So, let me tell you about this movie “War Pony” I watched the other day. I kept hearing about it, how it’s based on real-life stuff, so I figured I’d give it a shot.
First off, I started watching it without really knowing what to expect. It begins by introducing these two main characters, Bill and Matho, who live on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Bill’s a young dad, trying to make ends meet by doing all sorts of odd jobs, like siphoning gas and breeding poodles. Matho, on the other hand, is way younger, like 12, and he’s already into some serious stuff, selling drugs and all.
As I got deeper into the movie, I noticed the slow pace, but it wasn’t boring. It felt like they were giving the characters and the place, this reservation, space to breathe, you know? I was going about my day, watching their lives unfold. The directors, Riley Keough and Gina Gammell, they did a good job of showing the daily grind, the struggles, the little moments of joy and a whole lot of hardship. It really feels like you’re just hanging out with them, seeing what life is like on the reservation.
I saw all of these scenes of poverty, neglect, and some pretty tough family situations. Honestly, some parts were hard to watch, like the abuse Matho goes through. But it all felt real, not overdone, just a slice of their lives. It’s like those scenes where they’re driving around, and it’s just vast, empty land. I noticed how they used this one buffalo that shows up now and then, and it made me think about the history, how things used to be for the Lakota people.
The Symbols
There was also this theme of animals, like the turkeys and the poodles. I read somewhere that the writers, Bill Reddy and Franklin Sioux Bob, based a lot of it on their own experiences. And they talked about how these animals are like symbols, but not the typical ones. Like, the turkeys, they’re not about peace, but more about betrayal, especially after how the white colonists treated the indigenous people.
- The Buffalo: This big fella pops up a few times. He’s like a reminder of the old days, when the Lakota were fully in control of their land and lives. Pretty deep, huh?
- The Turkeys: Now, these birds are a twist. Usually, they’re all about peace and Thanksgiving, right? But here, they represent something else, something darker. I read that they’re kind of a symbol of betrayal, a reminder of broken promises between the indigenous folks and the white colonists.
- The Poodles: Bill’s trying to make a buck by breeding these dogs. It’s a bit random, but it shows his hustle, his way of trying to get by in a tough place.
My Takeaway
By the end of the movie, I was left with a lot to think about. That ending, with the turkeys running wild, it was powerful. It’s like a rebellion, a way of saying “enough is enough.” I felt for these characters, Bill and Matho. They’re just trying to figure things out, trying to find their place in a world that’s often against them.
After watching “War Pony”, I went down a rabbit hole, reading reviews and trying to understand more about the Lakota culture. It was a heavy watch, I won’t lie, but it’s one of those movies that stays with you. It’s not preachy, it’s just a raw, honest look at life, and it made me appreciate the importance of stories like these, stories that often don’t get told.
To sum it up, “War Pony” isn’t just a movie, it’s an experience. It’s like you’re right there with them, feeling the dust and the struggle. It’s a story about growing up, about life on the reservation, and it’s definitely worth a watch if you’re into real, gritty stories.
