Clearcut is a Canadian movie based upon the novel A Dream Like Mine by M.T. Kelly. It is the activism movie of the 1990s, pitting Native Americans against a sawmill and clearcut logging operation.

When attorney Peter McGuire (Ron Lea) loses his case to stop construction of a road that provides access to a clearcut site, he is angry. As he speaks with tribal elder Will Redwing (Floyd "Red Crow" Westerman), he says he thinks somebody should pay for the way they are destroying the land -- somebody should have to hurt. Maybe they should be skinned alive.

Redwing takes Peter through a sweat lodge ceremony, which is worth the cost of the movie to watch. Peter has a vision of a native man, a river, a wilderness area and a kidnapped white man being hurt.

A mysterious, tradition-talking Native American activist, Arthur (Graham Greene), suddenly enters Peter's life. First, he duct tapes and gags a group of reporters in their motel room. Next, he kidnaps Bud Ricketts (Michael Hogan), the local sawmill owner. He forces Peter to be his accomplice and carries them into the wilderness.

Arthur puts Peter and Ricketts through a horrific experience. He "debarks" Ricketts leg, cuts his fingers off to make a necklace for Ricketts' wife and shoot two cops. Through it all, he is singing, chanting and speaking of tradition.

Everyone should see this movie. It should be required viewing in every environmental or ecology class because it so accurately depicts the problems with clearcutting, the social dilemma of industry-dependent region vs Native American culture, and the all-too-real threat of activism at the extreme.

The minute details are what really make this movie great. For example, in the beginning Peter is being flown to the area. The pilot tells him to hang on because the air temperature over the clearcut area is a couple of degrees warmer than the surrounding air and it causes a "bumpy ride." The writers did not try to explain convection air currents; they simply stated the cause and effect in a highly effective manner.

While all the parts are well-played, Graham Greene takes the spotlight ... and the rave reviews. Most viewers are likely accustomed to seeing him in soft-spoken cop roles. But to many of us, he is best known for roles in activism movies. (My favorite of his performances is Wounded.)

Here Greene pulls out all the stops and goes the extreme distance with his character. Geez, is Arthur multi-dimensional or what? Greene reveals bits and pieces through subtlety. He shows you the conflict between what his character is vocalizing and what his expressions and body language reveal.

In the end, the viewer really cannot say if Arthur is insane, a sane extreme activist driven to the most desperate measure, or a cunning criminal willing to do anything for his people -- or perhaps for a price. Only Greene could have taken this character to this level. He played it to perfection!

The soundtrack for this movie is magnificent. The flute and drum work touch your soul and carry through the adventure.

This movie is ideal for group viewing because it leaves you with the burning need to discuss it. So, order a copy, stock up on popcorn for the viewing and coffee for the all-night discussion, and invite a few friends or family to your home to watch it.

Clearcut is a brilliant masterpiece of hardcore activism woven into one of the best movies ever made. If you want quality entertainment, your search can end here. This is a riveting movie and you will not find better entertainment. It keeps you in suspense, then leaves you wondering. It is a must-see!