The tale of Ishi, the last free-ranging Indian in the US
In the early 1900's, one of the last of the free-ranging Indians is caught raiding a slaughterhouse for food. It turns out, he's the last of the Yahi tribe. Dr. Alfred Kroeber (Voight) befriends the man who they name Ishi (Graham Greene). Kroeber refuses the offers of the BIA, the last of the "Wild Indian" branch, who offers to repatriate Ishi to Oklahoma and a reservation.

The story's a strongly moving tale based on a true-life event. This is perhaps Voight and Greene's best acting to date. If you can see this and not be moved to tears, your heart is of iron.

Rebecca Kyle, August 2008

Well Written
This is an excellent addition to my movie collection. The plot kept my interest. It had a good balance of joy, disappointments and inspiration. Based on facts,it was also very informative. This is a positive betrayal of a relationship between an American Indian and those who acquired the land that was once his.

Pleased
I don't usually like Western type movies but this one is based on a true story. I found it to be very enjoyable and very interesting and I am very glad I purchased it.

Ishi
The story of Ishi, Last of his tribe. Based on true account and I was greatly pleased that the movie rendition came so close to the book. I teach native american culture, and will use this film when reviewing California Indians.

I have been to the CA State Museum and have seen Ishi's posessions and am impressed that a man who lost so much, was able to give back to the people who took it away from him

I whole heartedly reccomend this movie for watching, not only for the personal interest, but for humanitarian reasons also.

Superb!!
What a wonderful, enlightening, sad & even funny story. Just like many other things (i.e. the La Amistad story), why was this not taught to us in school?? U.S. History, Social Studies, English reading list... As a 40-something I feel cheated to just now have happened upon the 'ISHI' story. So glad I did, and am now reading the book. The actors in this film were fantastic. Graham Greene made this character real (he's awesome anyway), and Jon Voight was excellent. Their performances brought tears more than once during this film. Thank goodness for D. Ogden Stiers' great comic relief! More than great entertainment... It will change your perception, attitudes and ideas about people and our history.