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.

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.

"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.

Watched this film with no idea what it was about, other than being set on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Completely blown away by the style and performances. Uncompromising, raw and compelling. If you like the series 'Reservation Dogs' then you'll enjoy this offering. The focus of the story shifts between two young male characters who are trying to get by with their daily lives. There's some alcohol consumption, smoking and dabbling with drugs, drawn from real life experience. The performances are top class and the film marks the very impressive directorial debuts of Keough and Gammell....

War Pony is a film that impresses with its grounded, authentic portrayal of life on a Native American reservation. The film excels in creating a vivid, immersive experience, capturing the everyday struggles and triumphs of its characters with a raw, unfiltered lens. The performances are sincere and compelling, bringing a deep sense of realism to the story.

One of the film's greatest strengths is its commitment to authenticity. The depiction of cultural and social issues feels genuine, and the attention to detail in portraying the community's challenges adds a layer of depth to the narrative. The cinematography complements this grounded approach, with naturalistic visuals that enhance the film's immersive quality.

However, despite its strengths, War Pony can be a bit tedious and slow-moving. The film's deliberate pace might test your patience, as it takes its time to develop its characters and plot. While this slow pace allows for in-depth character exploration, it can also make the narrative feel drawn-out at times. Some viewers might find the lack of a strong central plot arc to be a drawback, as the film's episodic nature means that it often meanders without a clear direction.

Overall, War Pony is a heartfelt and authentic film that offers a nuanced look at life on the reservation. Its grounded approach and strong performances are commendable, but the slow pace and episodic storytelling may not appeal to everyone. It's a film that rewards patience and provides a deep, albeit sometimes meandering, glimpse into its world.