On D List of Movie Reviews
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Dances With Wolves (1990)
Rate:
10
Viewed:
2/04, 4/08
4/08:
Dances With Wolves is what I think of Kevin Costner.
It's the best film he has ever made. What I love about it is the simplicity that's left open for translation. There are
certain scenes that are ambivalent. One good example is when Lieutenant John Dunbar went to his superior for an assignment in
the Western frontier and then left him before the superior shot himself in the head. Why, and who knows?
The best part is Dunbar immersing himself into the Sioux culture. Near the end, his fellow soldiers show up. Dunbar takes
his place among them, but he looks out of place. Hence, it's the key moment of the film which is about human
acceptance without bias.
Whatever the stereotypes had been made about American Indians in past films, Dances With Wolves throws them all out of
the window just like how Clint Eastwood did for The Unforgiven when it came to misconceptions about the Wild West.
On the other hand, the acting is exceptional. Mary McDonnell doesn't get enough of credit as Stands With A Fist.
Rodney Grant is remarkable as Wind In His Hair, and Wes Studi of The Last of the Mohicans fame has a small appearance.
Not to be missed is the lush cinematography. The buffalo hunt scene is terrific. My favorite moment,
which feels random, is at the beginning when Dunbar attempted suicide by riding in front of the Rebels.
All in all, Dances With Wolves is among best pictures of the decade.