VIEWER REVIEWS

[Steven Lewis Simpson]

just found an amazing letter to the editor of the Lakota Country Times about Rez Bomb

Dear Editor:

Hello,

I am writing this letter in regards to the movie Rez Bomb. We bought the movie in Manderson. We watched it and we can't stop watching it. The movie is extraordinary; I'd like to commend whoever thought of making the movie. We're the only ones who won the movie in town, we lent it out and can't get it back everyone wants to borrow it when we barely get it back, than they all tell us they can't quit watching it. How can I get a hold of someone who has the movies? I have a lot of people who want to own the movie.

The ending was good, just wished we know what happened with them and their baby? Need more movies let me know where we can get some? Everyday I think of the movie it has touched me in a way that can't be explained. I will always remember the movie Rez Bomb.

Pila Miye Will Killz Enemy


http://www.lakotacountrytimes.com/news/2009/0804/voices/018.html

[Steven Lewis Simpson]

Here's two amazing reviews posted on amazon.co.uk in response to the film.


5.0 out of 5 stars A red and white Ulysses as much as Romeo and Juliet, 14 Sep 2009
By    M. Benis

Rez Bomb is a great independent film worthy of widespread attention. Billed as a Romeo and Juliet, it's actually about two youths on a journey not to find but to re-find each other in a world that has lost love and its soul. It's a kind of modern Odyssey that looks at the voyage from both the man and the woman's point of view. This and the sense of a broken world also breaks time in some ways and so the scenes do not follow a strict chronology. Some may initially find this confusing, though they are helped by subtle shifts in colour that cue you into which stage of the story you are watching.

It's not a reservation film or an Indian film, though people with an interest in either won't be disappointed. The original (and significantly inferior) screenplay was in fact set in the tenements of Glasgow, so even at the outset this film which has been a decade in the making was interested in the lost and dispossessed. But the theme of genocide and loss which could equally have been explored in the Scots version surfaces subtly yet with greater vigour here with the Lakotah, partly because of the physical isolation of the reservation and partly because race constantly seems to inspire greater crass prejudice than class alone, not to mention the fact that - against all odds - the Lakotah spirit has survived. If that makes it sound as if the film will be preachy, don't worry it: isn't. It has an altogether wider and much more deeply human vision for that.

The performances are consistently excellent from professional and amateur members of the cast alike, making for compelling viewing throughout.

Highly recommended.

This DVD is outstanding value for money, with same great documentary footage and interviews of the high plains folk, both red and white, and how their life is changing. In addition there's a great interview with American Indian Movement activist and Republic of Lakotah spokesperson Russell Means, who also apears in the film. For those interested in the Lakotah, the DVD is worth it for this alone.

If you've read this far, just get it!


   
5.0 out of 5 stars When you have nothing, what is there to lose?, 26 Aug 2009
By    Cantia (London) - See all my reviews
Fantastic film set in one of the poorest places of the US. A thriller, a love story, a dark comedy at times, Rez Bomb is one of the best pieces of independent cinema I've seen recently. Harmony, a Lakota girl and her white boyfriend Scott find a plan to make a quick buck and escape the reservation's grim life. They get more than they bargained for when they get in trouble with a loan shark who shows an unhealthy interest in Harmony. One of Simpson's strengths is his character development and brilliant dialogue, and Rez Bomb doesn't disappoint. And this time, his cinematography is simply breath-taking. It feels as if the director is very familiar with Pine Ridge and this knowledge shows on his choice of locations.

The film features Trent Ford, Tamara Feldman and AIM activist Russell Means, as well as many local American Indian actors. Want to see what life in a reservation is really like? It doesn't get much closer than this. The director offers an accurate portrait of the racism, discrimination and poverty that Lakotas experience on a daily basis, but also gives us a tale of hope, love and survival.

[Steven Lewis Simpson]

Just saw this tweet.

WillowsHowl I highly recommend Rez Bomb. It is a really good movie. Not many movies keep me seated with full attention..that one did.

[Steven Lewis Simpson]

This was just posted on youtube

tonkanamagarcu has made a comment on REZ BOMB AUDIENCE TRAILER:

what a great movie.saw it the other day,very very good,tamara feldman rocks...great movie

[Steven Lewis Simpson]

Just got this tweet.

Watched my copy of Rez bomb and loved it! Never would've known about it if you hadn't Followed me. Thanks!

[Steven Lewis Simpson]

Here's a myspace comment:

Francine added a comment to your profile:

"Watching the movie right now for the first time. It's awesome!.."

[Steven Lewis Simpson]

“I dont think I’ve enjoyed a film this much since The Dark Knight” fabulous blog review of Rez Bomb
Here’s a great fan blog on Rez Bomb at http://noimkara.blogspot.com/2009/09/rez-bomb-review.html

Rez Bomb Review
Monday, September 28, 2009

Ahh so this was meant to be posted a few days ago but I never got round to writing it. Anyway. Last week I ordered the film “Rez Bomb” off ebay (special edition), I’m kinda gutted that this film wasnt released in theaters because a film this good should be given a lot of credit. Rez Bomb is completely out of my comfort zone when it comes to films but I decided to give it a try as Trent Ford *swoon* stars in it. Boy am I glad I checked it out. Rez Bomb is a love story you can totally get lost in. Set in one of the poorest places in the US, the story tells the tale of Harmony (Tarmara Feldman) and her boyfriend Scott (Trent Ford) who are very much in love but get caught up in a world of trouble when Harmony owes a large amount of money to a dirty old dude called Jaws (Jaws?!!). In attempt to get Harmony off the rez they conduct a plan to get them “set up” only things dont go to plan. The film is a whirlwind of love, thrills and dark comedy and tells us of love thats on the run. Trust me I was on the edge of my seat when Scott goes in search for Harmony. I dont think I’ve been caught up in a film as much as I was with Rez Bomb. At first, when hearing about it, I was a little sceptical to buy it having not much to go on. But my love for Trent Ford took over and I found the DVD in my mail three days later. Rez Bomb is not what I expected. When I saw the trailer I thought it’d be all guns and shooting etc… buts its not. Its a film you cant fully understand until watching it in its entirety. Its ridiculously realistic in a way I didnt think any film could achieve and is just plain, darn, fantastic. I dont think I’ve enjoyed a film this much since The Dark Knight. I gave it a 8 out 10 on IMdb, just because I got confused some of the time – but maybe thats due to my blonde roots? Who knows. Anyway the story is compelling and hooks you straight away, Trent Ford looks totally hot with a capital H and is a gritty and realistic thrill ride. I just wish it was longer.
Want to escape reality? Watch Rez Bomb.

# A little shorter than I hoped but then I am meant to be studying. You just need to know Rez Bomb defines awesome.
That is all.

[Steven Lewis Simpson]

Got this one on facebook.

Hey man,

Just wanted to let you know that I finished watching "Rez Bomb" and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm going to check it out with the commentary next.

-Roger™

[Steven Lewis Simpson]

Just posted to us on myspace.

Just watched the movie ~ excellent! Very well done . . . had my attention the enitre time. Very exciting!

[sandpiper6]

I bought this movie out of curiosity because I know one of the guys from the cast - I met Moses Brings Plenty some 10 years ago at a PowWow in Switzerland. I figured/hoped this movie would somehow showcase the life on Pine Ridge from the Native American point of view. I was very disappointed, as this is basically just a crime story that could be happening anywhere in a poor neighborhood. I didn't feel any connection to any of the actors - bad choice in my opinion - and hated the colors all throughout the movie (hurt my eyes). All in all, in my humble opinion, a total failure. For good Native oriented movies, see for example Chris Eyre's work.

[Steven Lewis Simpson]

Dear Sandpiper

Sorry to hear you were disappointed in the film. I think if you go in with the expectation of it being a typical reservation story then it certainly isn't that. We made this movie on Pine Ridge to help address the cultural apartheid of the film business where only culturally specific stories on reservations are told. Films like Edge of American and Imprint started to movie further from that but wanted to invest our budget in this film on Pine Ridge and not Scotland where it was originally set. It has been a huge hit on Pine Ridge for this reason as they want stories in their culture that break beyond their daily lives. Though people on Pine Ridge and the surrounding communities clearly see reservation life in the film.

The leads are all well established and have their followings, Tamara, Trent, Russell Means of course as well as Tokala Clifford and Moses. Sounds like it just was not your kind of film. But then if all films set in Indian Country appeal to everyone interested in Indian country then there is a problem with the diversity of stories being set there.

When the film screened at the Santa Fe film festival Russell Means was there to see the film for the first time and spoke with great pride at seeing a contemporary film on screen where American Indians are just people and there's not alcoholics or an old guy with all the answers. To him it was a great breakthrough and great for people within Indian country. If you're expecting all films in Indian country to present "Native American's" in a specific cultural light then for me that is underestimating the potential of the peoples of the Indigenous Nations of North America. To lots of people on reservations to see a film that is "just a crime story" but starring people from their communities is actually a great breakthrough for them. It sets them an opportunity to be purely entertained. I certainly would never do a "Native" story that depicted the usual cultural fetishism that many westerners have towards Indian Country. Films like Bury my Heart and Wounded Knee where the director had no understanding of the people as it was devoid of female Lakota characters which is ridiculous and had no laughter, which something heard throughout Lakota country despite the hardships.

It is important that first we view and understand things from the American Indian perspective before the Native American perspective and many of you will understand what I mean by that.  And also first consider what would people in those communities like to be entertained by rather than would the rest of the world thinks is right. I'm sure Chris Eyre would complain about the problems he has with the industry wanting to limit his depiction of American Indians to an easily packaged manner for industrial consumption.

Rez Bomb has a very strong use of color and if someone watches it say on an HD TV that is configured for sports or entertainment and not on the movie setting that pulls down the brightness then the colors can be overpowering but that is because it is not being viewed in the correct settings. When viewed properly the visuals get rave reviews. A multiple oscar nominated director I know who is one of the most highly regarded in the world thought it looked fabulous.

Did you not watch the trailer first? It gives you a clear idea of the colors, cast and story. You support is greatly appreciated and hope you at least found the wealth of extra features informative about the area.

[Steven Lewis Simpson]

Here's another comment from the facebook fan page (join us there also)

Jean-Philippe Gervais Écrivez quelque chose...
I saw this wonderful movie last year at the Montreal WFF. Very inventive camera work and use of saturated colours, captivating story extremely well acted, and most of all an unforgettable foray into the Pine Ridge reservation. I visited South Dakota and Pine Ridge a week after seeing the movie, and it really made it come to life, although despite the stunning landscape and the emotion haunting a site like Wounded Knee, one can't help feeling somewhat like an "outsider", briefly crossing into a world similar yet different in many ways from our modern, urbanized lifestyle. Also had the chance to meet the director at the festival, and had a great conversation with him. It's always so interesting to meet someone so obviously involved in their art and captivated by their subject-matter. All in all, I thought the movie provided a brief but intense glimpse into the difficult lives of the Sioux people of Pine Ridge, along with a glimmer of hope for their future.

[Steven Lewis Simpson]

Just had this sent through on Myspace.

An open and honest opinion.

Pre ordered REZ BOMB from The Wea Tribe, recieved and watched it earlier this week. Prompt safe service and fast delivery. REZ BOMB was interesting and well worth the cost. I rate the New 2009 Native American REZ BOMB movie Good. My highest interest was in the ~*Fabulous*~ outstanding long interview with Russell Means included. Russell Means interview I rate as Excellent. I give the movie a 3 star and an overall 5 STAR with the 3.5 hours of special features included.

I am willing to help promote REZ BOMB to gain sales.

[Steven Lewis Simpson]

Here's a new review on Myspace

Hi Steven, I thought I sent this but it's sitting in my draft box so sorry if this is a duplicate.  I finally finished watching Rez Bomb the other night.  I wanted to let you know that I enjoyed it... I also have a thing for movies in which the story is told with the timeline chopped up, so that was an added plus.  I appreciated the love story and the details that the movie portrayed in regards to life on the reservation.  It was an eye-opener for someone like myself whose pretty ignorant when it comes to these things.  Two of my favorite scenes were when Scott finally finds Harmony again on the logs in the train cart and I loved it when Harmony beat the crap out of the abusive 'ex' of another girl at the shelter.  Behind all the violence and corruption that is shown in the trailer lies a beautiful story reflecting the depth and potency of love.
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