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Lakota Nation vs. United States

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Lakota Nation vs. United States

PG-13

Released Jul 14, 2023

1h 58m

Documentary

History

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100%

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24 Reviews

78%

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

Lakota Nation vs. United States chronicles the Lakota Indians' century-long quest to reclaim the Black Hills, sacred land that was stolen in violation of treaty agreements. A searing, timely portrait of resistance, the film explores the ways America has ignored its debt to indigenous communities, and ponders what might be done today to repair the wrongs of the past.

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Robert Abele

Los Angeles Times

A re-energized debate about stolen land and inequity, spurred by young people invigorated by the history they were never taught, and gaining traction with non-Natives to boot.

Jul 24, 2023

Full Review

Peter Rainer

FilmWeek (LAist)

There's a lot of stuff here, and it's all infuriating.

Jul 22, 2023

Full Review

Monica Castillo

RogerEbert.com

“Lakota Nation vs. United States” moves swiftly but thoughtfully through various topics, covering issues like the over 400 land-grabbing treaties that robbed tribes of their homes to historic confrontations.

Rated: 3/4

Jul 14, 2023

Full Review

Diana Tuova

Film Obsessive

If perhaps a little unfocused, Lakota Nation vs. United States still represents a significant “milestone” in documentary work on the Native American people.

Aug 14, 2024

Full Review

Marya E. Gates

Cool People Have Feelings, Too. (Substack)

A truly spiritual documentary fueled by a sharp political fire.

Feb 13, 2024

Full Review

Glenn Dunks

The Film Experience

It’s a movie that all but lets you feel the dirt under your fingernails and the earth under your feet. Without even being there, it’s impossible to not feel the connection and therefore understand why this story is so vitally important.

Dec 10, 2023

Full Review

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Kirsten

Powerfully eye opening. I am old enough to remember many of these events. This gives so much insight and emotion!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/27/23

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DMac

This is a hugely important injustice that this movie unfortunately describes badly, repeating the same facts over and over without coherent progression. Three stars for the impetus the movie gave me to do my own research I hope future viewers wont let the subject drop.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

08/08/23

Full Review

Rob P

Wow. Wow. I watched this on a flight when looking for something interesting. So glad I did and hope many many more folks do the same. Touching, infuriating, uplifting and more about this absolutely important but overlooked part of our US history. You WILL learn more about what happened to the Lakota (Sioux) people and how it happened. (Spoiler alert: their land was stolen. Ok not really a spoiler…) Some of the reviews here are wild. You’ll see either honest 4 or 5 stars like mine or 1 star. Those 1 star reviews clearly just don’t like the message or maybe think it’s ok what happened to the Lakota and don’t want more awareness of facts that don’t fit their own narrative. I’ll say as a film it is slow or repetitive at times but worth it. Watch it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/23/25

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Blair W

Turned off after 10 minutes or so of nothing but complaining.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

04/10/24

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Virginia V

It made me feel sad and very angry that the indigenous people suffered and still suffer to this day, America took everything away from them and the United States hasn't made it right and that's what makes me so sick to my stomach! The indigenous people are the true people of this Land "GIVE IT BACK"! It was hard to watch because it breaks your heart but it is necessary to educate yourself about the ugly disgusting side of our country! It was well done I feel I learned so much from watching " Lakota Nation vs United States"

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/08/23

Full Review

Laurie S

I really looked forward to seeing this and am very interested in the subject. However, what this film needs is a good editor. Very repetitive and way too long. Not very exciting and cinematography disappointing. Mr. Tilsen, Mr. One of the main narrator's, was very good but Mr. Tilsen's grandfather was an attorney at wounded knee and that was never mentioned.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/26/23

Full Review

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Jesse Short Bull

Director

Laura Tomaselli

Director

Layli Long Soldier

Writer

Benjamin Hedin

Writer

Laura Tomaselli

Writer

Benjamin Hedin

Producer

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Lakota Nation vs. United States: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Lakota Nation vs. United States chronicles the Lakota Indians' century-long quest to reclaim the Black Hills, sacred land that was stolen in violation of treaty agreements. A searing, timely portrait of resistance, the film explores the ways America has ignored its debt to indigenous communities, and ponders what might be done today to repair the wrongs of the past.

Director: Jesse Short Bull, Laura Tomaselli
Producer: Benjamin Hedin, Phil Pinto
Screenwriter: Layli Long Soldier, Benjamin Hedin, Laura Tomaselli
Distributor: IFC Films
Production Co: Cinetic Media, Salmira Productions, XTR
Rating: PG-13 (Some Strong Language|Violent Images|Thematic Elements)
Genre: Documentary, History
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 14, 2023, Limited
Box Office (Gross USA): $88.1K
Runtime: 1h 58m

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