War Pony

I tend to think of the United States as a rich country. One of the world's richest, in fact. And so do all Americans I've ever met. And I know perfectly well that large numbers of Americans are poor. But every now and then I need to be brutally reminded of just *how* poor the poorest Americans are, and how disproportionately these poorest Americans tend to be Native Americans or Black.

War Pony is exactly that kind of reminder, and it does that job beautifully. As far as I understand, the cast is entirely made up of amateur actors, who have grown up on the reservation. If that is true, their performance is very impressive indeed. Having said that, there are brief moments, where the acting comes up a bit short.

I'm very glad that I saw this film, and I happily recommend it. All privileged people will benefit from watching this movie, and all privileged Americans really ought to see it.

My mother was 1/2 Oglala Sioux and 1/2 Menominee. She married my father who was German and French. She was raised in Standing Rock Rez until she was 8. I was raised as WASP as they come but always relish my American Indian heritage.

While I understand that this is only a movie but seeing as how it's kind of in a documentary format I wish it would have included some good realities that are there as well. The repsentation of the realities seem a little sku'd.

The movie was so disappointing because it didn't show the hope that's available to them on the reservations. It lacks the folks who are Ogalala that are the good ones with integrity. Yeah it showed us the way of life by the majority... or so we think... because frankly we don't know the truth because we're not there. But there were some very good people on the Rez - my great grandpa being one of them - He was the last Chief of the Sioux Oglala - Old Thunder. He was a great man and wrote a book talking about his life and how he shared hope with all he worked with on the Rez.

"War Pony" is a cinematic masterpiece that captivates audiences with its breathtaking visuals and gritty realism. The film's beautifully filmed sequences transport viewers to a world of raw emotion and visceral action. The portrayal of characters and their struggles is nothing short of spectacular, evoking deep empathy and connection. The filmmakers' commitment to realism is evident in every frame, creating an immersive experience that lingers long after the credits roll. "War Pony" is a must-watch for anyone seeking an unforgettable journey into the heart of human resilience and the art of filmmaking.

Where the film succeeds is in this ability to make us feel on a dramatic ridge flirting with the precipice. Continuously: the resourcefulness, the negotiation, the daily quest for the right plan, for the money to find for the moment or the one after. Each individual linked to the other, By necessity or tradition. On one side, the comfort of the community, on the other its permanent violence, like two sides of the same coin. Drama can arise from every shot. Everything is survival and misery, but everything is also beauty and kindness. Anything could happen, But in the end we are left with motherly love.

A very good first movie, which reminded me of Songs my brothers taught me. Many topics are addressed, but maybe the most important ones are a realistic representation of life on a Native American reservation, the trajectory of a teenager and a young adult, both hustling and navigating the duties, stereotypes and expectations of what it means to be(come) a man. Physically speaking, Bill reminded me of Eros Ramazzotti when he was in his early 20s.

The actors are amazing and the plot quite surprising. I also enjoyed a few magical/poetic moments in this dramatic film. There is so much empathy towards the main characters and their struggles, it is in many ways a moving and eye opening movie.