ย Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (2007) is a powerful historical drama produced by HBO Films, directed by Yves Simoneau and based on Dee Brownโs 1970 bestselling book of the same name. The film explores the brutal consequences of American expansionism on Native American tribes during the late 19th century, specifically focusing on the Lakota Sioux. Through interwoven narratives, it delivers a poignant account of cultural erasure, resistance, and the struggle for identity.
The film begins in the aftermath of the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876 and ends with the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890. It follows three central figures whose lives reflect different responses to the growing pressures on Native American communities. Charles Eastman (played by Adam Beach), a young Sioux who has been educated in white schools, becomes a doctor and is caught between two worldsโhis native heritage and his new American identity. His internal conflict illustrates the psychological toll of forced assimilation.
Sitting Bull (portrayed by August Schellenberg) represents unyielding resistance. As a spiritual and political leader of the Sioux, he refuses to compromise with the U.S. government, refusing to sign treaties or move to reservations. His dignity and defiance make him both a hero and a target, eventually leading to his death at the hands of U.S. forces. In contrast, Senator Henry Dawes (played by Aidan Quinn) is a well-meaning reformer who believes that Native Americans must assimilate in order to survive. He authors the Dawes Act, which breaks up tribal lands in favor of individual ownershipโa policy that ends up devastating Native communities and weakening their cultural foundations.
Themes of cultural genocide, identity crisis, and the hypocrisy of government policies run deeply through the film. While some characters, like Dawes, believe they are helping, the outcome is a systematic dismantling of Native American life. Eastmanโs story, in particular, reveals the emotional and cultural confusion of those caught between worlds, struggling to define themselves in a society that seeks to erase their origins.
The film boasts strong performances from its cast, especially August Schellenberg, who brings gravity and compassion to Sitting Bull. Adam Beach gives a nuanced portrayal of Charles Eastman, capturing the painful ambiguity of cultural duality. Anna Paquin also delivers a notable performance as Elaine Goodale, Eastmanโs wife, and an advocate for Native education.
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee received critical acclaim and numerous accolades. It was nominated for 17 Primetime Emmy Awards and won six, including Outstanding Made for Television Movie and Outstanding Cinematography. It also earned three Golden Globe nominations and won the 2007 Criticsโ Choice Television Award for Best Picture Made for Television.
The film is visually stunning, with sweeping shots of the plains and realistic depictions of Native American life. The cinematography and period detail lend authenticity and emotional depth to the story. The score, composed by George S. Clinton, further enhances the atmosphere with a haunting, respectful tone that complements the historical narrative.
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee is available for streaming on Max (formerly HBO Max). It remains an essential film for those interested in American history, indigenous struggles, and the tragic legacy of U.S. expansion. While not a comprehensive history, it offers a dramatic and emotionally resonant entry point into one of the most painful chapters in American history.