Watch The Exiles

The Exiles is a 1961 independent film directed by Kent Mackenzie. The movie portrays the lives of Native Americans living in Los Angeles during the late 1950s. The film is a realistic depiction of a community that is virtually invisible to its neighbors and society as a whole. The movie follows a group of young Native Americans as they wander the streets of Los Angeles over the course of a single night. Through their conversations and interactions, we see a vivid portrayal of both the struggles and victories of life as an urban Native American in the 1950s.

The Exiles is a powerful and moving portrait of a people who have been marginalized by society. From the opening scene, where we see the group of young people preparing for their night out, we are drawn into their world. We see them struggling with issues of identity, culture, and poverty, all while trying to find a place for themselves in a society that doesn't seem to want them.

The film's black and white cinematography is stunning, with beautifully composed shots of the city at night, as well as intimate moments between the characters. The soundtrack, composed by Celeste Belinda Ramos, is a mix of jazz and traditional Native American music, further enhancing the film's unique mood and tone.

The lead actors, all nonprofessional actors, give incredibly honest and raw performances. Yvonne Williams, who plays Yvonne, is particularly captivating as a young woman grappling with her own sense of identity and belonging. Homer Nish, who plays Homer, is equally compelling as a young man who is struggling with alcoholism and the expectations of his family.

In addition, the film skillfully tackles issues of gender, relationships, and generational differences within the Native American community. We see how Yvonne and her female friends are often relegated to the role of wife and mother, while Homer and the other men struggle to reconcile their traditional roles as providers with the reality of their lives in a city that doesn't value their labor.

The Exiles is a landmark film that explores issues of identity, culture, and community with rare honesty and depth. It is a film that asks difficult questions about what it means to belong and to be valued in a society that has historically excluded certain groups. While the film focuses specifically on the Native American experience, its themes are universal and relevant to anyone who has ever felt marginalized by society.

Overall, The Exiles is a powerful and deeply moving film that deserves a wider audience. Its depiction of the Native American community in Los Angeles is both realistic and poignant, and its themes of identity, culture, and community are timeless. This film is a must-see for anyone interested in social justice, racial inequality, and the human experience.

The Exiles is a 1961 drama. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.