Josh and Rebecca Tickell's On Sacred Ground is an emotionally charged story that beautifully captures one reporter's experience while investigating the Dakota Access Pipeline and its surrounding conflict. The film highlights the brave men and women from Indigenous communities who protested to protect their land and water. The main character Dan Mckinney, played by William Mapother, brought a compelling perspective to the already multifaceted story. As a veteran suffering from PTSD, Dan experienced flashbacks throughout the film that gave the audience greater insight into his past. This unique perspective anchored the character and allowed greater light to shine on the 2,000 veterans supporting the Native protesters. Societal treatment of veterans and Native rights are two themes that are intrinsically bound in On Sacred Ground. This film tells a compelling story about the struggles Native communities are facing and the lengths gone to discredit their mission.
9 Reviews
Has got that typical cheap quality of a TV movie
imseeg11 June 2023
Supposedly a "drama", but it is nothing more than a cheaply produced television movie, which somehow is being "upped" to becoming a feature movie, which it simply is not.
The bad: you'll recognize the look and feel of a cheaply made television movie:
1 Lots of mediocre B-actors, acting below par
2 Cheap looking technical details (run of the mill photography and sound)
3 A total lack of a coherent storyline that engages me
4 Annoying from start till finish
I could go on and on about this supposedly "drama", but it simply isnt anything near dramatic. It's a mess.
Too bad, this movie turned out to be a complete dud, because this subject of oil exploration and it's enviromental and societal effects do deserve a better movie.
The bad: you'll recognize the look and feel of a cheaply made television movie:
1 Lots of mediocre B-actors, acting below par
2 Cheap looking technical details (run of the mill photography and sound)
3 A total lack of a coherent storyline that engages me
4 Annoying from start till finish
I could go on and on about this supposedly "drama", but it simply isnt anything near dramatic. It's a mess.
Too bad, this movie turned out to be a complete dud, because this subject of oil exploration and it's enviromental and societal effects do deserve a better movie.
Disappointing
Deb-ABQ15 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The trailers and reviews for this movie make it look like the story of a man conflicted and changed. I think that was the intent but I don't feel like it succeeded. I was very excited about going this movie so was pretty disappointed. The film can't decide if it is a story of a vet with PTSD trying to find his way or a story about the pipeline so it tells neither well.
The plot seems to be that the main character has PTSD to the degree that he can't touch his pregnant wife's belly to feel the baby, then he goes to write some stories at the pipeline and is magically healed by his new found engagement with the protestors and some hokey pseudo-native American rituals.
The main problem is you really don't know anything about the internal world or motivations of the main character. You have no idea when he was in the service. How long he's been married. Whether he wants the baby or not. You really have minimal idea of what his politics are. There are a couple of lines that were maybe supposed to give a sense of his politics but were delivered so flatly that it was hard to know his intent. He rarely shares his actual emotions and thoughts so any change is sort of vague. You really don't connect with him or understand him. The only thing you know is that he's haunted by his military service.
The plot line is superficial and it feels like a bunch of scenes spliced together that had a general intent but not a good script guiding them.
The plot seems to be that the main character has PTSD to the degree that he can't touch his pregnant wife's belly to feel the baby, then he goes to write some stories at the pipeline and is magically healed by his new found engagement with the protestors and some hokey pseudo-native American rituals.
The main problem is you really don't know anything about the internal world or motivations of the main character. You have no idea when he was in the service. How long he's been married. Whether he wants the baby or not. You really have minimal idea of what his politics are. There are a couple of lines that were maybe supposed to give a sense of his politics but were delivered so flatly that it was hard to know his intent. He rarely shares his actual emotions and thoughts so any change is sort of vague. You really don't connect with him or understand him. The only thing you know is that he's haunted by his military service.
The plot line is superficial and it feels like a bunch of scenes spliced together that had a general intent but not a good script guiding them.
A story about compromise
miguelromerofilm30 January 2023
Josh and Rebecca TIckell's "On Sacred Ground" is a captivating narrative take on the 2016 Dakota Access Pipeline events. The story follows Dan (William Mapother) an ex-military journalist who has now began a life of freelance journalism to financially support his pregnant wife. He is faced with a choice, after receiving a mysterious call, heeding him to travel to North Dakota and write a story about the DAPL in a positive light for a handsome reward. He must choose between compromising his morality or acting on what he believes is right.
"On Sacred on Ground" offers audiences a story full of relevant commentary on matters of mental health and injustice against First Nations. The Tickells powerfully tackle themes of PTSD and police brutality against the Sioux by showing Dan experiencing episodes as he sees the First Nations being attacked as they stand up for their territory. As a viewer, I experienced the film in a very visceral way that shook me in a way that felt expansive. The film's stunning cinematography further immersed me into the story, setting a tone for the film that communicated the protagonist's troubled state of mind.
This is a film on one of humanity's greatest challenges; remaining true to who we are or compromising our humanity for perceived benefit.
"On Sacred on Ground" offers audiences a story full of relevant commentary on matters of mental health and injustice against First Nations. The Tickells powerfully tackle themes of PTSD and police brutality against the Sioux by showing Dan experiencing episodes as he sees the First Nations being attacked as they stand up for their territory. As a viewer, I experienced the film in a very visceral way that shook me in a way that felt expansive. The film's stunning cinematography further immersed me into the story, setting a tone for the film that communicated the protagonist's troubled state of mind.
This is a film on one of humanity's greatest challenges; remaining true to who we are or compromising our humanity for perceived benefit.
Great Representation, Talented Cast, and Moving Story
jenlbonsignore20 January 2023
The motion picture, On Sacred Ground, was executed with excellence. Directors Rebecca and Josh Tickell did a wonderful job portraying the narrative of the continuation of the Dakota Access Pipeline over the Lakota "Sioux" Tribe's land. On Sacred Ground included voices from true Native Americans, which showed their respect for those whose story was being written. By representing the indigenous women in such a way that showed audiences how they were vocal and strong and not instigating and violent was a great way that this motion picture gave respect to the Lakota Tribe. This cinematic masterpiece has many powerful layers, including the display of PTSD suffered by veterans, the ethical dilemma of a journalist, and the life of a married couple with a baby on the way. Despite all these conflicts, the awareness for protecting indigenous rights does not take a back seat. This motion picture has a voice of its own and I highly recommend watching On Sacred Ground for a moving cinematic experience.
Important, Compelling, Emotional
enrundle25 January 2023
On Sacred Ground is more than just a story about an oil pipeline encroaching native land. Josh and Rebecca Tickell have once again used their platform in film to give voices to those who are struggling. Army veteran, Daniel McKinney, portrayed by William Mapother, exemplifies the struggles U. S. veterans face when they return home from deployment. The trauma they experience overseas is often overlooked and unfortunately mental health programs are not prioritized enough. The Tickell's also made sure to acknowledge the injustice that Indigenous women face. This is a topic that I personally have not seen talked about on screen before. This movie intellectually challenges you with its various perspectives of a controversial societal issue. It's an emotional and moving watch that I recommend seeing as soon as possible!
Interesting Version of Dakota Access Pipeline Controversy
jdianahall19 January 2023
This film carefully and respectfully explains the issues surrounding the construction of an oil pipeline across Sioux Tribal Lands. The characters are acted in such manner to be worthy of our attention to their individual viewpoints and life circumstances. There is more than a documentary here because the moral struggle of persons deciding for themselves what to believe and how to act is always compelling. This is no black and white depiction of good guys or bad guys in this film since everyone intends good things to result from the pipeline. But good is a relative concept, depending upon one's priorities, as is well illustrated by this film with its excellent and diverse cast members.
Engaging topic/Engaging Movie
apteryx05-840-59916313 June 2023
I will just agree with most of the positive reviews of this movie, but I wanted to set one fact straight.
When they show scenes of the "authorities" spraying water on the protesters, it was actually about -40F at the time. The water would have literally frozen in mid air as it hit the protestors. And when it did hit them it would have been instant hypothermia.
And if you think that the US isn't a police state, you are wrong.
These protestors would brutalized. I hope that the perpetrators got the maximum sentence allowed.
I will just agree with most of the positive reviews of this movie, but I wanted to set one fact straight.
When they show scenes of the "authorities" spraying water on the protesters, it was actually about -40F at the time. The water would have literally frozen in mid air as it hit the protestors. And when it did hit them it would have been instant hypothermia.
And if you think that the US isn't a police state, you are wrong.
These protestors would brutalized. I hope that the perpetrators got the maximum sentence allowed.
When they show scenes of the "authorities" spraying water on the protesters, it was actually about -40F at the time. The water would have literally frozen in mid air as it hit the protestors. And when it did hit them it would have been instant hypothermia.
And if you think that the US isn't a police state, you are wrong.
These protestors would brutalized. I hope that the perpetrators got the maximum sentence allowed.
I will just agree with most of the positive reviews of this movie, but I wanted to set one fact straight.
When they show scenes of the "authorities" spraying water on the protesters, it was actually about -40F at the time. The water would have literally frozen in mid air as it hit the protestors. And when it did hit them it would have been instant hypothermia.
And if you think that the US isn't a police state, you are wrong.
These protestors would brutalized. I hope that the perpetrators got the maximum sentence allowed.
A Touching Storyline with Authentic Representation.
callistaferrin23 January 2023
Josh and Rebecca Tickell present a well-crafted narrative film about a journalist who is faced with a variety of internal and external conflicts regarding a new story he is working on. On Sacred Ground is a movie based on the truthful events behind the Dakota Access Pipeline. William Mapother as Daniel the main lead does a remarkable job allowing for the audience to really connect with the characters on such an insightful film. Daniel is a freelance journalist who struggles to reveal what's going on at the pipeline once he sees what's happening. With a deteriorating homelife and lingering PTSD Daniel has to choose what path he wants to take when covering this story. The movie is filled with very powerful and realistic situations including the importance of Indian reservations, PTSD, indigenous women rights and so much more. This film captures you by providing authentic disputes throughout its entirety and a raw captivating ending. I would definitely give it a watch and recommend it to others.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
