Geronimo: An American Legend Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of guys in hats chase a cooler guy without a hat across the desert because they promised him land, but oops, they lied and now everyone’s sad on a train.

🍿 Geronimo: An American Legend: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Reluctant Agreement

The film opens with the Apache Indians reluctantly agreeing to settle on a US Government-approved reservation. They hope for peace and a chance to adapt to a new way of life, farming corn instead of raiding. However, the transition proves difficult for many, especially their leader, Geronimo, who finds himself increasingly restless and disillusioned.

Geronimo’s Rebellion

Pushed to his breaking point by broken promises and the perceived injustices of the government’s actions, Geronimo, along with a small band of warriors, breaks away from the reservation. They embark on a campaign of resistance, reclaiming what they believe is rightfully theirs and evading capture, much to the humiliation of the U.S. government. This marks the beginning of the Geronimo Campaign.

The Pursuit and Internal Conflict

The U.S. Army, led by Brigadier General George Crook, initiates a relentless pursuit of Geronimo and his warriors. The film focuses on Lieutenant Charles Gatewood, who is tasked with negotiating a surrender. Caught between his duty and his growing respect for Geronimo, Gatewood faces a moral dilemma as he witnesses the government’s treatment of the Apache.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Geronimo (Wes Studi): The proud Apache chief who leads his people in resistance against the U.S. government’s attempts to confine them to a reservation.
• Lt. Charles Gatewood (Jason Patric): A U.S. Army lieutenant who sympathizes with the Apache and attempts to negotiate a peaceful resolution.
• Brig. Gen. George Crook (Gene Hackman): The pragmatic U.S. Army general initially tasked with bringing Geronimo and his people back to the reservation.
• Al Sieber (Robert Duvall): A seasoned and somewhat cynical scout who guides the army in their pursuit of Geronimo.
• Lt. Britton Davis (Matt Damon): A young and idealistic lieutenant who serves as a narrator and observer of the events unfolding during the Geronimo campaign.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Al Sieber, Chief of Scouts: “There’s two dead women there… and two little kids. They scalped them all, all four of ’em. Bounty hunters.” – Sieber expresses his disgust at the brutality of bounty hunters killing any Indian to collect money from the government.
• Geronimo: “There is plenty of land. Why do you want it all?” – Geronimo asks this powerful question highlighting the unfair treatment and land grabbing by the US government.
• Geronimo: “No one knows why the One God let the white eye take our land.” – Geronimo reflects on the loss of his people’s land and the seemingly inexplicable power of the white settlers.
• Al Sieber: “Must be Texans… the lowest form of white man there is.” – Al Sieber expressing his opinion on the bounty hunters he believes are texans.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $35,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $18,635,620
• Worldwide Gross: $18,635,620

💥 Geronimo: An American Legend Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this as a kid and being completely captivated by the landscapes and the portrayal of Geronimo. Wes Studi *is* Geronimo. While it might take some liberties with history, it sparked my interest in learning more about the Apache people. The final scene on the train is heartbreaking, especially when Geronimo speaks about the loss of their land. I still get chills thinking about it. It’s not a perfect movie, but it definitely left a lasting impression.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Westerns”
  • “Viewers interested in Native American history”
  • “Those who appreciate films with strong performances and beautiful cinematography”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Brief scenes of graphic imagery”
  • “Themes of cultural conflict and historical injustice”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A visually stunning but ultimately shallow depiction of Geronimo’s struggle. While the performances are strong, the film lacks the emotional depth to truly resonate.
• Los Angeles Times: “Geronimo: An American Legend aims for epic status but falls short, hampered by a preachy script and a lack of focus on its titular character. The cinematography is beautiful, but the story feels like a watered-down history lesson.
• The Washington Post: “While well-intentioned, the film struggles to find a compelling narrative. The large cast delivers solid performances, but the film never fully explores the complexities of the conflict.

Audience Reactions

Wes Studi’s portrayal of Geronimo is considered a standout performance, capturing the dignity and strength of the Apache leader.: Many viewers appreciate the film’s attempt to present a more balanced perspective on the Apache Wars.

The cinematography and stunning landscapes are frequently praised for capturing the beauty and harshness of the American West.: Viewers find the film visually compelling and immersive.

Overall Consensus: A visually impressive but somewhat flawed Western that attempts to tell the story of Geronimo with a more nuanced perspective, though it may take liberties with historical accuracy.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was part of a brief resurgence of the Western genre in the early 1990s, sparked by the success of ‘Dances With Wolves’.”
• “Wes Studi, who played Geronimo, brought a sense of authenticity to the role, having Native American ancestry himself.”
• “Filming took place in Moab, Utah, chosen for its stunning landscapes that resembled the Arizona Territory where the historical events occurred.”

🖥️ How to Watch Geronimo: An American Legend?

As of October 2024, ‘Geronimo: An American Legend’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability as streaming options may vary.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Geronimo: An American Legend, you might like these similar films:

• Dances with Wolves (1990): Both films explore the clash of cultures between Native Americans and the US military, presenting a more sympathetic view of Native American life.
• The Last of the Mohicans (1992): Features similar themes of cultural conflict and the struggle for survival in the face of encroaching colonization during the colonial period.
• Little Big Man (1970): An older, revisionist Western that similarly depicts the mistreatment of Native Americans with a blend of humor and tragedy.
• Wind River (2017): A modern crime thriller set on a Native American reservation, highlighting contemporary issues faced by Native American communities with a focus on injustice and cultural preservation.
• Soldier Blue (1970): A controversial Western that depicts the brutality of the Indian Wars with unflinching realism, offering a counter-narrative to traditional Westerns.

🛒 Geronimo: An American Legend Related Products

• Geronimo: The Man, His Nation, The War: A biography providing in-depth historical context and details about Geronimo’s life, leadership, and the Apache Wars. Includes maps, photos, and primary source documents.
• Native American Inspired Dreamcatcher: Handmade dreamcatcher using traditional materials, representing the Apache culture and spirituality. It embodies the spirit of the Apache people and makes a beautiful addition to any space.
• Vintage Style Western Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the original movie poster, capturing the film’s iconic imagery. Perfect for framing and displaying as a piece of movie history.
• Apache Tears: A Novel of Geronimo: A historical fiction novel that vividly recreates the life and times of Geronimo, blending accurate historical details with a compelling narrative. It offers a unique perspective on the Apache leader and the challenges he faced.

🎧 Soundtrack

Geronimo: An American Legend features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Ry Cooder
• “Farewell” – performed by Ry Cooder
• “Geronimo’s Surrender” – performed by Ry Cooder
• “Deal Gently With Thy Servants, Lord” – performed by The Boston Camerata, Schola Cantorum

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

12 Most Historically Accurate Westerns Ever Filmed

Want to know if “Geronimo: An American Legend” got its facts right? This video breaks down the historical accuracy of various Westerns, including Geronimo, and it’s actually pretty interesting to see which ones are closer to reality!

That’s A Great Shot [Geronimo An American Legend]

Ever catch yourself thinking “wow, what a great shot” while watching a movie? This quick clip highlights one of the most memorable visuals from “Geronimo: An American Legend”. I think its really well done. See if you agree!

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