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Pine Ridge is a 2013 documentary that chronicles life on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The film is directed by Anna Eborn, who uses her camera to capture the daily struggles of the Oglala Lakota people living in one of the poorest areas in the United States. The film begins with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Pine Ridge Reservation, showing the vastness and beauty of the land. However, this is quickly juxtaposed with images of poverty and despair. We see a community struggling with high unemployment rates, low life expectancy, and rampant alcoholism.

The film follows several residents of Pine Ridge as they go about their daily lives. Freddy Thin Elk, a young father, is shown preparing for his traditional Lakota wedding ceremony. His bride-to-be, Vanessa Piper, is nervous about the upcoming ceremony and what it means to be a Lakota wife.

We also meet Lance Red Cloud, a talented basketball player who dreams of playing for a college team. We see him practicing with his friends and attending a basketball camp. However, Lance's dreams are threatened by the harsh realities of life on the reservation. His family is struggling financially, and he is torn between helping them and pursuing his own dreams.

Throughout the film, we hear from other residents of Pine Ridge who discuss their own struggles and frustrations. Many describe the feeling of being trapped on the reservation, unable to escape the poverty and hopelessness that surrounds them. We also hear from tribal elders who discuss the history of the Oglala Lakota people and the challenges they have faced.

Despite the difficult subject matter, Pine Ridge is a visually stunning film. Eborn's camera captures the rugged beauty of the land and the deep connection that the Lakota people have to it. We see traditional ceremonies and dances, as well as everyday moments of laughter and camaraderie.

One of the film's strengths is its ability to balance the personal stories of its subjects with a broader social commentary. We get a sense of the systemic issues that face the Lakota people, such as the legacy of colonization, government policies, and the impact of climate change. However, we also see how these issues play out in the lives of individuals, making them all the more poignant.

The film's soundtrack is also worth mentioning. It features a mix of traditional Lakota music and contemporary songs, including a haunting rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" by Lakota musician John Trudell. The music adds an emotional depth to the film, amplifying the feelings of hope, loss, and resilience that the characters experience.

Overall, Pine Ridge is a powerful and educational film that sheds light on an often-overlooked community. The film does not shy away from the challenges faced by the Oglala Lakota people, but it also shows the strength and resilience of the community. By focusing on the personal stories of its subjects, Pine Ridge invites viewers to empathize with the struggles of those living on the reservation and to better understand the complex social issues at play.

Pine Ridge is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.