The Right Stuff

Philip Kaufman direcected this 1983 saga of the seven original Mercury astronauts. Stars Sam Sheperd, Scott Glenn, Dennis Quaid, Ed Harris. Based on the novel by Tom Wolfe.

Fascinating account of the start of America's space program. These guys were strapped into what amounted to a tin can and were shot into space. We learn about their struggles with the program itself, a manipulative government, the rigors of training, and the space flights themselves...which are exciting and thrill packed. We also get the perspective of the wives who lived with and supported these heroes.

Quirky, exciting, humorous, and long but well worth it.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086197/

Thunderheart

1992 film directed by Michael Apted starring Val Kilmer, Sam Shepard, and Graham Greene.

Based on a true incident, the story of an FBI agent (Kilmer) sent to a Sioux reservation to solve a murder.

Reluctant to acknowledge his own Sioux heritage, Kilmer is forced to confront it during this probe into an activist's death. Dramatic, suspenseful, with touches of mysticism. Graham Greene (Dances With Wolves, Northern Exposure) shines as a tribal cop and Shepard is fine as always. But the real scene stealer is Ted Thin Elk as a shaman whose spirituality affects Kilmer's character in profound ways. Look for former presidentail candidate Fred Thompson as an FBI official.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105585/