FISH HAWK

Canada, 1979, 95 minutes, Colour.
Will Sampson, Charlie Fields.
Directed by Donald Shebib.

Fish Hawk is a pleasant Canadian film for the family. It was directed by Donald Shebib (the acclaimed Goin' Down the Road, Second Wind).

The film is a star vehicle for Will Sampson (One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest) as an alcoholic Indian who is asked by a farmer to hunt a bear. He befriends the small son of the farmer and they hunt together. It offers him a possibility of some kind of rehabilitation and moving on to a new life.

The film is fairly straightforward in its theme and acting, capitalises on attractive Canadian locations. The themes are obvious - but presented with warmth.

1.Enjoyable family film? Canadian? Indians? Farmers? Nature and the wilderness?

2.Canadian locations, the small town, the forests? Editing and pace for the animals and the hunt? Musical score?

3.The title, the focus on Fish Hawk, his life, his disappointments, alcoholism, the hunt, a new chance?

4.The portrait of Fish Hawk: Will Sampson's presence and style, drinking at night, the morning after, the attitude of the townspeople, his wanting drinks? His meetings with Charlie and their friendship? The request to hunt the bear? The farmer and his wife? Friendship with Corby, Corby frightening the bear? The hogs and the other animals in the forest? The hunt of the bear, confrontation, successful killing of the bear? The price? Fish Hawk and his friendship, support of people? Decision to move on?

5.Corby, his life on the farm, interest in Fish Hawk, memories of Fish Hawk and friendship, talking, learning, the hunt? His relationship with his parents? Supportive father, severe mother? The farewell to Fish Hawk?

6.The farmer, his friendship with Fish Hawk, drinking, his severe wife, love for his son? Commission for the bear? The hunt? Farewell to Fish Hawk? The severe wife doing her duty?

7.Charlie, his place in the town, simple, jokes, friendship and talks with Fish Hawk? The sheriff and the other characters in the town?

8.The animals and the wilderness, the bears roaming the forests, threat to the farms, the hunting and killing?

9.Images of Canada, the farms, pioneers?

10.The Indian themes - Fish Hawk and his ancestry, his memories, payment, alcohol, down and out? Possibilities of rehabilitation?