Drunktowns Finest is an independent film from Sydney Freeland that is shot in the Navajo reservation and comprised of mainly Native American actors. The plot rides the fine line between retaining a declining culture and moving along with the fast-moving times of this country; a dilemma that is at its precipice with this generation of college-bound achievers and social media mongers, among other traits. I must say, this film certainly achieves in its storytelling and portrayal of young Native Americans at a standstill; flawed characters with solid intentions in a world of temptation, deceit, and boundless ambition. We follow three characters through a sliver of their lives. Sick Boy, a military man with a crime-ridden past, trying his best to bear a trustworthy reputation. Felixia, a transgender and aspiring model who has yet to truly find her identity and sense of self. Nizhoni, a girl who was adopted and unaware of her true ancestry. The story was told excellently and never felt too melodramatic nor did it bore or meander. Each story was as engaging as the other and eventually all tied together which was very nice, very clean. There was also a solid air of comedy in between the more serious scenes (including a sweet couple of scenes with comic reliefs James & Ernie Comedy, that meshed well right into the movie). The film was well shot, using the reservation as another lush character to the tune of desolation, beauty, or modern crime. It was also well edited and had a very nice accompanying soundtrack to boot with some hip-hop tracks and Hollywood swoons (ala Explosions in the Sky) to amplify the plot and themes discussed. Although the Native American backdrop may seem a little niche, I think the themes that reverberate through the movie are universal (family, tradition, comedy, crime, temptation). All in all, this was a pretty good movie and would see it again (hell, Id even buy it on Blu-Ray). Drunktowns Finest gets 8 Apples out of 10.
Posted on: Thu, 31 Jul 2014 23:52:25 +0000
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