SummaryOn South Dakota's Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Johnny and his sister Jashuan's lives develop new challenges when their absentee cowboy father suddenly dies. The loss prompts Johnny to strike out for Los Angeles, but would mean leaving behind his beloved sister.
Directed By:Chloé Zhao
Written By:Chloé Zhao
Songs My Brothers Taught Me
Metascore
Generally Favorable
68
User score
Generally Favorable
6.6
My Score
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Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
68
85% Positive
11 Reviews
11 Reviews
15% Mixed
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Apr 6, 2021
100
It’s a deeply intelligent and sympathetic rendering of real-life situations, using nonprofessionals playing approximations of themselves.
May 26, 2017
80
It may not qualify as a movie entertainment in the full sense of the word, but it is most certainly an edifying picture of social stagnation at its saddest.
Mar 2, 2016
70
A sparely plotted, low-key but ultimately rewarding slice of South Dakota reservation life.
Mar 2, 2016
70
The performances are undeniably authentic, the cinematography could make Terrence Malick stand to give a slow clap, and sometimes a sensitive mood and evocative milieu are enough to sustain when there's barely a plot.
Mar 2, 2016
67
Viewers will be torn between admiring its laid-back naturalism and wishing it possessed just a little more oomph.
Mar 2, 2016
63
The story’s ending, complete with lyrical voice-over, conveys the beauty and emotional attraction of the place and its traditions, virtues also relayed by Joshua James Richard’s sumptuous, sometimes breathtaking cinematography.
Feb 29, 2016
50
The film is more taken by its own formal composition than enunciating the musical edification promised by its title.
User score
Generally Favorable
6.6
64% Positive
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
36% Mixed
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
Jun 6, 2021
7
It's not Nomadland, and I know, I should not make the comparison, but even with its details, I found it more natural and convincing in many of its aspects in relation to the film that made Chloé Zhao world famous.
Jan 16, 2022
5
This is a film about the indigineous people of America, which is what the director (Chloe Zhao) often focusses on - people on the outskirts of contemporary American culture, you could say, or else somewhat of a marginalised people. It has the look and feel of a documentary and it is sad to watch at times.
I like the subtlety featured, which is continued in the directors later work. It deals with themes of rejection, adolescence and personal identity. It has less of a solid plotline type feel but its still a good watch, providing food for thought perhaps.
Production Company:
- Film Independent
- HEART-headed Productions
- Highwayman Films
- Nifty Productions
- Significant Productions
- Standalone Productions
Release Date:Mar 2, 2016
Duration:1 h 38 m
Website:
Awards
American Indian Film Festival
• 1 Win & 5 Nominations
Red Nation Film Festival
• 3 Wins & 3 Nominations
Film Independent Spirit Awards
• 3 Nominations
