Three Warriors
| Three Warriors | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Kieth Merrill |
| Written by | Sy Gomberg |
| Produced by | Sy Gomberg Saul Zaentz |
| Starring | Charles White-Eagle McKee Redwing Lois Red Elk Randy Quaid Christopher Lloyd Trey Wilson |
| Cinematography | Bruce Surtees |
| Edited by | Bonnie Koehler |
| Music by | Merrill B. Jenson |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | United Artists |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 100 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Three Warriors is a 1977 American drama film directed by Kieth Merrill, written by Sy Gomberg, and starring Charles White-Eagle, McKee Redwing, Lois Red Elk, Randy Quaid, Christopher Lloyd and Trey Wilson. It premiered at the Chicago International Film Festival in October 1977 and was released in February 1978 by United Artists.[1][2]
Plot
Thirteen-year-old Michael, a Native American boy, feels alienated between two worlds—his traditional heritage and the modern society pressing in around his reservation life. At odds with his father and misunderstood at school, Michael struggles with his identity and longs for a deeper connection to the wisdom and spiritual traditions of his people.
He finds that connection in his grandfather, simply known as Grandfather, a revered elder who teaches him ancestral survival skills, respect for nature, and the values of the warrior spirit. When Michael runs away into the wilderness, Grandfather guides him on a profound journey of self-discovery—physically challenging him, mentally strengthening him, and spiritually preparing him to become a “warrior” in the old sense of the word.
Parallel to Michael’s journey is a growing crisis in the nearby mountains: a group of men are illegally rounding up and killing wild horses, desecrating land that Michael’s people hold sacred. This subplot not only underscores the tension between traditional Native reverence for animals and modern exploitation but also becomes a key turning point in Michael’s transformation.
As Michael witnesses the destruction and disregard for the natural world, his spiritual awakening becomes tied not only to his personal identity but to a broader sense of duty—defending the land, the animals, and the traditions his people are struggling to preserve. With the help of Steve, a sympathetic forest ranger, the story builds toward a confrontation between cultural values and reckless greed.
By the film’s end, Michael returns from the wilderness changed—no longer a confused boy, but a young man rooted in his heritage, carrying the strength and clarity of a true warrior.
Cast
- Charles White-Eagle as Grandfather
- McKee Redwing as Michael
- Lois Red Elk as Mother
- Randy Quaid as Ranger Quentin Hammond
- Christopher Lloyd as Steve Chaffey
- Trey Wilson as Chuck
- Michael Huddleston as Pat
- Raydine Spino as Older Sister
- Stacey Leonard as Younger Sister
- Mel Lambert as Horsedealer
- Dean Brooks as Officer at Fair
- Byron Patt as Michael's Father
- Lynn Miller as Slaughterhouse Supervisor
- Nathan Jim Sr. as Mechanic
- Avex Miller Sr. as Mechanic's Father
- Harold Cedartree as Singer
References
- ^ "Three Warriors (1977) - Overview - TCM.com". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
- ^ "Three Warriors". TV Guide. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
External links