Dances with Wolves-1990

Director Kevin Costner

Starring Kevin Costner

Scott’s Review #1,091

Reviewed December 14, 2020

Grade: A

A western epic of grand proportions, Dances with Wolves (1990) is a quiet yet bombastic story of one man’s yearning to understand and appreciate a different culture.

This liberal-leaning story is important in American history, which is why I love it. This project matters, and it feels sincere and true.

The content and gorgeous, sweeping cinematography make this a must-see on the big screen.

Sort of like Lawrence of Arabia (1962), in a Western style.

The lovely musical score is well-paced and gorgeous, enhancing the film and the viewing experience.

The directorial debut of a then-inexperienced, up-and-coming star, Kevin Costner, catapulted him into the big leagues and earned him tremendous respect in Hollywood.

He also produced the film and used his own money when the budget ran over. The accolades were well deserved, helping him become an A-list star.

He never achieved anything comparable to Dances with Wolves again.

The story is set in 1863, when the United States was embroiled in the Civil War. Union soldier John Dunbar (Kevin Costner), depressed and suicidal, is injured in battle and receives a hero’s praise.

He requests a transfer to the western frontier, where he lives in solitude.

John slowly befriends the local Sioux tribe and eventually becomes an honorary member, falling in love with a white woman, Stands with a Fist (Mary McDonnell), who was raised by the tribe.

They name him Dances with Wolves.

Chaos erupts when the Union Army arrives to snatch the land at any cost.

Never the greatest actor in the world, but certainly competent, Costner has the role of a lifetime. That Dances with Wolves is Costner’s project, and it is crucial. He had a vision and saw it through to completion.

To my knowledge, the studio didn’t interfere or seek control; it gave Costner the freedom to do what he wanted. It shows in the final product.

The romance between Dances with Wolves and Stands with a Fist is tender, alive, and free of standard obstacles like misunderstandings or drama. Theirs doesn’t need any trimmings. Costner and McDonnell have strong chemistry.

At over three hours, the film has time to pace these brilliant moments carefully.

The film is a political vehicle to teach the audience the ravages and unfairness that Native Americans suffered at the hands of the White Man, and that is huge.

Too often, school textbooks skim over or diminish the issue, so it’s nice to see the truth given its due.

Dances with Wolves serves as an educational tool, and it provides no happy ending. How great would it be if high schools and colleges across the United States showed the film?

I love how the film, a western, avoids the stereotypes that are always present in that genre. No good guys are wearing white or bad guys are wearing black, no shoot-em-ups at local saloons, and no cowboys to save the day.

Dances with Wolves offers a character study that explores the pivotal thoughts and motivations of the three central characters.

Graham Greene is an integral part of the supporting cast. His authenticity is illuminating.

Over the years, Dances with Wolves (1990) hasn’t held up as well as other films; legendary contemporaries like The Silence of the Lambs (1991) and Goodfellas (1990) are more widely remembered.

Dances may suffer from an “of its time” label, justifiably so, but the film is a masterpiece.

It’s worth dusting this one off and giving it a whirl, if only for old times’ sake.

Oscar Nominations: 7 wins-Best Picture (won), Best Director-Kevin Costner (won), Best Actor-Kevin Costner, Best Supporting Actor-Graham Greene, Best Supporting Actress-Mary McDonnell, Best Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium (won), Best Original Score (won), Best Sound (won), Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Cinematography (won), Best Film Editing (won)

Golden Globe Nominations: 3 wins-Best Picture-Drama (won), Best Director-Kevin Costner (won), Best Actor-Drama-Kevin Costner, Best Supporting Actress-Mary McDonnell, Best Screenplay (won), Best Original Score