A Man Called Horse is a 1970 film directed by Elliot Silverstein and starring Richard Harris as the titular character. The film is based on a story by Dorothy M. Johnson and follows the journey of a British aristocrat named John Morgan who is captured by a Native American tribe and becomes part of their community.
At the start of the film, John Morgan is traveling through the American West in search of adventure. He and his party are ambushed by the Lakota Sioux tribe, and John is taken captive. Despite his initial resistance and attempts to escape, he eventually comes to understand and respect the Lakota way of life. He becomes a member of the tribe and is given the name "Horse," signifying his acceptance into the community.
As Horse becomes more integrated into the tribe, he faces numerous challenges and undergoes a series of rituals and tests to prove his worth. He is subjected to physical and mental hardships, including being hung by the wrists and left to die, as well as being forced to endure the Sun Vow, a grueling rite of passage that involves piercing his skin and attaching himself to a buffalo skull.
Despite the challenges, Horse perseveres and proves his worth to the tribe. He becomes a respected member of the community and falls in love with a Native American woman named Running Deer. However, he is eventually faced with the difficult decision of whether to return to his old life or stay with the tribe.
In the end, Horse decides to return to his old life, but not before imparting his newfound wisdom and understanding of the Lakota way of life to his fellow Europeans. He leaves the tribe with a newfound appreciation for the Native American culture and a deep respect for the strength and resilience of the Lakota people.
A Man Called Horse is a powerful and moving film that explores the themes of cultural understanding and acceptance, as well as the value of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. It is a thought-provoking and poignant tale that will leave a lasting impression on viewers.