Incident at Oglala - Movie Review Example

Peltier remains in federal prison to this day, after several failed appeal attempts. While watching “Incident at Oglala,” it is difficult to agree with the government that Leonard Peltier is guilty of murder. Michael Apted, the director, and Robert Redford, the producer of the film, show the audience a corrupt series of events that took place on behalf of the government in order to arrest and successfully imprison Peltier. Not only does the film describe the events directly, but it also provides the audience with a sense of where the Indians were at mentally when the incident took place.

Poverty and unemployment levels were high on the reservations during the 1970s, and alcohol abuse was widespread. The 71-day siege at Wounded Knee had only taken place two years prior and still had the Native Americans on edge—anxious and nervous about everything. Therefore, two unknown men coming into their territory was bound to end in tragedy. The Indians repeated the same sentiments; they were worried about the women, children, and elderly on the reservation. The men did not know what the two FBI agents wanted.

Thus, gunfire sparked anxiety, leading to the shootout that left three individuals without their lives and changed the lives of many for good.