The Last Yahi

I mostly use this film in teaching introductory anthropology because it does several things well. First, it provides comprehensive coverage of a story about an individual who lived through some of the horrible things that happened to California natives. That works well at putting a human face on historic events. In addition, it does a good job of weaving in the story of the early days of anthropology in this country through Ishi's relationship with Alfred Kroeber. Along the way, implicit questions are raised about the sorts of ethical dilemmas faced by Kroeber. Finally, the historic photographs and recordings are well utilized. Visually, the film is well made and elicits sympathy for Ishi while also documenting his resilience and strength of character. That makes him a real three-dimensional being, as opposed to a mere stereotypical victim. One comes away with a real appreciation for who he was, in all his complexity.

I knew the history of Ishiguro, but not as thoroughly as I do nw, having watched this DVD twice. I appreciated hearing the story from outside the Kroeber family perspective. The vintage shots were fascinating--excellent research.

Good, but sad as well.

I stumbled across a movie with John Voight depicting this man, his discovery and subsequent "education". I got this documentary because I became so interested…and this is an excellent portrait of Ishi. The Voight movie followed the story except for some Hollywood drama here and there as always. If Indians and history interests you this is an excellent documentary on a discovery that has been lost somehow.

Was hoping for more authenticity in narration. It seems that the tone of Ishi's voice conveys more truth. The sound track leaves room for improvement in narration.

I first learned about Ishi when I went to a museum exhibit in San Francisco at age 10. My mother saw that I was fascinated (and saddened) by his story and bought me the book "Ishi, Last of his Tribe", which I cherish. I have watched and read all I can find about this poor man who only wanted to live in peace and watched as members of his tribe were murdered. How sad that he would die from a white man's disease, TB. How sad that he was, indeed, the last member of his tribe.

One of the most haunting stories in American Indian-white history. The true story of the man known as the "Last 'wild' Indian in North America." Ishi changed the way anthropologist looked at American Indians/

The film covers the experiences of Anthropologist Kroeber in his relationship to Ishi. It is a very moving film, and an excellent documentary. It covers not only the history of Ishi but also what happened to his people, who were driven into almost total extinction. I highly recommend for an Anthropology class.