Synopsis:
In 1822, the Mimbreno Apache Indians enter into an agreement with a Mexican mining company, relinquishing all mining rights and guaranteeing the safety of the copper town of Santa Rita del Cobre as well as its access roads. In return, the company guarantees the livelihood of the Indians, who had hardly any hunting grounds left at the time. However, American companies are also interested in the precious metal deposits. Under their orders, mining engineer and geologist Johnson attempts to expel the Mimbrenos. When the annual food rations are handed out in Santa Rita, Johnson commits a massacre amongst the Indians with army cannon. For this savage slaughter, he receives a huge reward. Ulzana, a young Mimbreno warrior, assuming the role as chief, now leads the few survivors to a neighboring Apache Indian tribe in order to avenge the atrocity perpetrated against his people. During the attack on the American settlement, a life-and-death struggle ensues between Johnson and Ulzana. Based upon original documents and set at the beginning of the Mexican-American War (1846-48), 'Apaches' is one of fourteen "Indianerfilme" produced in East Germany between 1966 and 1985.

Press Comments:
"As regards visual impression and the figure of the noble Indian hero, Ulzana and Winnetou are blood brothers. German 'Westerns', whether from the East or West, may be technically good, but they never seem to be quite real. Of course, it should not keep anybody from seeing this film made for young people. On the one hand, the story is told quite briskly in beautiful images. On the other hand, the film's perspective offers a starting-point for a more nuanced approach to history and its representation in the media." -- Wolfgang J. Fuchs in the Cologne filmdienst, 1973)

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