On Sacred Ground

Released Jan 13, 2023

2 hr. 5 min.

Drama

List

29%

7 Reviews

Tomatometer

76%

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Audience Score

A journalist and an oil company executive find themselves on opposite sides during the construction of the contentious Dakota Access Pipeline running through the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota.

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Alexander Alika K

If not for Amy Smart and her talent I believe it would be even worse of a overthought drama. I do believe you get the story needed to be told but this portrayal was done poorly!

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

05/22/23

Full Review

Miguel R

Josh and Rebecca Tickell's "On Sacred Ground" portrays the vibrant spirit of First Nation protesters in the face of the DAPL taking over their sacred territories. I believe the film is made with so much love and respect for the Sioux that you feel as though you are a part of their cause throughout the film. "On Sacred Ground" took me on a journey where my concept of truth was challenged and where floodlight is shined on issues such as PTSD, environmental conservation, and a riveting debate of tradition versus modernity and urbanization. Watching "On Sacred Ground" is a wonderful experience where movie fans can enjoy a film that connects us with our humanity and the planet that we live on.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/01/23

Full Review

Callista F

Josh and Rebecca Tickell's "On Sacred Ground" is a tragic drama following the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The story takes us along a struggling journalist trying to please the oil companies by writing a piece on the pipeline. The main character Daniel played by William Mapother indulges into his internal conflict as he faces the behind the scenes of the pipeline. The tension thickens as the Sioux tribe is willing to defend their land, the built up pressure is tangible as protests begin to form taunting the oil companies. This cinematic masterpiece has some powerful scenes with strong authentic messages that take place in real time. The interlocking of perspectives from each character arouses curiosity from the audience revealing the two different sides of the story. This movie is an emotionally strong film that is definitely worth giving a watch.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

Full Review

Karenna W

On Sacred Ground is emotionally compelling due to its layered storytelling and incredible heart. Directors Josh and Rebecca Tickell build upon the already moving narrative with stunning visuals and cinematography. By overlaying headlines and graphics related to the Dakota Access Pipeline conflict, the film fosters a powerful visual rhetoric that reminds the audience of the real-life consequences of this story. The pipeline's threat to the Standing Rock Indian Reservation directly impacted real individuals from the Lakota "Sioux" tribe, who as a result took direct action against its construction. The portrayal of the Indigenous community members and allies that protested the pipeline is another one of my favorite aspects of the film. Kerry Knuppe's performance as Mika was truly exceptional and added depth to the already emotionally nuanced narrative.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

Full Review

Jennifer B

On Sacred Ground, directed by Josh and Rebecca Tickell, is an eye-opening film that is based on the true story of the controversial continuation of the Dakota Access Pipeline. For individuals who lived through this modern issue or for ones who have never been introduced, this motion picture tells this story through a whole new perspective. The direction of this film was excellent as it followed the veteran point of view, while simultaneously emphasizing the importance of upholding indigenous rights. The theme of On Sacred Ground is to emphasize a fight for equal rights while showing respect to all people. For standing up for their beliefs, the Lakota "Sioux" Tribe is being exploited in the news as they protect their land. The scope from each perspective in this cinematic picture is what makes this film so special. The movie does not just lay down the facts, it brings out the emotion and the ethical dilemma all parties had to face. The unique perspective takes viewers for a ride. On Sacred Ground demonstrates the important concept that there is not just one side to a story, which is why I strongly recommend giving this film a watch!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/23/23

Full Review

Mia V

On Sacred Ground by Josh and Rebecca Tickell is a stunning historical drama that captures the divide between two different sides of the construction for the North Dakota pipeline in 2016. The main character, a war veteran journalist, played by William Mapother, sets out to write a story on the truth of the pipeline dilemma, and to ultimately decide which side he takes, the oil executives or the Sioux people. His character stood out to me greatly while watching the film, a nod to not only the injustices of Native Americans but also the treatment of veterans who have served this country. Mapother's acting is intense when experiencing PTSD while witnessing the attacks towards the Sioux on the frontlines of the pipeline. His performance beautifully captures how connected we all are, no matter our background, and that of the human experience. For fans of underdog stories, I highly recommend this film.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/20/23

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Joshua Tickell

Director

Rebecca Harrell Tickell

Director

David Arquette

Elliot

William Mapother

Daniel McKinney

Amy Smart

Julie

Kerry Knuppe

Mika

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Richard Roeper

Chicago Sun-Times

The heavy-handed drama depicts Indigenous Peoples’ Standing Rock protests but focuses on white outsiders...

Rated: 2.5/4

Jan 14, 2023

Full Review

Joe Leydon

Variety

A movie that is not merely disappointingly uneven, but irredeemably unbalanced.

Jan 13, 2023

Full Review

Tara McNamara

Common Sense Media

As a piece of entertainment, On Sacred Ground sags and drags; as a work of art intended to increase understanding of a complex situation, it's got some lift. The filmmaking is underwhelming, and McKinney's PTSD storyline distracts from the core plot.

Rated: 2/5

Jun 26, 2023

Full Review

Bobby LePire

Film Threat

An important and timely film.

Rated: 8/10

Jan 17, 2023

Full Review

Erick Massoto

Collider

In the end, On Sacred Ground is able to escape the full extent of a white savior story because the ending in real life is not happy, and not exactly finished as well.

Rated: C-

Jan 13, 2023

Full Review

Avi Offer

NYC Movie Guru

Overwrought and heavy-handed. It suffers from an unfocused, meandering plot that's overstuffed and bites off more than it could chew.

Jan 12, 2023

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Synopsis

A journalist and an oil company executive find themselves on opposite sides during the construction of the contentious Dakota Access Pipeline running through the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota.

Director: Joshua Tickell, Rebecca Harrell Tickell
Executive Producer: John Paul Dejoria, Matthew Shreder
Screenwriter: Rebecca Harrell Tickell, William Mapother, Joshua Tickell
Distributor: Shout! Studios
Production Co: Big Picture Ranch, Slated, PIC Collective
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 13, 2023, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 13, 2023

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