Though made in Britain and Europe, Eagle's Wing qualifies as a Western. Easterner Pike (
Martin Sheen) does a lot of growing up in a hurry when he becomes a trapper out-West. By mid-film, Pike is accomplished enough to compete with Comanche chief White Bull (
Sam Waterston, there's a masterpiece of nontypecasting!) over possession of a white, wild stallion. The film contains subliminal pro-ecological and pro-tolerance messages, courtesy of its politically-minded stars and the screenplay by future
Gandhi scrivener John Briley. Supporting Sheen and Waterston are such never-fail performers as
Harvey Keitel and Stephane Audran. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide