Older Than America

Older Than America

Year: 2008

Runtime: 102 mins

Language: English

DramaThriller

The past’s truth emerges through a series of haunting visions. As the strange images become increasingly vivid, a young Native American woman uncovers a Catholic priest’s diabolical scheme designed to stop her mother from exposing the atrocities committed at a Native Indian boarding school.

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Timeline & Setting – Older Than America (2008)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Older Than America (2008). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary (present day)

The story takes place in the present day, reflecting ongoing issues faced by Native communities such as historical trauma, land rights, and cultural preservation. The setting underscores the relevance of these themes in a modern context.

Location

Fond du Lac Indian Reservation, Cloquet, Arrowhead Region, northeastern Minnesota

The film is set on the Fond du Lac Indian Reservation and the nearby town of Cloquet in Minnesota's Arrowhead Region. This area is known for its rich Ojibwe culture, vast forests, and small-town atmosphere. The location plays a vital role in highlighting Native American traditions and community life.

🌲 Indigenous Land 🏞️ Forested 🏘️ Rural Community

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:53

Main Characters – Older Than America (2008)

Meet the key characters of Older Than America (2008), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Rain Many Lightnings O'Rourke (Georgina Lightning)

Rain is an Ojibwe woman burdened by visions and memories of past trauma. She is empathetic and intuitive, seeking truth and healing for herself and her community. Her psychic experiences serve as a bridge between the living and the spirits of the murdered children.

🔮 Psychic 💪 Resilient 😇 Haunted

Johnny Goodfeather (Adam Beach)

Johnny is a dedicated police officer and Rain's partner, who is loyal and determined. His efforts to protect Rain and uncover the truth highlight his sense of justice and commitment to his community, despite personal conflicts and cultural tensions.

🚓 Protector 🕵️‍♂️ Investigative 🤝 Loyal

Pete Goodfeather (Dale R. Botten)

Pete is Johnny's father, a local who provides insight into the reservation's history and struggles. His character embodies the resilience of Native traditions amid ongoing societal challenges, emphasizing the importance of cultural roots.

🧓 Elder 📚 Knowledgeable 🌿 Traditional

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:53

Major Themes – Older Than America (2008)

Explore the central themes of Older Than America (2008), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧟‍♂️ Haunting

Supernatural elements are central to the story, with spirits of murdered children haunting the community. The film explores how unresolved trauma and historical atrocities continue to influence the present through these ghostly apparitions, symbolizing the need for acknowledgment and healing.

⚖️ Justice

The narrative examines themes of justice and reconciliation, particularly relating to the abuses inflicted at the boarding school. Characters seek to uncover the truth, confront the past, and bring light to injustices committed against Native children and their families.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:53

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Older Than America Summary

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Older Than America Summary

Older Than America Timeline

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Older Than America Timeline

Older Than America Spoiler-Free Summary

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Older Than America Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Older Than America

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Older Than America (2008) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Older Than America (2008) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Older Than America (2008) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow