Dances with Wolves (1990)

Genre

Adventure | Drama | Western

Director

Kevin Costner

Country

USA

Cast

Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene, Rodney A. Grant, Floyd Red Crow Westerman, Tantoo Cardinal, Jimmy Herman, Nathan Lee Chasing His Horse, Michael Spears, Jason R. Lone Hill, Charles Rocket Robert Pastorelli, Larry Joshua, Tony Pierce, Kirk Baltz, Tom Everett, Maury Chaykin, Wes Studi, Wayne Grace, Michael Horton

Storyline

Lt. John Dunbar (Kevin Costner), exiled to a remote western Civil War outpost, befriends wolves and Native Americans, making him an intolerable aberration in the military.

Opinion

Some people said there's no reason for the film's three-hour length. I agree on that, because the film's length was supposed to be almost four hours, but then the studio made Costner cut some parts.

Dance with Wolves is a marvelous, adventurous, romantic, peaceful, and violent western, full of love and hate, misunderstanding and guidance.

Never before has a story about Native Americans been told with such emotion, and although such contacts hardly ever took place, because of the racist dominant culture, this 'what if' story is simply spectacular. The magnificent storytelling drew me in, and made me one with it's leading character, as the Native Americans were with nature. 

Kevin Costner's directorial debut is flawless. I'm amazed at how smooth the film is, whether is an action, romance, or quiet scene.

The cinematography is breathtaking. The scenery is absolutely stunning. The musical score also is spectacular.

The acting is great. Kevin Costner plays the role of John Dunbar to perfection, delivering his best performance ever. The supporting cast is excellent: Graham Greene delivers an outstanding performance as Kicking Bird, Mary McDonnell delivers an emotionally deep performance as Stands With A Fist, and Rodney A. Grant is wonderful as Wind In His Hair.

Not too many films leave you feeling enriched, but this one does. And if you haven't already seen it, I highly recommend you the Director's Cut version, it might be longer, but it's flawless, and you'll never want this 'journey' to be over.

Quotes

John Dunbar: Many times I'd felt alone, but until this afternoon I'd never felt completely lonely. 

John Dunbar: My name is Dances with Wolves. I have nothing to say to you. You are not worth talking to.

Wind In His Hair: Dance with Wolves! I am Wind In His Hair. Do you see that I am your friend? Can you see that you will always be my friend?