The Cherokee Word for Water
The Cherokee Word for Water
PG | 01 May 2013 (USA)
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The Cherokee Word for Water is a feature-length motion picture that tells the story of the work that led Wilma Mankiller to become the first modern female Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Set in the early 1980s, The Cherokee Word for Water begins in the homes of a small town in rural Oklahoma where many houses lack running water and others are little more than shacks. The movie is told from the perspective of Wilma Mankiller and full-blood Cherokee organizer Charlie Soap who join forces to battle opposition and build a 16-mile waterline system using a community of volunteers. In the process, they inspire the townspeople to trust each other, to trust their way of thinking, and to spark a reawakening of the universal indigenous values of reciprocity and interconnectedness. This project also inspired a self-help movement in Indian Country that continues to this day. The movie is dedicated to Wilma Mankiller’s vision, compassion and incredible grace.

Reviews
ReaderKenka

Let's be realistic.

ChicDragon

It's a mild crowd pleaser for people who are exhausted by blockbusters.

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Robert Joyner

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

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Arianna Moses

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

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BigLaxFan94

I liked this film because it is a tribute film to the real Wilma Mankiller who was such an instrumental leader for her Cherokee folks. When she conducted the water project, there were those who didn't want the project to be completed since there were (and still are) many racists who didn't want to co-operate with them. It was always an obstacle after the next with it. Although the project was completed, it didn't go through without any hitches. There were many problems that went with it, like promises by equipment companies that weren't kept, leasing companies who threatened the People that they would lose their licenses if they didn't do things the non-Cherokee groups told them to do. The Tribal Council had many non-Cherokees making decisions for the People that wasn't right. It was unfair that the project took longer to complete than usual. Anyways... it's really unfortunate that Mankiller passed on way too young because she was a real dynamic leader for her folks.

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