I got caught up in Kevin Costner's manipulation, too, until I did some research and found out that this movie is a bunch of baloney. Nonetheless, except for the smaller beginning and ending segments, the long one in the middle with "Dances With Wolves" and his relationship to the Sioux Indians and his romance to "Stands With A Fist" (Mary McDonnell) is enjoyable to watch. It's also a visual feast, stunning in parts such as the Buffalo stampedes.
The version you want to watch is the extended DVD one. Other good points besides the cinematography and three likable main characters, two mentioned above and Grahame Green ("Kicking Bird") The Indians' dialog is interesting throughout the film and McDonnell is outstanding in her role. Her romance with Costner is one of the best I've seen in a film.
What makes the film click is that combination of drama/romance/action and even some necessary humor.
What was unnecessary, and the bad part of the film, is the extreme bias shown in here where all the white soldiers (except our hero) are sleazy, profane, cruel or insane - every one of them!! Talk about prejudice! Also, if you do any history checking, you'll find the Indians portrayed in actuality were anything but the generally nice people shown in this film. The truth is that they were one of the more bloodthirsty tribes...one of the worst of the Southwest. It's pathetic to read some of these reviews from such naive reviewers who have no clue of the truth, or perhaps they don't want to hear it. Costner is famous for this sort of thing in his films....but they are so entertaining, people don't bother check his claims.
The cruelty, bias and some uncomfortable scenes with bloody animals, don't always make this a pleasant movie to watch no matter what side of the PC table you're on...but, overall, it's a memorable, gorgeous film that digs deep inside you. A cliché, true, but it's one you don't forget, even if it's incredibly Liberal biased.
The version you want to watch is the extended DVD one. Other good points besides the cinematography and three likable main characters, two mentioned above and Grahame Green ("Kicking Bird") The Indians' dialog is interesting throughout the film and McDonnell is outstanding in her role. Her romance with Costner is one of the best I've seen in a film.
What makes the film click is that combination of drama/romance/action and even some necessary humor.
What was unnecessary, and the bad part of the film, is the extreme bias shown in here where all the white soldiers (except our hero) are sleazy, profane, cruel or insane - every one of them!! Talk about prejudice! Also, if you do any history checking, you'll find the Indians portrayed in actuality were anything but the generally nice people shown in this film. The truth is that they were one of the more bloodthirsty tribes...one of the worst of the Southwest. It's pathetic to read some of these reviews from such naive reviewers who have no clue of the truth, or perhaps they don't want to hear it. Costner is famous for this sort of thing in his films....but they are so entertaining, people don't bother check his claims.
The cruelty, bias and some uncomfortable scenes with bloody animals, don't always make this a pleasant movie to watch no matter what side of the PC table you're on...but, overall, it's a memorable, gorgeous film that digs deep inside you. A cliché, true, but it's one you don't forget, even if it's incredibly Liberal biased.