Watch On a Knife Edge

On a Knife Edge is a 2017 documentary film that depicts the life of George Dull Knife - a young Native American man living on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Directed by Jeremy Williams, the film shows the struggles and challenges that George faces as he tries to find his place in a community that is plagued by poverty, gang violence, and addiction.

The documentary opens with a scene of George practicing his traditional dance moves in the sacred Black Hills. As the music starts, we see his face light up with a sense of joy and belonging. This sets the tone for the film, which explores George's journey of self-discovery and cultural reclamation.

George is a member of the Lakota Sioux tribe, and his life is deeply rooted in their traditions and heritage. But he is also a product of his environment - a place where unemployment rates are high, and drug addiction is rampant. George's story is not unique, and many young Native Americans like him struggle to find a sense of identity and purpose.

The film captures George's day-to-day life on the reservation, showing us his interactions with his family, his friends, and his community. We see him attending powwows, participating in sweat lodges, and learning about his tribe's history and culture. But we also see the other side of life on the reservation - the poverty, the violence, and the addiction. We see George's cousin getting arrested for drug possession, and we hear stories of gang violence and suicide.

Despite the challenges he faces, George is determined to make a difference in his community. He becomes involved in a youth organization called the One Spirit Grassroots Collective, which aims to provide support and resources to young people on the reservation. George works with the group to organize a basketball tournament, which becomes a huge success and brings people together. He also visits local schools to talk to students about his culture and heritage, hoping to inspire a sense of pride and belonging in them.

Throughout the film, George's character is painted as a complex and multifaceted individual. He is passionate about his culture and community, but he also struggles with addiction and the effects of intergenerational trauma. He is torn between the traditional ways of his tribe and the modern world he lives in. He wants to break free from the cycle of poverty and violence, but he is also afraid of leaving behind his heritage and roots.

One of the most compelling aspects of the film is its use of stunning cinematography and music. The sweeping landscapes of the Pine Ridge Reservation are captured in breathtaking detail, and the traditional Lakota music adds a haunting and powerful layer to the story. The film also uses animation and archival footage to illustrate the history of the Lakota people, giving context to George's struggles and his place in the world.

In summary, On a Knife Edge is a powerful and moving documentary that sheds light on the challenges that Native American communities face in the modern world. Through the character of George Dull Knife, we see the struggles and triumphs of a young man who is trying to find his place in the world while staying true to his heritage. The film is a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit, and it leaves a lasting impact on anyone who watches it.

On a Knife Edge is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes.