War Pony

There was a great deal to take in regarding this film. My favorite part, which so reminded me of the last scene of FRESH, was when Bill asks Matho if he likes coffee and his answer so expertly and tenderly reveals his inner self and the growth still destined to take place for the two main characters.

Throughout the film their two stories seem intertwined and similar yet as the film extends we see that their trajectories are almost opposite (trying to ascend and trying not to descend) and yet destined to collide, inescapably predictable and refreshingly vulnerable as if one of them may actually be able to overcome the circumstances of their situations only to see that neither can quite generate enough speed to actually take flight.

The film is unapologetic, accurate, true to life on the Rez, and creates many moments that are excruciating to watch. The slow burn fuse in the storytelling is appropriate and effective, could it have moved faster...perhaps, but it gave me a similar vibe to MANCHESTER BY THE SEA and how the film just didn't want to, didn't let you, look away. And it shouldn't. Many great moments, great performances, excellent symbolism, and a plain and raw quality that spoke volumes of truth about human nature, the abject poverty of what is easily considered third world conditions of the reservations in South Dakota, the desperation, the hustling, the utter lack of opportunities, the loss of culture and language, and the blurry delicate lines that must be negotiated for survival and to get one's self even a little bit ahead. I thoroughly enjoyed the film. Not at all uplifting, but definitely makes you think, feel, and need/want to talk to someone what about it. It's a good one!!

This starts off as quite an interesting observation of two young men growing up on the Pine Ridge reservation for the Oglala Lakota tribe in rural Dakota. It principally centres on the young "Bill" (JoJo Bapteise Whiting) who is juggling two girlfriends, two young children, and aspirations to buy and breed a rather mangy looking poodle! When he happens by a successful farmer whose car has broken down by the side of the road, he sees a way to make some extra cash. The two men click and pretty soon "Bill" is packaging turkey jerky by the bucketload! Meantime, the younger "Matho" (LaDainian Crazy Thunder) has been thrown out of his father's home after he and his pals compromised his cocaine business by adding a little epsom salts to their distribution network! Both stories see the men and their friends and families trying to get by in a community that seems to exist for the sake of it. Poodles notwithstanding, there seems little structure to their lives nor much point to anything. Opportunities are sparse and family loyalties only appear to endure when convenient. It's actually quite a depressing story that I couldn't help wonder might not have been worthy of watching at all, had it not been for the native American aspects to the production and plot. Despite that increasingly prevailing downbeat theme, there is something likeable about Whiting's characterisation of the wayward "Bill" - a man who does seem to at least want to escape the relentlessness of their existence. The ending is weak, though, and frankly really quite daft and as an whole, the film does drag a bit across the two hours of rather soporifically scored, slowly paced, drama. It's worth a watch, but it's not great.

"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.

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.

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.