Based on the novel by Forrest Carter, this movie is gentle and simple. The mountains often echo with singing or laughter. The script uses a minimum number of words to maximum effect. Cromwell (Babe) speaks volumes with a look; Cardinal complements him with her solidity and kindness. Director Richard Friedenberg relies on the power of silence, keeping his scenes quiet and smooth, and he puts the focus on Little Tree's peaceful life, forsaking the evil-white-man-versus-Native-American route that would have been so easy.