Institute History
Description
A Cajun herbal doctor’s love for another man’s woman and his struggle to save a friend are part of the explosive chain of events that breaks the silence of the Louisiana bayou in the late 1850’s. The first ride of plantations owners vigilante committee brings a night of terror to many of the local peasants. Accused of being cattle thieves, hog-nappers, and the like, they are ordered into exile under penalty of death. The area healer, a good-natured, soft-spoken man, Belizaire Breaux (Armand Assante), is spared from exile but considered by many on the committee to be a trouble-maker Belizaire’s interest in his childhood sweetheart leads to a dangerous confrontation and accusation. Belizaire's final act of healing is the greatest one of all.
Glen Pitre’s first feature is permeated by a richness for language and detail rarely seen in today’s films. Its textures are built from equal parts of suspense and humor, with well drawn characters acted by a strong cast.