Cast
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Sinbad
as Isaiah Turner
James Coburn
as Cyrus Bloomington
Burt Reynolds
as Otter Bob the Mountain Man
A Martinez
as Juan Cortina
Gregory Hines
as The Undertaker / Jedediah Turner
Ernie Hudson
as Nat Love aka Deadwood Dick
Mark Pellegrino
as Frank Bonner
Vanessa Bell Calloway
as Abby Holsopple
Hal Williams
as Rev. Peel
Obba Babatundé
as Isom Dart
Reginald T. Dorsey
as Cowboy Graham, Love Gang
Dawnn Lewis
as Stagecoach Mary, Love GAng
Lorraine Toussaint
as Mama Turner
Paris Barclay
as #1 Bad Cowboy
W. Earl Brown
as Calloway
Crew
Director
- Paris Barclay
Writer
- Denise DeClue
- Tim Kazurinsky
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Western/Action/Comedy/Family/TV Movie film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Cherokee Kid distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Paris Barclay brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1996, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Cherokee Kid took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 91 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 123 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 235 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 41 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1996, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Cherokee Kid shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Kill Bill: Vol. 1, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Cherokee Kid subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Unforgiven and Gladiator explore similar territory, The Cherokee Kid stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 14, 1996
- Runtime: 1h 31m
