I enjoyed watching Beans because it is very informative about the suffering of Indigenous people and what happened during the Oka Crisis in 1990. I think it is a good movie for those who are curious and interested in learning about Indigenous History, more specifically the one of Mohawks living in Kanehsatà:ke. While being an opportunity of learning, it is centered on a little girl nicknamed Beans who's 12 years old. While living difficult moments, she grows into become confident and standing up for who she is. As mentionned previously, it is set during the events of the Oka Crisis that lasted during 78 days in the summer of 1990.
The reason why I liked the movie is because it was authentic to the reality of the events that occurred. In the beginning of the movie when Mohawks are blocking the bridge, not letting anyone cross it, one of them yells at a driver that if they want to cross the bridge, they'll have to tell their governor to stop stealing their land and trying to kill them. All the anger in the voice of the man showed exhaustion, Indigenous have been stripped of everything they have for centuries, yet they never were violent with us unless forced to, like during the Oka Crisis. Ironically, the word savage has been used to describe Indigenous people by white folks but the uncivilized ones were white people. Throughout the movie, it is said or seen that basic necessities like food, medication and services like ambulance were blocked by the SQ. Another example would be when the Canadian Army got involved, they said women and children could evacuate safely out of the territory where the conflict happened. However, when Beans, her mom and little sister leave, they're welcomed by white people throwing rocks and other dangerous projectiles at their car while police is on the other side of the road watching and doing nothing.
In addition, as a Quebecois, it was very frustrating and confusing to watch, I cannot imagine how it must have been for an Indigenous person. Perhaps it is because I cannot grasp fully the situation, but it could have been easily avoided if they had decided to respect Mohawks when they protested because it is their land and there is a cemetery. The disrespect that has been showed towards Indigenous people during Oka Crisis is almost unbelievable, the expansion of a golf course on a regular cemetery would not even be slightly considered by anyone. Equally important, the struggles and generational trauma is shown multiple times during the movie. Indeed, towards the end, Beans almost get sexually abused by her friend's brother and after telling her friend April, she let slip out that she also get sexually abused, by her alcoholic father.
In conclusion, Beans might not be for a younger audience, but I think if anyone has the opportunity to watch it, they should, it is a very enriching experience, especially as a Quebecois. People back then failed to realize they were in the wrong by accusing Mohawk protesters instead of protesting with them, however watching this movie is a great way to reflect on Indigenous struggles and not fail to realize that Indigenous people have never been in the wrong, they protect what they have left that has still not have been stolen or destroyed by us.
