Incident at Oglala: The Leonard Peltier Story

Incident at Oglala: The Leonard Peltier Story is a compelling 1992 American documentary detailing the arrest and controversial conviction of Leonard Peltier, a Native American activist sentenced for the murder of two FBI agents during an altercation on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The film is co-produced and narrated by esteemed actor Robert Redford who brings his rich vocal dexterity and masteful storytelling technique to the film.

Directed by Michael Apted, a filmmaker celebrated for his ability to flesh out grave and urgent themes, Incident at Oglala presents audiences with a nuanced investigation into one of the most debated legal cases in the annals of American criminal justice. Apted uses authentic footage, detailed testimonials, in-depth interviews, and powerful narrative storytelling to expose a system rife with flaws.

The story is set in June 1975 on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in the state of South Dakota—an arid and remote stronghold of indigenous culture. It features Leonard Peltier, a high-ranking member of the American Indian Movement (AIM), an organization fighting for the rights and dignity of Native Americans during a time of rampant racial discrimination. The murder of two FBI agents on the reservation that fateful summer day starts a string of events that leads to Leonard Peltier’s hotly-disputed arrest and consequent life sentences.

The movie starts with the investigatory and legal processes that followed the murder, leading up to the manhunt, arrest and extradition of Peltier from Canada where he had hidden after the incident. Norman Zigrossi and Robert Sikma, two key figures involved in the investigation and prosecution of Peltier, provide critical viewpoints and inside information, lending depth to the storytelling.

Apted's direction ensures the film is balanced, presenting viewpoints from both the prosecution and the defence. This renders the narrative impartial, providing the viewers a deeply balanced and comprehensive understanding.

The film meticulously examines the alleged misconduct, biases, and questionable legal practices employed by the law enforcement agencies handling Peltier's case. It paints a thorough picture of the purported evidence tampering and invasion of civil rights which puts the American criminal justice system under close scrutiny. The documentary brings up serious questions about the possibility of wrongful conviction, the abuse of legal authority, and the systematic oppression of minority communities.

The documentary isn't merely a grim look at a disputable legal case; it sheds light on the wider socio-political climate of the time. It delves into the tense relationship between the American government and the Native American communities, the racial unrest bubbling over, and the mass injustices meted out to indigenous communities.

Throughout the film, Robert Redford's narration provides a calm and measured counterpoint to the visible emotions of the interviewed subjects. His expert storytelling and balanced perspective guide the audience through this convoluted case, ensuring that the discourse never falls prey to sensationalist tactics.

Incident at Oglala doesn’t shy away from framing the magnitude of its accusations against the justice system, but it doesn’t press its accusations bluntly. Instead, shrouded in objective storytelling, it lets the viewers form their own opinions about the case, the socio-political climate, and the justice system in place.

Riveting, balanced, and thought-provoking, this documentary doesn’t seek to answer all the questions. Instead, it gives the audience the required tools—in the form of facts, testimonials, and contextual information—to question and challenge established narratives.

With the strength of Robert Redford's powerful narration and Apted’s impeccable direction, Incident at Oglala: The Leonard Peltier Story is much more than a documentary. It's a call to question, an exploration of societal prejudice and a haunting reminder of the grave injustices that can arise from an unexamined and unchallenged legal process.