Songs My Brother Taught Me

Songs My Brother Taught Me is a compelling work from 2015, an independent feature film which has emerged as one of the most commendable cinematic arts in the recent years. Directed by Beijing-born, Los Angeles-raised director Chloe Zhao, the film showcases extraordinary performances from a relatively unknown cast, including the likes of John Reddy, Jashaun St. John, and Irene Bedard.

The film is set amidst the austere landscapes and social realities of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, in the Badlands of South Dakota. The movie is an engrossing, profound narrative about the complicated lives and relationships of the Lakota Sioux tribe, as revealed through the experiences, inner worlds, and kinship-based interactions of the youngsters in the reservation.

In her debut feature, director Chloe Zhao creates an intimate portrait of Native American life, intertwining strands of joy, sorrow, aspiration, frustration, and dreams. She shows a keen understanding of her characters' lives, allowing their stories to unfold naturally in front of the camera.

The lead protagonist, Johnny Winters (John Reddy), is a high school senior who is about to graduate. He aspires to have a life beyond the hills and ridges of his birthplace; a life that doesn’t revolve around the trappings of the reservation. He dreams of moving to the urban landscapes of Los Angeles with his girlfriend, Aurelia (Taysha Fuller). However, Johnny’s younger sister, Jashaun (Jashaun St John), is conflicted about his impending departure.

Jashaun is a carefree, youthful spirit and her bond with Johnny is the emotional core of the film. Unlike Johnny, Jashaun seems drawn to the land of her birth, its community, and its cultural roots. The departure of her older brother acts as a catalyst of change for Jashaun, propelling her into the beginnings of her own journey of self-discovery and identity.

A notable character in this ensemble is the siblings’ emotionally resilient yet lost mother, Lisa (played by Irene Bedard), whose life unfolds with its own set of tribulations and challenges in parallel to her children. The complex dynamics between Lisa, Johnny, and Jashaun beautifully complement each other to form the bond that forms the essence of this film.

Songs My Brother Taught Me is a poignant exploration of the human spirit and the ties that bind us. It debunks the stereotypical representations of Native American life seen in most Hollywood cinema and instead offers an authentic, respectful, and deeply nuanced portrayal of the Indigenous community.

Zhao's direction in the movie is patient, restrained and full of empathy. Coupled with Joshua James Richard's exceptional cinematography, the film suffuses the stark Badlands with a spectral beauty – landscapes that serve as silent witnesses to the characters' lives and their stories.

Zhao deftly interweaves elements of fiction and non-fiction, creating a captivating blend of narrative and documentary styles. Songs My Brother Taught Me is built around the real experiences of real people – the residents of the Pine Ridge reservation – whose own stories inspire the unique narrative.

John Reddy's nuanced performance as Johnny articulates his character’s internal conflict and aspirations beautifully. Newcomer Jashaun St. John, who plays the titular little sister, delivers an emotive performance layered with innocence and a longing for understanding. Irene Bedard, as the mother, beautifully handles her role with a gentle, muted strength that renders her character both believable and relatable.

In conclusion, Songs My Brother Taught Me works on many levels - as a poignant coming-of-age story, a deeply moving family drama, and a powerful portrayal of community and cultural identity. It is a small film with a big heart that presents a genuine, loving and nuanced depiction of a world underrepresented in cinema. The movie resonates long after the credits have rolled, and it cements Chloe Zhao's reputation as an empathetic storyteller and an invaluable voice in contemporary cinema.