Approved for 12+

The Song of Hiawatha

This adaptation of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's beloved epic poem, "The Song of Hiawatha," celebrates the heroic deeds of the legendary Ojibway chief of miraculous birth, sent by the Great Spirit to lead his people. Fur trader Jean Bertrand (Michael Rooker), French priest Father Marcel (David Strathairn) and Indian interpreter O Kagh (Graham Greene) canoe through the Lake Superior region in search of Hiawatha. Tribesmen guide them to the lodge of his grandmother, Nokomis (Sheila Tousey), where she and tribal elder Iagoo (Gordon Tootoosis) tell Hiawatha's story.
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Negative Rating
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SexLanguageViolenceDrugsNudityOther
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Positive Rating
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FaithIntegrity

Dove Review

In this adaptation of the story of Hiawatha, the film is a story within a story. The film begins with some American travelers looking for Hiawatha. Once they get to the village, they are told the story of Hiawatha. This film is informative and also interesting while keeping the story moving. Because of the action and battle scenes, this film is best for children twelve and up. Dove is happy to award “The Song for Hiawatha” the Dove “Family-Approved” Seal.

Dove Rating Details

0
Faith

None

0
Integrity

Tribes are shown fighting in a handful of scenes; Hiawatha and his father fight using small hatchets; Hiawatha wrestles with a rival Indian; a beast attacks Hiawatha’s friend and Hiawatha kills the beast with an arrow; Papaquis pushes Mini Ha Ha down; Hiawatha and Pearl Feather fight (no blood is ever shown).

1
Sex

Hiawatha and his betrothed, Mini Ha Ha, kiss a few times.

0
Language

None

2
Violence

Tribes are shown fighting in a handful of scenes; Hiawatha and his father fight using small hatchets; Hiawatha wrestles with a rival Indian; a beast attacks Hiawatha’s friend and Hiawatha kills the beast with an arrow; Papaquis pushes Mini Ha Ha down; Hiawatha and Pearl Feather fight (no blood is ever shown).

0
Drugs

None

1
Nudity

Young Indian boys are shirtless in a few scenes; Hiawatha is shown wearing a loin cloth (legs and chest shown).

2
Other

A few depictions of a belief in Indian spirits and gods; magicians and medicine men; two ghosts come to warn Hiawatha of bad times ahead.

More Information