War Pony

The movie centers around two different characters: Bill, a man in his early 20s, who is hustling in order to maintain his family and his relationship with his two sons from different mothers, and Matho, a much young boy, who's life is spiraling due to drugs and unstable home life.

I was hesitant to like this movie at first, but Bill won me over. At first he just seemed too obtuse, but over time you learn that he just takes that role when he needs to maintain a relationship. In reality, he is a smart and affectionate young man, who might be somewhat too impulsive, when he sees opportunities, but on the other hand, he needs to make money somehow. He is no father of the year, but maybe if he could just find some calm in his life, he would be.

Matho is a simpler character. He is rebellious and while early on he isn't the leader of his little friend group, he raises to that position later. On the other hand, life keeps dealing him a bad hand over and over again even at his very young age.

For most of the film, their paths are separate and despite the relatively small community, they don't even know each other.

We see a lot of examples of the native American culture they come from. I can't really claim to understand all the metaphorical aspects of certain motifs in the movie, but at the same time the characters have also lost their connection to them, so they don't understand them either.

In many ways this feels more like coming from European tradition of film making than American, as the focus is on the characters, not the story, which is just a vehicle for us to get to know the people.

On the other hand, it's also about the wealth disparity these people experience and the repercussions of that. Crime is casual. Many of these people just do it. It's all around them. The few interactions they have with people outside of their culture are quite racist and there's a strong feeling of their people being used.

Overall, definitely worth a watch, if you are into sort of Oscar-baity dramas, but without the baggage of being real Oscar-bait (thus transcending that pseudo-genre).

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.

"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.