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!!
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!!