A
historical drama about the relationship between a Civil War soldier and a
band of Sioux Indians, Kevin Costner's directorial debut was also a
surprisingly popular hit, considering its length, period setting, and often
somber tone. The film opens on a particularly dark note, as melancholy Union
lieutenant John W. Dunbar attempts to kill himself on a suicide mission, but
instead becomes an unintentional hero. His actions lead to his reassignment
to a remote post in remote South Dakota, where he encounters the Sioux.
Attracted by the natural simplicity of their lifestyle, he chooses to leave
his former life behind to join them, taking on the name Dances with Wolves.
Soon, Dances with Wolves has become a welcome member of the tribe and fallen
in love with a white woman who has been raised amongst the tribe. His
peaceful existence is threatened, however, when Union soldiers arrive with
designs on the Sioux land. Some detractors have criticized the film's
depiction of the tribes as simplistic; such objections did not dissuade
audiences or the Hollywood establishment, however, which awarded the film
seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.| Kevin Costner | Lt. John W. Dunbar |
| Mary McDonnell | Stands With a Fist |
| Graham Greene | Kicking Bird |
| Rodney Grant | Wind in His Hair |
| Floyd Red Crow Westerman | Chief Ten Bears |
| Tantoo Cardinal | Black Shawl |
| Robert Pastorelli | Timmons |
| Charles Rocket | Lieutenant Elgin |
| Maury Chaykin | Maj. Fambrough |
| Jimmy Herman | Stone Calf |
| Nathan Lee Chasing His Horse | Smiles A Lot |
| Larry Joshua | Sgt. Baker |
| Donald Hotton | Gen. Tide |
| Elisabeth Leustig | |
| Jason R. Lone Hill | Worm |
| Ryan White Bull | Kicking Bird's Eldest Son |
| Marvin Holy | Sioux Warrior |
| Nick Thompson | |
| Steve Reevis | Sioux #1/Warrior #1 |
| Tony Pierce | Spivey |
| Michael Spears | Otter |
| Percy White Plume | Big Warrior |
| John Tail | Escort Warrior |
| James Mitchell | Ray |
| Wes Studi | Toughest Pawnee |
| Raymond Newholy | Sioux Courier |
| Redwing Ted Nez | Sioux Warrior |
| Sheldon Peters Wolfchild | Sioux Warrior |
| Richard Leader Charge | Pawnee |
| Doris Leader Charge | Pretty Shield |
| Buffalo Child | Pawnee #1 |
| Otakuye Conroy | Kicking Bird's Daughter |
| Frank P. Costanza | Tucker |
| Maretta Big Crow | Village Mother |
| Kirk Baltz | Edwards |
| Steve Chambers | Guard |
| Clayton Big Eagle | |
| Billy Burton | General's Aide |
| Kent Hays | Wagon Driver |
| Robert Goldman | Union Soldier |
| David J. Fuller | Kicking Bird's Son |
| Tom Everett | Sgt. Pepper |
| Wayne Grace | Major |
| Carter Hanner | Confederate Soldier |
| Annie Costner | Christine |
| R.L. Curtin | Ambush Wagon Driver |
| Bill W. Curry | Confederate Cavalryman |
| Conor Duffy | Willie |
| Elise Daniel | Christine's Mother |
| Chad Dowdell | Young Cavalry Soldier (uncredited) |
Genre/Type - Western, Epic Western, Revisionist Western, Indian Western
Produced by - Orion / Tig Productions
Release - Nov 9, 1990 (USA)
Released by - Orion
Running time - 181 min.
The Missing (2003, Ron Howard)
Legends of the Fall (1994, Edward Zwick)
Wyatt Earp (1994, Lawrence Kasdan)
The Return of a Man Called Horse (1976, Irvin Kershner)
Run of the Arrow (1957, Samuel Fuller)
Rose of Cimarron (1952, Harry Keller)
Glory (1989, Edward Zwick)
Gettysburg (1993, Ronald F. Maxwell)