Hollywood-style portrayal of this story. The acting on the whole is very good. Gary Cole as Custer is very believable. The Native actors are superb. I apologize for not remembering the Native actors' names at this time. An obvious effort is made for authenticity in costumes, etc. This film needs to be available in a high quality, bonus featured, and collector’s version on DVD. At present, as far as I know (04/07), it is not. The story of George Custer is an opportunity to study many issues: ethical conduct, rights, "foreign" and domestic policy, "duty" for government and military employees, truthful and realistic portrayal of history, etc. The questions raised by the life of Custer and the European settlement of North America still provide a challenge to the way white European Americans (and others I suppose) view Native peoples and other "minorities." Native Americans still struggle today with the consequences of the "settlement." This conflict still between the Native and the settlers still exist in many ways. Truly reflective persons viewing Son of the Morning Star will find themselves somewhere in the mix of this story. Crazy Horse is given special attention as a real hero and champion of the Native peoples. As with most stories based on real history, it is a good launching pad for further study. The interest in this story has been so long standing a great deal of literature is available. Documentaries on the principal characters and issues continue to be made. Son of the Morning Star is a good place to start for a study on the history and broad issues of the European "settlement" of North America and the treatment of Native peoples. It is a great mix of "entertainment" and education. Son of the Morning Star is well-made. The scenery in the film appeals to those who appreciate the beauty of the Dakotas, Wyoming, and Montana landscape however, one can not totally appreciate this setting without having some understanding of the events that have transpired in this area. Tourists have access to the Black Hills of South Dakota (and Wyoming) and can visit locations that share that part of the Native and European conflict in this land. Museums and bookstores contain a great deal of information about the history and conflict of the area. The Crazy Horse monument and Native center should be a priority for anyone following the story and location of these events. The National Park Service maintains the Little Bighorn Battlefield and is well worth visiting. A small museum is on site along with people who portray the stories and history surrounding the battle events. A self-guided tour is available for motorists to gain a grasp of the events. Visitors who want to get as much out of it as possible should plan to spend at least a half to a full day at the Battlefield. I highly recommend Son of the Morning Star to everyone who calls this land home. I recommend this film to everyone who believes that the past still affects the present. If you don't have clear opinions about these issues this film should get you thinking.Read full review
Get to see the the Battle of Little Big Horn from both sides. A mostly accurate account of the events leading up to and during this bloody battle that obliterated many on both sides. Only if Sitting Bull would have lived. Things would have been very different for the Native Americans, that hadn their mother land stolen from them by the U.S. Government. Watch with an open mind and take notes. Could be used for a Student's History study.
I HAVEN'T SEEN THIS MOVIE SINCE 1991 AND WAS GLAD TO GET A COPY OF 'SON OF THE MORNING STAR'. IT ISN'T AVAILABLE ON DVD, SO I AM GLAD I KEPT MY VHS TAPE PLAYER. IT IS A VERY GOOD DEPICTION OF THE BATTLE OF THE LITTLE BIG HORN.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I like it because it shows what a pompous ass Custer was, he had no regard for his fellow soldiers and his brother was with him and he was a Medal of Honor winner. I bought it to turn it into a DVD because it's not in that form yet. I could go on and on about this fool but suffice it to say it was a suicide mission and Custer knew it and didn't care about his fellow men it was all about him and his glory. I'm glad it was somewhat told by the Indians and their version of events, I don't think they told the real truth about what they did to Custer's body and maybe that should be left out. Anyway it's a better film than 'They Died with Their Boots On'. Don't mean to offend anybody with this statement but he doesn't deserve the 'hype' given to him over the years.
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