Dances with Wolves (1990)

Release date: 1990-11-21
Country: USA|UK
Language: English|Sioux|Pawnee
Director: Kevin Costner
Production Co: Tig Productions, Majestic Films International, Allied Filmmakers
Genre: Western, Drama, Adventure
Rating: 8.0/10
Length: 3h 1min

Storyline

Lt. John Dunbar is dubbed a hero after he accidentally leads Union troops to a victory during the Civil War. He requests a position on the western frontier, but finds it deserted. He soon finds out he is not alone, but meets a wolf he dubs "Two-socks" and a curious Indian tribe. Dunbar quickly makes friends with the tribe, and discovers a white woman who was raised by the Indians. He gradually earns the respect of these native people, and sheds his white-man's ways.

Plot Keywords

friendship, native american, 19th century, cult film, military officer, club, directorial debut, honor, soldier, cowboy, animal in title, violence, famous score, wolf, carbine, fort, assault, name change, carcass, tennessee

Short Review

By never falling into the trap of allowing spectacle to supersede character, Costner's Dances with Wolves restores depth, idealism, poignancy and even wonder to a genre that had long seemed moribund.