This is a really dreadful film based on a fascinating, not well known historical incident. The story is both interesting and relevant to our time - dealing as it does with religion gone amok - but the film is a bloated objectionable mess. The script is crammed with way too many little subplots that have no bearing on the story (including, inexplicably, a horse whisperer). Jon Voight is mesmerizing and the best thing about this film, but everyone else should go back to drama class. The film's tone is hysterical and melodramatic where a touch of subtlety would be more effective. Finally, how are we expected to take this thing seriously when the settlers who have trudged across hundreds of miles of dusty trails in their wagon train all have clean clothes, shiny hair and perfectly applied eye makeup? In all, this film made me wish for a good documentary to tell this important story.
Review of September Dawn
