Dances with Wolves

1990 • 181 minutes
4.7
875 reviews
87%
Tomatometer
PG-13
Rating
Eligible
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About this movie

Rewarded for his heroism in the Civil War, Lt. John Dunbar (Kevin Costner) wants to see the American frontier before it is gone. He is assigned to an abandoned fort, where a Sioux tribe is his only neighbor. Overcoming the language barrier and their mutual fear and distrust, Dunbar and the proud Indians gradually become friends. Eventually, he falls in love with the beautiful Stands With a Fist (Mary McDonnell) a white woman raised by the tribe.
Rating
PG-13

Ratings and reviews

4.7
875 reviews
Oliver Emmett Knox
March 29, 2021
"Dance with Wolves" is a pure excellent Western movie from the 1990's. The plot focuses on Lieutenant John Dunbar, a Civil war officer who befriends a band of Lakota Sioux and adopts their culture in the post-Civil War American West. The treatment of the Lakota Sioux people is truly remarkable by portraying them as individuals with feelings, honorable peculiar customs, and human beings with human urges and impulses. This movie speaks directly to the heart and soul of The Native Americans. The Lakota language is beautifully spoken. The relationship between John J. Dunbar and the Lakota Sioux people is excellently portrayed. The cast is superb. Kevin Costner gives a brilliant performance as Lieutenant John J. Dunbar and portrays his character perfectly. The cinematography is breathtaking and beautiful. The camera captures the prairie beautifully. The costumes, setting, movie props and the Civil War era tools and transportation are very authentic. The scenery with interesting characters and an excellent music score is overwhelming. A timeless masterpiece that is touching and well made.
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Mary McLain (Meg)
August 27, 2022
A tremendous film on many levels -- entertaining and eye-catching, yet profoundly touching. The story told in this film will reach out TO you, make its way INTO your heart and the depths of your emotions -- and light a fire WITHIN your soul that you will never forget. Prepare to be amazed, entertained, speechless, and ... never the same after you watch this cinematic feat.
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Maureen Doig Moore
July 9, 2014
Deeply moving film about a US Army Officer after the Civil War and his life experiences on the Great Plains with the Lakota Sioux before the encroachment of the white settlers and the arrival of the US Army. Beautiful score by John Barry.. Masterpiece by Kevin Costner brilliant acting by all.
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