Songs My Brother Taught Me-2015

Director Chloé Zhao

Starring John Reddy, Jashaun St. John

Scott’s Review #494

Reviewed October 14, 2016

Grade: B+

Songs My Brother Taught Me (2015) is an understated film experience, but despite its slow pace, I found it very interesting.

The Native American population is largely ignored in cinema (and perhaps other avenues), so it was a treat to see a film, albeit a small, quiet one, made to represent this group of people.

Forest Whitaker produces the film.

Undoubtedly, the funding made it possible to make it at all.

Living on an Indian reservation in remote South Dakota, the story focuses on Lakota Sioux brothers and sisters Johnny and Jashaun, aged sixteen and eleven, respectively.

When their father dies in a house fire, they are forced to ponder their future within the Indian reservation, and also their desires to escape their lives and move to Los Angeles with Johnny’s girlfriend- also an inhabitant of the land.

The film is largely a slice-of-life on a reservation, showing the trials and tribulations of the people who live there.

Johnny’s mother is a kindhearted but boozy young woman, and her other son is in prison.

Jashaun’s mentor is a tattooed man who is creative and attends alcoholics anonymous meetings, only to be caught drunk by Jashaun. A rivalry between Johnny and some rival boys develops.

Finally, Johnny aspires to purchase a truck from an older gentleman. The film is laced with different facets of real-life situations, trivial to some, but an entry point into a culture most know little about.

I found the film quite interesting and compelling in a very subdued way. A marvel is the frequent long views of the prairie land- sweeping winds and gorgeous scenery for miles.

Many shots feature Johnny and Jashaun simply gazing into the crisp air in deep thought.

We see the conflict that weighs on both youngsters. Johnny, quite handsome and the object of affection for more than one young lady, yearns for a more exciting life.

His girlfriend will be attending college in California. Pretty and smart- she is sure to move on to success, but Johnny plans to go with her.

Her brother inquires how Johnny will live with no job and no money- all valid points. Will Johnny age and remain on the reservation for the rest of his life or escape to a different world?

Jashaun, quite young, is filled with quiet energy and curiosity. She is educated and wise beyond her years. What will become of her without a father, surrounded by some unsavory types her family knows?

Not an offering for those who want more action than thought, but for the patient viewer, it is a fascinating, introspective treat.

Songs My Brother Taught Me (2015) taught me a lesson in good storytelling.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best First Feature, Best Cinematography, Acura Someone to Watch Award