Inspired by true events, this movie takes place in the old American West; back when white men still fought with Indians, and Bison herds thousands strong roamed the plains. Kevin Costner directs and stars in the movie, convincingly portraying a Lieutenant from the American Army named John Dunbar, who has more respect for the beauty and complexity of the world than most. After Dunbar unintentionally leads Union troops to victory during the Civil War, he moves to an outpost on the western frontier, but he finds that the outpost has been deserted. Dunbar befriends a wolf he names “Two Socks,” and is eventually welcomed by a neighboring tribe of Sioux Indians with names like “Kicking Bird,” “Wind in His Hair” and “Smiles a Lot.” The Lieutenant becomes known as “Dances with Wolves” and in time marries “Stands with a Fist,” (Mary McDonnell) a white woman who has lived with the tribe since she was very young.

Dances with Wolves expertly expresses both the positive and negative aspects of human nature. Dunbar and the Sioux tribe discover hundreds of skinned Bison carcasses left by white men, and Dunbar is captured and punished for supposed treason against the American Army. Yet, the companionship between Dunbar, Two Socks and the Sioux tribe is present throughout, and Costner proves that love is more powerful than hate. I watched the extended version of this movie, which at 3 hours and 56 minutes long is lengthy to say the least, but it’s worth every second. The beautiful cinematography captivates the viewer throughout the film, and the score perfectly captures the mood. Costner brings to life an appreciation for the world that has been lost in the passing of time. He shows the struggle between a race that was thankful for everything and one that took it all for granted. Dances with Wolves is one of my absolute favorite movies and I would recommend it to anyone without hesitation.