In this film based on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's epic poem, a priest (David Strathairn), a French trapper (Michael Rooker) and an American Indian interpreter (Graham Greene) search for the legendary Ojibway leader Hiawatha (Litefoot). Although no one seems able to produce the brave chief, nearly everyone they encounter is happy to share tales of him, bringing to life the story of the bighearted boy who grew into a great and courageous warrior.