Post by Totems4jt on Jul 4, 2008 18:19:23 GMT -5
Author
Blackangel
From the moment Jay Tavare appears onscreen (as in all of his films that I have seen) he immediately captivates the viewer. All of the major performances in this romantic drama are oscar-caliber without a doubt but Jay really does steal the show. It is not just his asthetics, which are impossible to ignore, but his ability to display the full gamut of human emotions that is gripping. My favorite moments in the film occur during his character Waka Mani's interactions with Cleola which are intense and passionate, particularly during the debates that he has with both Richard and Cleola individually about forced assimilation and remaining true to one's culture in the face of oppression. The music in this film is also wonderful and I hope that Jay gets another role in which he gets to showcase his beautiful voice because the Lakota/Negro gospel was amazing! I consider this independent gem to be one of the most important films ever made. It should be listed in the National Film Registry for its contributions to cultural significance. It is estimated that at least 1/3 African Americans are of Native American descent and this film allows us a small glimpse into how interactions amongst the two ethnic groups may have been, both the good and the bad. Although Jay's performance has been deemed Oscar-worthy by his adoring fans, what he portrays in Unbowed could never be appropriately awarded because it is truly priceless. I admire Jay for choosing and creating roles that represent Native Americans in a dignified and honorable manner while still conveying to the world that we are all beautiful and flawed human beings regardless of our background. Jay Tavare can do so much more than Native American roles and I cannot wait to see him play a leading man again.
Blackangel
From the moment Jay Tavare appears onscreen (as in all of his films that I have seen) he immediately captivates the viewer. All of the major performances in this romantic drama are oscar-caliber without a doubt but Jay really does steal the show. It is not just his asthetics, which are impossible to ignore, but his ability to display the full gamut of human emotions that is gripping. My favorite moments in the film occur during his character Waka Mani's interactions with Cleola which are intense and passionate, particularly during the debates that he has with both Richard and Cleola individually about forced assimilation and remaining true to one's culture in the face of oppression. The music in this film is also wonderful and I hope that Jay gets another role in which he gets to showcase his beautiful voice because the Lakota/Negro gospel was amazing! I consider this independent gem to be one of the most important films ever made. It should be listed in the National Film Registry for its contributions to cultural significance. It is estimated that at least 1/3 African Americans are of Native American descent and this film allows us a small glimpse into how interactions amongst the two ethnic groups may have been, both the good and the bad. Although Jay's performance has been deemed Oscar-worthy by his adoring fans, what he portrays in Unbowed could never be appropriately awarded because it is truly priceless. I admire Jay for choosing and creating roles that represent Native Americans in a dignified and honorable manner while still conveying to the world that we are all beautiful and flawed human beings regardless of our background. Jay Tavare can do so much more than Native American roles and I cannot wait to see him play a leading man again.
