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War Pony

Play trailer 1:47 Poster for War Pony R Released Jul 28, 2023 1h 55m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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93% Tomatometer 54 Reviews 83% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
At 23, Bill (Jojo Bapteise Whiting) just wants to make something of himself. Whether it's siphoning gas, delivering goods or breeding Poodles, he is determined to hustle his way to the "American Dream". Meanwhile, 12-year-old Matho (LaDainian Crazy Thunder) can't wait to become a man. Desperate for approval from his young father, a series of impulsive decisions turns Matho's life upside down and he finds himself unequipped to deal with the harsh realities of the adult world.

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War Pony

War Pony

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Critics Consensus

With subtlety and authenticity, War Pony tracks the lives of two young Indigenous men and cements the two women behind the lens, Riley Keough and Gina Gammell, as talents to watch.

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Critics Reviews

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Sergio Burstein Los Angeles Times A polished staging of an 'indie' character, but with a careful visual composition that reinforces this impression without leaving aside its artistic sense. [Full review in Spanish] Oct 5, 2023 Full Review Ty Burr Ty Burr's Watch List (Substack) Filmed on the traditional homelands of the Oceti Sakowin and Tongva Peoples, “War Pony” feels lived in, and lived hard. Rated: 3.5/4 Aug 4, 2023 Full Review David Fear Rolling Stone The film’s ability to take those genre beats and occasionally tweak them, twist them, and add something regionally specific to them keeps this from being just another tale of desperate decisions and tough times. Jul 28, 2023 Full Review David Bax Battleship Pretension Like its subjects, War Pony is one of a kind. Oct 24, 2024 Full Review Ross McIndoe The Skinny The result is a film that is both unflinchingly gritty and wistfully dreamlike, mischievously funny and achingly melancholy. A film that feels alive in a full, unfiltered way. Rated: 4/5 Jul 4, 2024 Full Review Rich Cline Shadows on the Wall Enjoyably meandering, like the characters themselves, this is a stunning depiction of life in this place, with its mix of cultures. Rated: 4/5 Jun 4, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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KB B I thought this was a very worthwhile movie to experience. It's sad how many native Americans are forced to live. It's worth the watch. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 04/20/24 Full Review Almendra A The soundtrack was lit Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/15/24 Full Review ira m Very sensitive depiction of life in the Rez but also the coming of age for Matho. I've read it was totally scripted but it feels very natural and seems improvised. Nice going to everyone involved. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/14/24 Full Review Paul L This movie is good, great realisation and we can really see the emotions of the characters through the screen. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/12/24 Full Review Aubrey P Really stellar. Acting is genuine and wonderful all around. This film somehow manages to merge a slice-of-life style indie with a satisfying, full-circle plot. It's exceptionally skilled at showing, not telling. Tension abounds, comments on society abound, perspectives on masculinity abound, and yet, nary a word on any are ever spoken. Masterful, and on the level with any intellectual indie. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 12/09/23 Full Review Jim V The movie is pointless. It tries to show how hard life is on Native American reservations, but shows Native Americans as unwilling to improve their situation and preying on each other. There is no hope, there is nothing inspiring, it doesn't help the viewer to understand the plight of Native Americans who deserve much better. The end tries to inspire some hope but it is so random and still manages to depict Native Americans negatively. The only highlight is Redbone's classic song Come and Get Your Love. There are much better movies about life on Native American reservations like Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee and Wind River. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 11/18/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis At 23, Bill (Jojo Bapteise Whiting) just wants to make something of himself. Whether it's siphoning gas, delivering goods or breeding Poodles, he is determined to hustle his way to the "American Dream". Meanwhile, 12-year-old Matho (LaDainian Crazy Thunder) can't wait to become a man. Desperate for approval from his young father, a series of impulsive decisions turns Matho's life upside down and he finds himself unequipped to deal with the harsh realities of the adult world.
Director
Riley Keough, Gina Gammell
Producer
Ryan Zacarias, Sacha Ben Harroche, Gina Gammell, Riley Keough
Screenwriter
Riley Keough, Gina Gammell, Bill Reddy, Franklin Sioux Bob
Distributor
Momentum Pictures
Production Co
Kaleidoscope Entertainment, Doco Digital, Protagonist Pictures
Rating
R (Some Violence|Pervasive Language|Drug and Alcohol Use)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 28, 2023, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Jul 28, 2023
Runtime
1h 55m
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