Mankiller

Mankiller is a captivating 2017 documentary film that sheds light on one of the most lesser-known legends of American history. Directed by Valerie Red-Horse Mohl andExecutive Produced by Gale Anne Hurd, this film is a celebration of Wilma Mankiller, a woman whose leadership as the Cherokee Nation's first female Principal Chief challenged norms and transformed her nation.

The film stars Chris Carlsson, Mark Warren Downing, and Melissa Gower, who inhabit their roles with a profound sense of respect and depth. The cast effortlessly takes the viewers through the potent narrative that depicts the life, accomplishments, and history of Wilma Pearl Mankiller.

Mankiller foregrounds Wilma Mankiller, who served as the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. A fervent community leader, feminist, and an activist who was instrumental in reinvigorating her community and enforcing their rights to education, healthcare, and cultural preservation. Amid the growing civil rights movements of the 60s and 70s, Mankiller overcame enumerable personal and societal obstacles and chose to fight for her people.

Mark Warren Downing's compelling narration complements Chris Carlsson's well-documented research, revealing the profound impact Mankiller had on the Cherokee Nation. Melissa Gower adds a splendid performance, strengthening the emotional depth and resilience within the storyline. It’s spectacular to see how Mankiller’s story comes alive through this dynamic trio and their heartfelt performances.

The film, which utilizes a mixed bag of storytelling methods, blending talking head interviews with archival footage and photographs, provides a riveting insight in encapsulating the essence of its titular figure. There's an engrossing focus on how Mankiller chose work over polemics, how she believed that the best way to improve conditions was not solely through activism but through tireless efforts and demonstrable results. The film gets right at the heart of why Mankiller was such an adored and revered leader, emphasizing largely on the gains she achieved for the Cherokee nation.

Despite the many difficulties that she faced, Mankiller remained an invincible spirit. The film provides a comprehensive look at her life beginning with her childhood experiences of extreme poverty and the cultural shock when federal policies forced her family to relocate from Oklahoma to San Francisco.

Mankiller is far more than a biography; it is a rich tapestry of United States history. The film provides an intense insight into the infamous 'Trail of Tears,' the harsh policy that resulted in the forced removal of the Cherokee and other tribes from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to territories in the west, causing immense suffering and death.

Importantly, the film does justice to the labyrinthine history and experiences of native people. The struggles of Native Americans, their resilience, and their undying sense of community are eloquently highlighted in Mankiller. The film serves as a reminder of the systemic oppression and discrimination faced by Native communities and how many brave figures like Mankiller rose against the challenges to reclaim their rights and dignity.

There's an exploration of Mankiller's involvement in the various social movements in San Francisco, her triumphant return to Oklahoma, and eventual rise in politics. This tale of survival and resilience is nothing short of inspirational and serves to carve a deep respect for Mankiller and her fight for justice.

Mankiller is a powerful documentary, a gem within the realm of documentary filmmaking. It’s more than just a historical record or a biographical sketch of a leading figure. It’s an essential piece of the much bigger jigsaw that tells the story of disenfranchised people and their fight against the odds. It goes beyond history to become an exposition on leadership, community, progress, and resilience.

In the end, the documentary stands as a tribute to a woman whose leadership rebuilt the Cherokee Nation while also shattering stereotypes. The impactful performances by Chris Carlsson, Mark Warren Downing, and Melissa Gower bring justice to an extraordinary story of an ordinary woman who fought for the rights, culture, and identity of her people. Mankiller is not just a film about a leader; it is a celebration of native spirit, resilience and the power of community activism in overcoming adversity.