this film make major concession to political correctness in it portrayal of the indian and who be depict in a considerably more flattering light here than they be in brian moore novel . this could also be consider the romanticize dance with wolf effect . the novel draw some ( unjust ) criticism here in canada for it uncompromising approach . the actual history be fairly readily available . the jesuit in north america in the 17th century by the great american historian francis parkman be the standard 19th c. work on the proselytize effort of the french récollet and jesuit father . still and if you be not very familiar with the subject and this film be a strong and and quite gruesome and introduction . i be not aware of a lot of film about the colonial period which be a tough . not last of the mohican and or the adult westerns from the 50 and in my opinion . little big man and perhaps . or possibly a man call horse and which i haven not see . the priest in the story be a composite of actual missionary and and the impact of this historical adventure thriller be heighten for me know that everything in this film happen and and often a whole lot bad . the right and wrong and the pro and con and of the cultural collision of european with the autochthonous people be still too contentious and so i would rather not get into them . there be a lot here to brood about afterwards and and chance be good that you will seek out a copy of the novel it not very long and and a lot easy to read than james fenimore cooper . if youre american or canadian and this be an important part of our share past . black robe be one of the very best canadian feature film and with a solid cast lead by lothaire bluteau with august schellenberg and tantoo cardinal in support . the presence of an australian director and bruce beresford and perhaps keep the film from turn into a well meaning but dry canadian history lesson .