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Lame Deer, Montana, an impoverished tribe of Cheyenne are in the midst of an age old battle with the American government for mineral rights on the sacred lands of their ancestors. But hot-headed Buddy Red Bow is tired of the unfair treatment of his people and fights for the Cheyenne tribe. Meanwhile Philbert Bono buys an old jalopy 64 Buick (Pony) in his quest to become Whirlwind Dreamer, his warrior name.
In Santa Fe, New Mexico lives Bonnie Red Bow, the runaway sister of Buddy and now single mother of two girls. When Bonnie is framed for drug charges she calls Buddy for help. Unfortunately, like the other members of the tribe Buddy has no money to leave the reservation much less pay the bail for his long forgotten sister. One day by chance, Philbert rides up on his new pony (64 Buick) and being dim witted as he is, is convinced to drive Buddy the thousands of miles from Lame Deer to Santa Fe, NM.
It was an in and out plan, deadhead it to Santa Fe, get Bonnie out of prison and get back to Lame Deer so everyone can continue their deprived lives. But when Philbert overhears on the CB radio that Bear Butte in South Dakota is one of the most spiritually enlightening places in the world He makes a last second turn towards Rapid City and then the spiritual adventure begins.

What is interesting about Philbert and Buddy is that they are both very proud of there people but look at them in two very different ways. Buddy is concerned only with the future of his people and wish to see them get out the impoverished and underrepresented state they are in. he cares not about the past and feels that carrying on about their history is foolish and shameful. Philbert also cares about his people but believes that looking into the past and connecting with their roots by means of traditional fables and ceremony is their path to success.
Through their adventure to different spiritual sites and Pow Wows they both are reassured what it means to be Native American and lessons they can learn from there ancestors.
The movie did a great job capturing the Landscape of the plains and even if one is not interested in the plot there are a few scenes that are worth the while. When Philbert Climbs to the top of Bear Butte and looks over the vast plains it is an inspiring and glories view. The acting was amazing for the most part but had some lapses from time to time. Between Philbert and Buddy's old kooked up Vietnam friend the acting is second to none. The plot was bearable but was really just a dry excuse to be able to cover a wide array of sacred sites and festivals. In the end I enjoyed the movie and would recommend it to anyone in the class.