The Return of a Man Called Horse

The Return of a Man Called Horse is a 1976 western film, a groundbreaking sequel to the 1970 film A Man Called Horse. Directed by Irvin Kershner, the narrative portrays the return of the decisive figure, John Morgan, to the tribal community that had once adopted him. The film stars Richard Harris as John Morgan/Man called Horse, Gale Sondergaard as Elk Woman, and Geoffrey Lewis as Zenas Morro. Their exceptional performances animating the narrative give it that extra edge, making it a must-watch for all lovers of the classic Westerns.

The movie kicks off with Richard Harris as Englishman John Morgan, who, after a series of tumultuous events in the first film, had become a respected member of the Sioux tribe and chosen the name "Horse". As the movie begins, we are transported to 1825, when he decides to revisit the English society. However, his encounter with the trappings of his aristocratic past fails to detract him from the life he seeks back in the Sioux tribe. Distressed by the familiar yet estranging upper-class life, Morgan determinedly heads back to the American West, intending to reconnect and live among his friends and family of the tribe.

The Return of a Man Called Horse, however, is anything but a simplistic journey towards finding home. Soon, it becomes evident that Morgan’s simplistic pursuit of peace is hindered by the challenges faced by the Lakota Sioux tribe. His homecoming is met with a devastating revelation – the destruction of the tribe that he had regarded as family. A French trapper’s ruthless greed for territory and wealth reduced the once-prosperous tribe to a desperate state. Subsequently, Morgan's transformative journey swerves onto a new path. No longer is the task just about reconnecting with the tribe; now, it is about liberating it.

Directly tackling the brutal effects of frontier colonization, the film shows a robust endeavor to restore the tribe’s freedom and honor they once enjoyed. The tribal community, vibrant and culturally rich replete with sacred rituals and traditions, rallies behind Morgan, who emerges as an infallible source of hope. As the plot unfolds, it becomes delightedly fascinating to observe how Morgan steps up to lead the fight for returning his adopted tribe's shared land and dignity.

Parallel with the struggle against external forces, the film also weaves an intricate internal layer of personal transformation. As much as this film is about Morgan’s efforts to reclaim the tribe’s glory, it is equally about the transformation of Morgan as a man and a leader. He evolves from an outsider to not merely a member of the tribe, but its savior. It is heartening to see how Morgan's commitment to the tribe never wavers in the face of adversity.

Just like the first film, beautiful cinematography accentuates the visceral, immersive narrative. The panoramic landscapes, the unforgivingly bleak yet mesmerizingly beautiful terrains of the American wild west, augment the visual storytelling. Coupled with the raw pictorial language of the film, the narrative strikes a poignant note highlighting the tribe's dreadful circumstances.

Moreover, Kershner uses this opportunity to explore the richness of indigenous folklore, their societal values and courage, offering an authentic depiction of the period. The film incorporates tribal traditions such as the Sun Dance to delve into cultural meanings and their relevance to the tribe's struggle for survival and belonging.

In conclusion, The Return of a Man Called Horse is a rewarding sequel that ties in powerfully with its preceding story, presenting an unabridged exploration of heroism, loyalty, and the human spirit. Presented through excellent performances, authentic settings, and effective storytelling, it is a film that allows viewers to both enjoy a moving narrative and gain insight into a critical historical era. All these elements combined make The Return of a Man Called Horse an enduring film of the Western genre. One simple man’s tale gradually unfolds into an awe-inspiring testament to the spirit of freedom and resilience, making it a classic tale that still holds up to any great western movie.