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War Pony 2023

Two Lakota boys, vastly different in age, embark on separate journeys of self-discovery on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Bill, a 23-year-old, pursues his vision of the "American Dream," while 12-year-old Matho seeks his father's approval through often impulsive actions. Both boys confront complex issues of identity, family relationships, and the challenges of loss as they navigate a difficult environment and struggle to find their place.

Two Lakota boys, vastly different in age, embark on separate journeys of self-discovery on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Bill, a 23-year-old, pursues his vision of the "American Dream," while 12-year-old Matho seeks his father's approval through often impulsive actions. Both boys confront complex issues of identity, family relationships, and the challenges of loss as they navigate a difficult environment and struggle to find their place.

Does War Pony have end credit scenes?

No!

War Pony does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of War Pony

Explore the complete cast of War Pony, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for War Pony

See how War Pony is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where War Pony stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

73

War Pony presents a modestly crafted debut that balances poetic visual language with grounded performances. Critics commend the documentary‑like cinematography, naturalistic direction, and careful production design that lend authenticity to the Pine Ridge setting. Viewers note the film's restrained editing and genuine atmosphere, though some find the storytelling uneven. Overall, the film succeeds as a sincere, if imperfect, portrait of reservation life, offering enough artistic merit to merit recommendation.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for War Pony

78
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, the film benefits from a restrained yet purposeful directing style and evocative cinematography. Reviewers highlight the poetic visual tone, naturalistic framing, and careful production design that together create a credible sense of place. The editing supports a measured pace without distracting flourishes. Collectively, these elements convey a competent visual foundation that elevates the narrative.

70
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When evaluating character and emotion, performances from first‑time actors are frequently described as genuine and emotionally resonant. Critics note strong chemistry between the leads and nuanced portrayals, though some comment that deeper character motivations remain underexplored. User feedback reinforces the impression of sincere acting, with occasional criticism of superficial development. The net effect is a solid, if occasionally uneven, emotional core.

65
Echo Score

Story & Flow

Story and flow receive mixed appraisal; the film offers an original slice‑of‑life premise but the pacing is often perceived as slow. Critics acknowledge the avoidance of poverty‑porn tropes and appreciate the subtle thematic layering, yet they point to occasional narrative meandering and a lack of clear climax. Audience reactions echo this ambivalence, praising the overarching arc while noting a languid burn. The result is a modestly engaging, though uneven, narrative.

80
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

Sensory experience stands out as a strength, with reviewers praising the film's visual composition and atmospheric soundtrack. The cinematography captures the stark beauty of the reservation, while the score is described as compelling and complementary to the story. Sound design reinforces the immersive environment without overwhelming the scenes. This cohesive sensory palette enhances the film's mood and aids audience immersion.

72
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

Rewatch factor is generally favorable; the film’s authentic portrayal and subtle nuances encourage multiple viewings. Critics cite its lingering emotional impact and the richness of its cultural context as reasons to return. Users who responded positively highlight its thought‑provoking themes and recommend repeated engagement, whereas the few dissenting voices focus on perceived narrative sluggishness. Overall, the film maintains sufficient depth to merit revisiting.

Metacritic

70

Metascore

7.8

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

93%

TOMATOMETER

review

82%

User Score

IMDb

6.8 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

63

%

User Score

Letterboxd

3.7

From 76 fan ratings

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Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for War Pony

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from War Pony. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Official UK Trailer

Official Trailer

Official UK Trailer #2

War Pony Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


youngpovertynative americanpine ridge indian reservationtattoo on facefather son relationshipabandoned childdrug dealercrushdrivingbarkingabusive fathercell phoneschoolbuffalotelephone callhomeless childmarijuanalakota indianclassroomracismpuppyfather strangles sontitle directed by femalemath classsouth dakotapassing a notelakotalakota tribedrugsdoglistening to musichorseback ridingwatching tvindian reservationexploitationcigarette smokinglower classstrangulationdancingsingle fathertattoophone call from jailcaryoung boybonfiresingingpow wowpoodleshooting a dog

War Pony Other Names and Titles

Explore the various alternative titles, translations, and other names used for War Pony across different regions and languages. Understand how the film is marketed and recognized worldwide.


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