Smoke Signals (film)

Smoke Signals is an independent film directed and coproduced by Chris Eyre and with a screenplay by Sherman Alexie, based on the short story This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona from his book The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven. There are references to Alexies novel, Reservation Blues. It won several awards and accolades, and was well received at numerous film festivals.

Victor and Thomas are brought together through Victors father, Arnold Gary Farmer. Arnold rescued Thomas as an infant from a house fire that killed his parents. Because of this, Thomas considers him a hero. On the other hand, Victor, who endures Arnolds alcoholism, domestic violence, and eventual child abandonment, regards his father with both deep love and bitter resentment. Thomas and Victor grow up together as neighbors and acquaintances, fighting with each other and simultaneously forming a close, albeit uneasy, alliance.When Arnold dies in Phoenix, Arizona, where he has stayed after leaving Victor and his mother Arlene Tantoo Cardinal, Victor and Thomas go on an adventure to retrieve his ashes. It was a self proclaiming trip for Victor and Thomas. Neither of them lose sight of their identity as Indians, but their perspectives differ. Victor is more of a stoic type, and Thomas is more traditional and romantic to the point of watching the feature film Dances with Wolves countless times. This dichotomy continues all through the film and is the source of Victors irritation with Thomas, and Thomass fascination with Victor. ........

Source: Wikipedia