Squanto: A Warrior's Tale

Little known American history brought to life. Interesting to see the emotion that must have been experienced by an Indian who came to the aid of foreigners after being mistreated by others of their country. Great testament to the change brought about by faith in God.

If you are looking for a historically precise biography of Squanto's life, this movie is not the place.If you would like to show kids 8 years and up how life was for the early New England settlers and Native Americans and teach them a valuable lesson of acceptance, this is a five star movie.I've used this movie for several years with my fourth grade class. After the movie, I have them highlight differences between the movie and this short biography (updated with research published in the Nov/Dec issue of Native Peoples magazine by Richard Williams): One day in 1605, a young Patuxet boy named Tisquantum (later known as Squanto) and his dog were hunting when they saw a large ship off the coast of Plymouth, Massachusetts. The people on the ship came to trade with the Native Americans (Indians). After trading, the ship's captain George Weymouth invited Squanto, his friend Samoset, and three others to board their ship. Once aboard the ship, the five boys were chained and taken to England so investors in the shipping company could see Indians. In England, Squanto was forced to live with Sir Ferdinand Gorges, who owned the Plymouth Company. Sir Gorges taught him English so Squanto could teach ship captains his Native American language. In 1614, Squanto was brought back to America to guide, interpret, and help map the New England coast. Back in America for a short while, Squanto was soon kidnapped a second time, along with 27 other Indians. They were taken to Malaga, Spain and were sold as slaves for about $25 apiece. Local priests learned about their fate, freed them from the slave traders, and baptized them in Christianity. Squanto found his way back to England, and he returned to America in 1618. Squanto's return home did not last long. He was recognized by one of Gorges' captains, captured a third time, and sent back to England as Gorges' slave. Gorges promised to free Squanto if he would go back to America with Thomas Dermer and finish mapping the New England coast. In 1619 Squanto returned to his village and found it deserted. He learned that his entire tribe had died from diseases (such as smallpox) brought over by European settlers. Since Squanto was alone after gaining his freedom, he moved in with the neighboring Wampanoag tribe. This tribe was ruled by Chief Massasoit. In 1920 the Pilgrims made their famous voyage and landed at Plymouth Rock. They settled at the deserted Patuxet village. Squanto made friends with the Pilgrims and taught them how to survive in this new land. On March 22, 1621 Chief Massasoit sent Squanto to the Pilgrims and they signed a peace treaty between the Wampanoags and the Pilgrims. Squanto became popular. He tried to overcome Massasoit and become the leader of the Wampanoags. Squanto lost and became less popular. A year and a half later, Squanto died of smallpox while on a trading expedition. His death ended the Patuxet lineage.This movie can be used as an excellent teaching tool, and is therefore strongly recommended.

I suppose that men of a certain age would remember were they were the first time they saw ‘Squanto.’ Growing up in Massachusetts, I have fond memories of hanging out with the wrong crowd – we’d latched on to Squanto and debate what he’d do whenever the heat was on. Plus, there was the near-constant debate: do we plant beans now? Or squash? I was usually on Team Squash.My father felt the same way – a total Squanto fanatic, thinking about Squanto was like mother’s milk to our crowd. And so when the Disney film came to theaters, my dad drove us down to the Cineplex. You could smoke in theaters in those days, and my dad had already checked out an earlier matinee. He lit up his pipe and settled back into that faux-red leather seat. “Son,” he said, taking a long draw on his cherry tobacco, “you’ve never seen Squanto like this.” A magnificent performance by Adam Beach.And he was right – To my kids’ eyes, I was won over by the Disney magic. How Walt obtained ORIGINAL FOOTAGE of Squanto and strung it into a compelling narrative, I’ll never know, but it was stunning.Great lessons here, about the inhumanity of people against each other; redemption; love... I don't know how many dates I've had that ended early as I went on and on about Squanto. Will I die alone?Sweeter than a barleypop on a summer’s day, this movie is for all those kids hanging out down by ‘The Rock’ – here’s to ‘Squanto’! (Stars Michael Gambon)

5th Graders really enjoyed this. This film streamlines the Squanto story and certainly does take liberties with the facts. (It's important to explain the "real story" to kids!). I stop the movie numerous times to explain things, and always pause the movie after the other Native American attacks the "nicer" Englishmen and explain how many people even today do this - assume that because someone does something bad to you, everyone that looks like them is bad also. The message of forgiveness at the end is a powerful one. The bad guy in the film is a little hokey & has a mysterious moving mole - it seriously is in at least 3 different locations on his face depending on the scene. Adults may find the film somewhat childish, and the violence is pretty intense (not gory) in parts for young kids. It has some genuinely moving moments.

A good movie to watch every thanksgiving!

Disney had a gift for the production of movies with some historic fact combined with "Hollywood" drama. Too much historic fact can loose the attention of a young viewer and bore the adult watching also. In addition, Disney had a penchant for the discovery of an actor in youth and launched an acting career into adult life. Adam Beach is the primary star actor in Squanto, but also he one of the main actors as a Navajo Code Talker in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Pacific titled "Windtalkers." Iron Eyes Cody has a successor Adam Beach! Squanto is a true story in part of one man's undefeated thirst for freedom. Here is a series of non-stop episodes in which a Native American defied overwhelming odds of abduction from his homeland, enslaved, and overcame hazards for a desperate journey home. Disney does not hesitate to balance the 17th Century existence with religious contributions to learning by Christian Spanish Monks. He rises to be a great Leader after escape from his captors, enduring the wilderness to bring peace between colonists and Native Americans. A definite addition to a DVD collection for another movie about the holiday, Thanksgiving and survival. The Disney Style is a success again to bring about enlightened historic interest with 5 Gold Stars accomplishment in family viewing.

Ok, it's a hokey Hollywood movie. But it's a great adventure, a really well told story, and a little glimpse into first contact. Gotta love Adam Beach!!!!! I have used this film a lot in ESL classes at Thanksgiving.

Warum wird dieser Film nicht in deutscher Sprache veröffentlicht ? Die deutsche Version existiert da sie vor langer Zeit im TV lief.

J'ai réussi à voir ce DVD qui provient des états-unis avec mon lecteur DVD de France , alors que parfois la lecture est impossible.Concernant l'histoire du film de squanto (de son vrai nom Tisquantum) , il y a surement quelques passages changés ou inventé car j'ai lu une autre version.Pour les fans de Adam Beach et Eric Schweig , c'est un très beau film !

Product DescriptionGet ready for nonstop action in this rousing tale of a Native American who defies incredible odds in his struggle for freedom! Squanto, a young warrior abducted from his homeland and enslaved, must battle impossible hazards on a desperate journey home. Driven by a passion to be free, he risks everything to escape his captors, braving the wilderness and triumphing, finally, as a great leader. A vivid true story of one man's unquenchable thirst for independence, SQUANTO: A WARRIOR'S TALE thrills with high-powered action and inspires with legendary courage!These are the history facts:One day in 1605, a young Patuxet boy named Tisquantum (later known as Squanto) and his dog were hunting when they saw a large ship off the coast of Plymouth, Massachusetts. The people on the ship came to trade with the Native Americans (Indians). After trading, the ship's captain George Weymouth invited Squanto, his friend Samoset, and three others to board their ship.Once aboard the ship, the five boys were chained and taken to England so investors in the shipping company could see Indians. In England, Squanto was forced to live with Sir Ferdinand Gorges, who owned the Plymouth Company. Sir Gorges taught him English so Squanto could teach ship captains his Native American language. In 1614, Squanto was brought back to America to guide, interpret, and help map the New England coast.Back in America for a short while, Squanto was soon kidnapped a second time, along with 27 other Indians. They were taken to Malaga, Spain and were sold as slaves for about $25 apiece. Local priests learned about their fate, freed them from the slave traders, and baptized them in Christianity. Squanto found his way back to England, and he returned to America in 1618.Squanto's return home did not last long. He was recognized by one of Gorges' captains, captured a third time, and sent back to England as Gorges' slave.Gorges promised to free Squanto if he would go back to America with Thomas Dermer and finish mapping the New England coast. In 1619 Squanto returned to his village and found it deserted. He learned that his entire tribe had died from diseases (such as smallpox) brought over by European settlers.Since Squanto was alone after gaining his freedom, he moved in with the neighboring Wampanoag tribe. This tribe was ruled by Chief Massasoit. In 1920 the Pilgrims made their famous voyage and landed at Plymouth Rock. They settled at the deserted Patuxet village. Squanto made friends with the Pilgrims and taught them how to survive in this new land.On March 22, 1621 Chief Massasoit sent Squanto to the Pilgrims and they signed a peace treaty between the Wampanoags and the Pilgrims. Squanto became popular. He tried to overcome Massasoit and become the leader of the Wampanoags. Squanto lost and became less popular. A year and a half later, Squanto died of smallpox while on a trading expedition. His death ended the Patuxet lineage.A must see movie!

Liked it lots.