Windtalkers

“In a war, there are secrets that need to be kept—and heroes that need to keep them.”

During the summer of 1991, I went on a college cross cultural trip to the Navajo Nation. From the experience, my eyes were opened to the real culture of the Native Americans and how the “Cowboys and Indians” understanding I had grown up with about them was a cruel propaganda lie. Also during this trip, I heard for the first time about the Navajo Code Talkers, a group of Navajo men assigned by the U.S. military during WWII to send radio communications using words from their own language as code. I thought then that someone ought to make a movie about them. My desire has finally been granted.

“Windtalkers” brings to life a story of one of these Navajo Code Talkers, Ben Yahzee (Beach), through the journey of Marine Sergeant Joe Enders (Cage). The sole survivor of a battle that had been lost because the Japanese had broken the last code, Enders is assigned as the bodyguard of Yahzee. This assignment, however, comes with a secret high price. The code must be protected above the code talker. Still suffering from the responsibility he shouldered in the loss of his last company, he must now deal with the possibility of having to kill the man he is to closely guard should capture become imminent, and only he and a fellow soldier (Slater) with the same charge over Yahzee’s friend (Willie) know about it.

In our “post-9/11 world,” war movies have taken on a whole new meaning for our society. We’re looking for heroes, we’re looking for honor and dignity and valor, we’re looking for sacrifice, we’re looking for victory to rise above through ashes, and we’re looking to feel the lives of those involved. This movie satisfies these longings.

On the negative side, the movie contains a lot of violence and a lot of foul language and use of the Lord’s name in vain (Kids-in-Mind reports “15 F-words, 29 scatological terms, 15 anatomical terms… 9 religious profanities, 7 religious exclamations”). But considering this is a war movie spotlighting Marines that is rated “R”, these should come as no surprise. Some may find the extent to which the battle scenes are played out unnecessary while others may see that as the reality of a war situation. The only complaint that came out of my ex-military family members was how the hand grenades always exploded in fire (in reality, they only expel smoke and shrapnel).

In its favor, the movie also contains many positive elements. On the moral side, there is no sex or nudity (although the card deck used in one scene does come too close). On the valor side, the movie portrays many examples of heroism, sacrifice, duty, loyalty, compassion and forgiveness. Enders, as well as some of the others, come out by the end as shining stars, people who make you feel proud (proud in the good sense of the word). Additionally, the movie exposes the ignorant, racist attitude Americans have/had developed towards the “Injuns” for what it is, and throughout the movie worked towards overcoming it. (“I’m not an ‘Injun,’ I’m a Navajo,” Yahzee states in rebuke at one point in the film.) The use of traditional native rituals portrayed in the film may be bothersome to some; however, these rituals come across as an expression of culture and of faith rather than as a worship of false deities. Moreover, Enders and Yahzee share together their experiences of having grown up in the Catholic Church.

Overall, I would recommend this film. The exception would be to those who are sensitive to extensive violence and language. This is a solidly “R” rated film, after all. Aside from that, the cinematography is remarkable and the acting is very well done. Dramatically, the heart-strings are pulled. One can really “feel” the characters. Good nature and upstanding character are not only displayed but also praised and honored. These qualities help to make “Windtalkers” worthwhile for many.