Yellow Rock-A Review

I just finished watching the film "Yellow Rock" for the first time (it released today on DVD and iTunes). After having been extremely disappointed by "The Legend of Hell's Gate: An American Conspiracy", I was excited about this film, yet also very cautious about it. I've seen a lot of independent films, and know that some are good, some are okay, some are bad, and some are awful (Legend of Hell's Gate I think falls into the last category). However, I was pleasantly surprised by "Yellow Rock", which in my opinion was a very well done and well acted independent Western/film. It is deserving of every award it has earned since first being screened in the fall of 2011.

So, I should probably go into more detail about what I liked/loved and where I give the film its props. First, solid acting. Independent films have one of two reputations: they either have really good acting, or really bad acting. "Yellow Rock" fits into the 'really good' category, in my opinion. The most solid performances I thought came from the three leads: James Russo, Michael Biehn, and Lenore Andriel. 3 actors I've never heard of, or seen anything of until this film. Superb performances from each of them. Lenore has talked several times in interviews how she had this passion for Native American culture and how much she wanted to bring that to life. It's very evident to me in the film how very much Lenore (who was one of the writers and producers) loves Native American culture. It's a love that I myself have had ever since first watching "Into the West" (2005). Anyway, that passion was quite evident in her character, Dr. Sarah Taylor. Michael Biehn was also a standout in his role as Tom Hanner. I wasn't sure what to expect of his character from the interviews and synospis, but it turns out his character is actually a really good guy. James Russo: another solid performance and since I don't want to give anything away, I'll leave it at that comment.  Michael Spears (Broken Wing) pulled off yet another solid and good performance.  Broken Wing reminded of another good character that Michael is known for playing: Dog Star from the miniseries "Into the West".  Dog Star, like Broken Wing, was the pacifist.  He did not trust the white man, but did not want war between the two cultures/nations.  I think Michael pulls these kinds of characters off well and pretty naturally.  Can I also say it was nice to have Michael sing yet again, not once, but twice?  His voice gives me chills, partly because I think he sings from his heart and soul.  Very honorable mentions:  Eddie Spears (Angry Wolf), Zahn McClarnon and the others were all great in supporting roles. I have to say, after watching Eddie in "Hell on Wheels" so long, it's weird seeing him with long hair!

Second, pretty solid writing and plot. There were two sequences that I think were my favorites. The first one being the sequence in the burial ground of the Blackpaw tribe. Completely creepy [though very well done in terms of quality and cinematography], and I was on edge wondering what was going to jump out of the fog. Ha! After seeing a movie like "Imprint" (2007, also starring Michael Spears as this film did), I've learned to be ready for anything in a movie! The way the scene was done made me feel like the characters must have been feeling. The second sequence I thought was really well done was the bit at the end, from when the final character who stole gold gets shot to when the credits rolled. The whole concept of 1) how money/gold are things that will crumble to dust when we think they matter the most (and the film I think asks the question: is the pursuit of fortune worth your life?), and 2) how many [American] Indian tribes became obsolete or nearly obsolete as a result of gold and of 'Manifest Destiny' (you know, the whole idea of it being God's will that America stretch coast to coast?). The end monologue was pretty haunting, as it reminded me of the many injustices done and still done to Native peoples here in America, and perhaps even in places such as Canada.

Overall, out of 5 stars, I have to give "Yellow Rock" a 4 for great acting, solid writing, and honestly: just being an enjoyable film. It is rated R, though I thought the violence was more at a level of PG-13 (not nearly as violent as, say, "Hell on Wheels", which is incredibly violent and gory at times). So, if you're looking for a shorter-than-two-hours film, a Western, or trying to decide between watching "Legend of Hell's Gate: An American Conspiracy" or "Yellow Rock", do yourself a favor. Choose "Yellow Rock".  And: the good looking guys don't hurt either! ;)