Watch In The Land Of The HeadHunters

In the Land of the Head Hunters is a 1914 silent film by the American director Edward S. Curtis, which tells the story of the Kwakwaka'wakw people, an indigenous community of British Columbia, Canada. The film has a magical and mystical charm, transporting its viewers back in time to a world that is completely different from our own. Through its portrayal of native traditions, rituals, myths, and legends, it brings to life the lives of the people, their struggles against nature and their battles against other tribes.

The plot of the film centers around the love story of the chieftain's son, Motana, played by Stanley Hunt, and the fair young maiden, Naida, played by Sarah Constance Smith Hunt. At the beginning of the film, Motana sets out on a dangerous journey to retrieve the Tooth of the Sea Wolf, which is necessary for him to be able to marry Naida. The journey is fraught with peril, as he has to overcome treacherous rapids, a giant octopus, and encounters with rival tribes.

In the meantime, the village is threatened by an attack from the rival Skedans tribe, who are known as the "headhunters" because of their practice of collecting the heads of their enemies. The chieftain's wife, played by Mrs. George Walkus, summons the legendary spirit of Komogwa, who comes to the aid of the village with his dance of thunder and lightning, driving the attackers away.

The film blends documentary footage with staged dramatic scenes, using non-professional actors from the tribe to portray the characters. The authentic costumes, masks, and props used in the film were obtained from the Kwakwaka'wakw people themselves, providing a true representation of their cultural heritage.

One of the most notable aspects of the film is the music, which is based on traditional Kwakwaka'wakw songs and dances. The composer, John J. Braham, created a score that incorporated these traditional elements, giving the film an authentic and immersive sound.

In the Land of the Head Hunters was a groundbreaking film for its time, both in terms of its ethnographic content and its cinematic techniques. It was one of the first films to portray indigenous people in a positive light, dispelling the negative stereotypes that were commonly held at the time. It also utilized innovative techniques such as crosscutting and dissolves, which were not commonly used in film making at the time.

Despite the film's critical success and cultural significance, it was not initially well-received by audiences. It was considered too slow-paced and confusing, and it did not have a clear narrative structure that was familiar to audiences at the time. However, over time it has gained recognition as a masterpiece of the silent-era, and it remains an important document of cultural history.

In summary, In the Land of the Head Hunters is a fascinating and artistic portrayal of the Kwakwaka'wakw people, their traditions, and their way of life. It is a testament to the enduring power of cinema to transport us to other worlds and to broaden our understanding of the human experience.

In The Land Of The HeadHunters is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 6 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.