Skins

Skins is a gripping and contemplative drama film released in 2002, directed by acclaimed Cheyenne/Arapaho filmmaker Chris Eyre and written by Jennifer D. Lyne, based on Adrian C. Louis' novel. The film showcases a strong ensemble cast including Eric Schweig, Graham Greene, and Gary Farmer, that, in tandem with its powerful narrative elements, delves into deeper socio-cultural issues pertaining to Native American communities.

At the heart of Skins, we find the tumultuous yet poignant tale of two Lakota Sioux brothers living on the Pine Ridge Indian reservation in South Dakota, a place renowned not only for its vibrant culture and heritage, but also, tragically, its abounding poverty, substance abuse, and violence. Here, we meet the brothers, Rudy Yellow Lodge (Eric Schweig) and Mogie Yellow Lodge (Graham Greene), whose distinctly different life paths serve as a backdrop for highlighting the stark realities, struggles, and complexities faced by Native Americans in contemporary society.

Rudy is presented as the more responsible and straight-laced of the two brothers. He serves as an officer of the tribal police, taking upon himself the burdensome task of maintaining law and order within the community. This role often compels him to navigate the challenges and dilemmas associated with policing his own people, thus exposing the precarious balance between duty and kinship, a central theme of the film.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is the older brother Mogie, a hard-drinking Vietnam veteran who, marred by his traumatic past and ensuing addiction, seems to have descended into a life of chaos and unpredictability. Graham Greene's poignant portrayal of this complex character adds weight to an already compelling narrative. Despite his flaws, Mogie remains an endearing character, his personal struggles reflecting the larger issues plaguing the community around him.

Far from just a tale of two brothers, Skins goes on to paint a vivid picture of the Pine Ridge community as a whole, adeptly threading themes such as poverty, addiction, and systemic repression seamlessly into the narrative. The atmospheric visuals of the film expertly complement the story, with the stark South Dakota landscape becoming a character in its own right, enhancing the sense of isolation and desolation experienced by the people of Pine Ridge.

As the narrative progresses, a series of unexpected events push Rudy to become more than just a bystander to the plight of his community. A newfound vigilantism begins to take hold, leading him down a path that will irreversibly intertwine his destiny with that of his brother Mogie and the community they call home. Alongside this transformation, his personal journey also shines a light on the issue of justice and its accessibility, or the lack thereof, to marginalized communities.

The cast's extraordinary performances, coupled with Eyre’s delicate handling of deep-rooted issues, elevate Skins from being merely a drama film to a thoughtful commentary on the contemporary Native American experience. The timeless dialogues and moving performances, particularly from Greene and Schweig, blend effortlessly with the narrative's poignant exploration of brotherhood, responsibility, and redemption.

Moreover, Skins also finds moments of light-hearted humor and displays of brotherly affection, which provide subtle respite from the more dire themes at play. It provides a more balanced perspective and adds rich layers to the character's development, displaying the resilience of the people in the face of adversity.

In summary, Skins is more than a poignant tale of two brothers at odds. It is an honest and thought-provoking portrayal of the trials and tribulations of a marginalized community largely overlooked by mainstream cinema. Through its engaging narrative and moving performances, Skins invites viewers to ponder, empathize and understand the story, struggles, and resilience of Native American communities like the Pine Ridge Reservation. A must-watch for those interested in rich, character-driven stories set against the backdrop of socio-cultural themes.