Dances with Wolves (1990)

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Rewarded for his heroism in the Civil War, Lt. Dunbar (Costner) wants to see the American frontier before it is gone. He is assigned to an adandoned 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 (McDonnell), a white woman raised by the tribe. (MGM)

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Directed By: Kevin Costner

Written By: Michael Blake

Starring: Maury Chaykin, Kevin Costner, Graham Greene, Wes Studi, Tantoo Cardinal, Mary McDonnell, Robert Pastorelli, Floyd 'Red Crow' Westerman, Rodney A. Grant, Nathan Lee Chasing His Horse

Genres: Romance, Drama, Adventure, Western

Country: USA

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Dances with Wolves belongs to 79 collections

1. 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die (collaborative: moderated by kozan26 - 234 stars)

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TCI | Percentile | Date Rated | # Stars (Reviews)

Stars	User	Rating
12	eCitizen	100 _99th
One of the rare movies that satisfies in almost every way. The story is very rich and well told. Superb scenery and cinematography. Outstanding music. Excellent acting is entirely believable throughout. Every character felt authentic. The story was poignant and complete. I was entirely engaged from beginning to end. I wish more movies were made as well. Costner and McDonnell were excellent. Proof that a good movie begins with a solid story and an inspired script.
9	BeeDub	100 _97th
Yeah, I'm gonna do it. I'm gonna give this my top score, because this is immersive, transporting filmmaking at its best - full of rich characters, breathtaking cinematography, thrilling action (buffalo hunt!), and deep emotion. I appreciated that the Sioux, rather than being painted as perfect Noble Savages(tm), are instead shown as normal people with their own individual strengths and weaknesses. Has one of the most moving final scenes ever. Bravo.
5	doctor7	95 _98th
It seems that with this film you either love it or hate it. I loved it. Costner's direction shows the sheer brutality and amazing beauty of the old West with some breathtaking landscape cinematography. I particularly enjoyed how dynamically the Sioux people were portrayed as they didn't meet the Hollywood stereotype of being bloodthirsty savages or perfectly peaceful, noble and wise. It's an excellent western and certainly in my mind one of the best epics ever made.
4	3Names	100 _99th
I can watch this one over, and over, again! I don't find anything wrong with this movie. It deserved every award it garnered. Just fantastic story-telling, incredible visuals, sumptuous score, and spot-on casting. One of the most moving films ever made, in my opinion.
4	Melvin Smif	85 _91st
Cameron really went above and beyond on the graphics in this film, it is truly revolutionary. The planet Pandora is just alive with...wait where am I? Oh damn wrong film. This one's good too.
4	kingofjew	91 _98th
GOOD GOD! 4 fucking hours! and not boring at any time!great film making and clever scripting from beginning to end! a colossal achievement! Deserved every bit of oscars!
3	MartinTeller	67 _30th
You have to overlook Costner's wooden acting and narration, and the simplistic and contrived storytelling, and Mary McDonnell's awful performance, and the fact that Costner's character is practically Christ-like (bullets don't hit him!). But besides all that, it's pretty easy to get swept up in the film's rhythms, even for four hours. The cinematography and score aren't bad at all, although they're not great either. I figured this would be offensively bad, but I really didn't mind it that much.
3	aus_hab_fan	75 _53rd
"Hi. My name is Kevin "Vanity Project" Costner. Most of my movies feature both my lovely face, and my beautiful arse. This movie is probably among my best, although since all it has to compare to is "Waterworld" and "The Postman", I don't think there's much competition. While I directed and produced this film, I still don't feel there's enough of me in it. See the director's cut for three hours of commentary about me, and my awesomeness."
3	tathiel	97 _99th
This is Hollywood at its best! And: This is Kevin Costner at his best. He did a remarkable job, both as director and actor. I watched it with delight in the 90s, being really into Indians and stuff after that and still love watching it today. A great masterpiece!
3	Mechatigger	100 _91st
An altogether remarkable drama and love story, that, to virtually everyone's surprise, was both a huge commercial success while simultaneously achieving overwhelming critical acclaim. Pictorially stunning, if overly long. Costner makes one of the most remarkable directorial debuts in many years. McDonnell is wonderful. A truly thrilling buffalo stampede is among the most memorable movie images in many years. Try to see this stunner in a movie theater, not on a tiny TV screen.
3	nauru	77 _87th
Solid film. A nice pace is maintained throughout, and relationships develop in a convincing way. The beginning didn't really make sense to me though. And Costner's narration was not the best, but still there are many things to like about this simple but well executed piece. One of a handful of movies longer than 2.5 hours where a runtime longer than 2.5 hours is actually warranted.
3	Cinema_Asia	65 _42nd
Overall it's a decent story but the soldier going native scenario is really nothing original. Also, if you take a look at the portrayal a little closer it starts to unravel because at its heart it's fairly shallow and even slightly offensive in its implications. Apparently native Americans can't find spiritual deliverance without a white man involved. The obligatory romance with a white woman who just happens to be living with the native americans is ridiculous too.
2	fudgieb	100 _99th
This movie was a phenomenon. And then McDonalds started selling the VHS version for like 5 dollars when you ordered Meal Deal. It was awesome. Tumani Tutanka Y'Peeshbe-anello! Tumani Tutanka Owa-chee!
2	Pieridae	88 _80th
I thought this was a good portrayal of the relationship between Calvary and Indians. It was certainly more realistic than the tripe we used to watch as kids.
2	spoonerspot	90 _97th
Beautifully acted and visually stunning Kevin Costner and a wolf become friends.
2	svicciarelli	90 _82nd
A very strong epic Western.
2	djross	50 _43rd
A simply-told tale of a man gradually realising the barbarity of his civilisation. Not the tale of a white saviour (no-one is saved), but it is notable that Costner places himself in every scene. He clearly desired to be an old-style Hollywood showman, and despite (or because) of the success of this debut, he was subsequently shunned by both critics and audiences, as though the sincerity of his wish to present heroic spectacles had become an unpalatable affront to their own decadent cynicism.
2	lachapelle	83 _71st
A long film. A very long film. But it's still my favority Kevin Costner film. It's the film that earned hiom his reputation. This is the definition of Western.
2	Pickpocket	7 _68th
It's long as hell but doesn't feel like it so that's a good thing. No way should this have won best picture over Goodfellas, one of the academy's biggest tragedies. The voiceover is pretty bad (just a lazy way for the writer to explain what's going on) and it's not always the most interesting or engaging thing but it has beautiful cinematography, good acting and a decent story so its watchable. Not a must see and a bit overrated but it was decent.
2	easymac742	90 _91st
Such a well-photographed movie. It's the kind of film you would have seen from David Lean. "Lawrence of South Dakota."
2	Murravener	90 _90th
This film paved the way for many imitators such as Avatar and The Last Samurai and this is Costner's peak on both sides of the camera. This is a funny, fun and moving watch. Don't let the three-hour run time scare you away. You won't even notice. It's too good to care.
2	martryn	83 _83rd
Fantastic film. Much better than every film that ever tried to imitate it but failed. I love Kevin Costner as an actor, if he would have only chosen his roles better. Love him as a director as well. Poor Kevin Costner.
2	Luna6ix	92 _98th
kevin costner places himself among the best in the business in a wonderful story with great cinematography.
2	XakkMaster	85 _76th
Often incorrectly referred to as a white savior story & criticized for winning Best Picture over Goodfellas, this is actually a really strong film. It's cinematography and scope are love letters to old Westerns from masters like John Ford. Costner's acting and narration are really just OK, but the story and human portrayal of the Sioux (with tasteful and inclusive casting that bucks Hollywood stereotypes) is where the movie shines. Goodfellas is still better though.
2	jmarkthespot	80 _82nd
One of those films I watched in my early teens and can remember thinking it was beautiful even back then. Costner is great.
2	Foobekah	94 _80th
I love the score, the ponderous tempo, the amazing landscape shots. I loved the message about friendship and loyalty. Never been so ashamed to be a "white man."
2	mrandersen10	75 _59th
Too long and drawn-out for its own good without a compelling enough plot/theme to sustain it. Though, there are some great moments and it was enjoyable to just stare at the beautiful stretches of untainted, natural vistas.
2	mandy	5 _19th
Great cinematography and an interesting perspective on the western genre but over long and plays to too many Hollywood conventions to have any real substance.
2	Bunken	90 _96th
Tatanka!
2	Rufam	75 _72nd
"Dances with Wolves" is a corny, bloated and disarmingly likable epic that boosts several sweeping, kinetic sequences and moving moments as well. Costner turns in an almost appallingly earnest performance to go along with his remarkable directorial accomplishments. Although it never quite overcomes its devotion to cliché (and the final hour is annoyingly hokey), it grows on you thanks to Costner's skill as a director, gorgeous cinematography and surprisingly light-hearted approach.
2	glumpy_99	90 _82nd
4 hr version: Mammoth western epic is largely a triumph for Costner as 'big-picture' director and producer, with his own solid and charismatic leading turn acting as the perfect ballast for this humanistic and oftimes powerfully moving saga. Fine support from Greene and McDonnell combine with the almost sci-fi premise of a white frontiersman engaging positively with an Indian tribe; sags a little in the final stretch, becoming too overstated when the white tribe re-enter the picture.
2	Knackys	76 _81st
You should watch the Director's Cut.
2	lex	90 _80th
Perhaps the last great, traditional epic film. Costner directs the film treading in familiar territory yet the plot is a welcome change from classic biblical, ancient civilization or cowboy epics. It is solemn and heartfelt and unlike most modern post-Gladiator epics perfectly balances substance and spectacle. Not recommended for Costner haters or people with ADD (who are hard to come by in this day and age).
1	mrbeck	70 _58th
As classics go, not bad. Don't be prepared for non-stop action, but I nice comfortable watch.
1	dazdncnfusd	90 _70th
pretty cool
1	cruelclown	80 _73rd
A consistent script, great visuals and music.
1	nancysid	85 _68th
indians and buffalo trump KC!
1	jazz_learner	60 _25th
It has an alright story, but it's waaaaay too long to be enjoyable (for me anyway.)
1	TheDiceman	75 _89th
Great film.
1	Ytadel	8 _93rd
It seems uncool to admit these days, but I gotta say I really liked it. I mean, hell, it kept me intent and interested for four goddamn hours, which it couldn't have if it wasn't really good. I'm an enormous sucker for epics, what can I say? It's a little convenient that there was a white girlfriend for Costner to fall for rather than a Native woman and there's still no way this film should have won over Goodfellas in 1990, but it's still pretty great.
1	rdwn29905	90 _83rd
very powerful film, but very long
1	PeaceAnarchy	81 _64th
The kind of solid filmmaking with a clear message that you'd expect from an Oscar winner. It never really felt spectacular, occasionally even underdeveloped for a film that runs over three hours, but it kept me interested all the way through with a well shot and solidly structured story.
1	jeg2	90 _98th
Misunderstood film for political reasons. A penetrating, idiosyncratic portrati of a man trying to find himself. Stunning camera work.
1	TedDedon	80 _60th
Dances With Wolves is an epic that is surprisingly well done considering it's Kevin Costner who made it. The landscape scenes are breathtaking as well as the cool costume design. Overall, though, it's just another period piece that doesn't really do a lot to seperate itself from the rest.
1	JooJoo	4 _55th
I should see the director's cut.
1	wcnitz	90 _96th
Costner's best work of his career - by a long shot. The landscapes and visions are beautiful and the story doesn't drag despite its length. It's too bad that Costner simply can't play anything but the simple, soft spoken, monotonous everyman. Thankfully for him, it works perfectly in this movie.
1	Matthias99	85 _41st
One of Costner's better performances in the award-winning historical epic. Just doesn't do it for me, though.
1	huebs	25 _3rd
boring
1	moviefan99	80 _51st
A good story with a sense of humor and some good performances and great scenery.
1	flatluigi	90 _47th
A great movie, though long. I need to watch it all the way through one of these days.
1	squidget	86 _68th
Long but impressive.
1	webdw	70 _58th
One of Costner's best efforts. Too long and a overly focused on the theme white men=savages and red men=civilized people. But, it's a good movie.
1	elsapon	90 _77th
Sublime. (How did this get made by Costner?)
1	Dustyd	90 _98th
Wonderful film. Solid in every way.
1	SailorRipley	96 _96th
Costner's first directorial effort is without a doubt one of those big, elaborate epics, although a quiet, highly introspective one. Extremely well crafted, there's not a false note, but some segments are much better than others. The theatrical version works just fine, although the extended adds many wonderful moments and a few heavy-handed ones and at four hours, it is a bit of overkill. Still, this is not to be missed, eloquent and sincere. Sadly, Costner would never achieve this level again.
1	kdevine	85 _58th
Good Kevin Costner movie, a little long, but a good perspective on the American Indian issue of the Wild West.
1	nandorizzi	75 _71st
It is a beautiful film that show respect for the culture of ancient American tribes. Just can not be even better because of the unjustifiable long duration.
1	marvini	90 _68th
Excellent historical saga. Deserving of Oscar.
1	Shephard	60 _53rd
Epic and well-shot. Worh seeing a couple times.
1	LookingLand	75 _81st
i have to give this a 75 despite all my usual complaining about its revisionism. it's still a beautifully made film.
1	bellamyr	89 _92nd
Brilliantly varied film which is both honest and compelling. Well acted throughout, good story line and believable characterisations. Well judged pace keeps the film moving well to an ending that keeps you thinking. - An under-rated gem of a film.
1	Evolution	75 _51st
[Director's Cut] I thought it started great, but slowly grew less engaging. There was a ton of potential to make a great film, such as the cinematography, the score (although the triumphant theme was overused), and the somewhat archetypal story of the hero. There was always something along the way that threw me off though, such as McDonnell's awful acting, Costner's self indulgence and the narration, but all in all it just felt like Costner was trying too hard to make an epic.
1	mohan	100 _97th
In Matrix, there goes a line - something that attributes the western civilization to the likeness of the virus - extirpating everything of value on its path.. This film takes that one line and spins around it a strong, passionate albeit long .. tale - that leaves you thinking.. Is the world following the right people as role models ?
1	avinash	90 _82nd
Gorgeous cinematography and a wonderful journey into the last stands of the Native Americans. Outside of the weakness of Costner's acting, this film soars.
1	Esmerodo	100 _98th
I am not into westerns, but I love this beautiful film about the Sioux and the unspoiled plains and the bison, evoked by the sweeping score by John Barry, who unbeknownst to you has written many of your fave film scores including most of James Bond movies. Kevin Costner here underplays as a psychically wounded Civil War soldier and lets himself react to his environment. Mary McDonnell well plays an orphaned young white woman raised by the Sioux as one of their own.
1	rdub384	90 _81st
amazing movie... the only part i didn't like was when he was doing that stupid dance around the fire
1	Jeb	89 _76th
Epic western film with breathtaking landscape scenes and a good pace! Costner does a remarkable job as both a director and actor!
1	chemical404	67 _75th
[Director's Cut] Extremely long epic western. I was surprised that it didn't drag. Pacing in later Costner films is terrible, but this one doesn't suffer from that. I like theme of man's connection with nature in films, and it was nicely done here. I felt like reading some Jack London's novel at the times. Story is predictable, and a bit manipulative emotionally, but the film isn't bad.
1	piradical	95 _84th
Great film.
1	jxwhee	90 _81st
Excellent movie. Long as all hell, but worth it.
1	eric-jan	85 _94th
Amazing movie that takes place around the Civil War, which shows the beautiful connection between the Sioux indians and the lone soldier (Dances with Wolves) Lt. Dunbar. I LOVED the scenery carmera shots, and hated when the wolf dies :(.
1	WWallce4prez	77 _63rd
A very well made epic from someone I shudder to give any praise to. However, for all his faults, Costner really gave a pretty adapt product here. While its gorgeous, sweeping, and grand, Dances with Wolves doesn't really do anything that hasn't been done before. Besides the atrocious narration, there isn't really anything BAD that can said about the film, but it just doesn't impress beyond "a solid epic."
1	Thundercloud	99 _76th
one of the best movies
1	filmdot	95 _93rd
Gorgeous! A sweeping epic. It has fantastic pace and is exciting. Great film.
1	a_doomoot3	18 _12th
MERDE. One of the worst movies ever to be taken seriously.
1	Piglet	73 _72nd
Costner's "masterpiece", but who doesn't have to moan a bit about the fact he had to fall for the only white girl around.....
1	SirStuckey	80 _78th
I liked a lot of it but you can't ignore the obvious techniques at manipulation. That and the cringe-worthy voice over was what kept me from loving it. It's still very entertaining and for a 3 hour movie it does''t drag at all.
1	Anselmi86	70 _51st
I guess it's not worth saying that Costner winning over Scorsese for Goodfellas is arguably the worst travesty in Academy history (oops, I said it anyway). The movie's not bad, I guess. Maybe even above average. But I still can't get past that factoid.
1	Okkervil	79 _81st
An epic story and at times breathtakingly beautiful, this is without doubt Costners greatest achivement. It's not without its flaws. Not all of the performances are that great, and times the writing leaves a little to be desired. Still despite its minor faults, it is for the most part supurb.
1	madgnome	93 _82nd
Fascinating movie about life on the American plains.
1	wetwillies	75 _26th
What this film is trying to do, it does very well. I don't necessarily like what it is trying to do, but I'd be lying if I said that after three hours of this I was not wrapped up in the story and close to showing my True Emotions (c). It really doesn't feel four fucking hours long, which is more than can be said about similar fare like Out of Africa (which is only 160 min). But while he does a pretty good job behind the camera, Costner is rather bad in front of it (also when talking over it).
1	lukey86	85 _55th
A lush and rich western. Featuring a thrilling buffalo hunt. I recommend the extended version.
1	glm	78 _61st
77.500
1	fantastard	80 _65th
Don't judge me, but I like it.
1	AndreasThau	60 _42nd
Wow. From rememberance I had this rated 90. It was like walking through a dessert, that's what it was. A very beautiful one, yes. Very. But still, you're not sure you brought enough water or food to make it to the other side. ... On the serious side, I think the acting's good. (And no, I never thought I'd say this about Kevin, who is best remembered from Tin Cup, what a glorious film). All in all: apart from WIND IS IN HIS HAIR (epic name), not much was groovey.
1	Mr. Film	88 _67th
A very well made epic
1	TheGoodDog	90 _67th
Great film, in my opinion. Seen it many times and still like it a lot.
1	PetrosTser	70 _66th
"Dances With Wolves" is a rather obvious film as far as its premise is concerned and does drag in points, but it is very well made - there's no mistaking the effort made. Its three hours don't seem completely justified and the themes are way too familiar, but it's a worthwhile one.
1	Marlinbrando	83 _60th
If you like em long, this will work for you.
1	bookhouseboy	66 _89th
#90s(l)#, liked, oldies(2) }*{ #90s(e)#, reviews, story
1	Matthew Parkinson (CineMarter)	50 _47th
Dances with Wolves is ambitious and made with the best of intentions, but wasn't for me. I didn't enjoy myself watching it, because it's far too long and I had trouble caring about what was going on. But there's a lot of good parts to it, like the portrayal of the Sioux tribe and the breathtaking landscape. But if you've never seen it, check out the shorter, (although 3 hours is still a long time), version, and only if you enjoy that should you watch the longer cut.
1	hellboy76	73 _89th
I think Costner could be a very talented diretor. The cinematography is excellent, and the pacing does not seem like you are watching an extraordinarily long film. Costner's acting however hurts the film. It comes off as monotone and lazy. His everyman charm works for some of his roles, but this was not one of them. All in all though it is an entertaining piece.
1	progrock	78 _50th
some striking scenery and images but a bit long and drawn out
1	dlchobbes	60 _23rd
Fun
1	GeneSiskel	88 _66th
A three-hour delight; The movie generates much of its power by being so life-affirming at a time when people feel nervous about the future.
1	stevekimes	75 _30th
It would probably be really good if it cut out a half hour.
1	guy piranha	99 _99th
On its own, this movie would be a solid 75-80, beautiful landscape shots, a gripping tale about belonging, what makes life worthwhile and the questionable developments in human history. But then costner got barry on board and...well...the result is the most beautiful music to express everything that encompasses life all at once. Whoever truly listens to these themes and isn't disarmed by both the tragedy and beauty of existence, losing every capacity for hate, is a lost case in my book.
1	damil	80 _90th
Kevin Costner is about as dry as they come as an actor, so with him both starring and directing this film, it comes out pretty damn dry. However, that doesn't stop it from being good. It's almost 4 hours long, which might put some people off. I personally thought the length and slow pace were totally appropriate. We, the audience, got to truly explore and savour each aspect or experience, just as Costner's character did. I really enjoyed the scenery. It's far from perfect, but I enjoyed it.
1	Groucho	30 _53rd
"Costner went for broke with his large-scale, Panavision epic..."
1	TheDailyNathan	75 _41st
Epicly long movie (we watched the long 4h version). There is a beauty in movies like this that take it slow, and on the part of the Native American actors it is very well done. Costner himself I didn't care for, and after the long buildup the ending felt rushed, no real payoff or satisfaction to the story.
1	mattorama12	64 _46th
Wildly overrated when it came out, and probably underrated now as a result of the backlash against it. It's a good, not great, movie that would have benefited from a shorter cut. Some great cinematography as well.
1	talonmalon	81 _60th
Dances with Wolves is an excellent western film. The story is phenomenal. The performances in it are all top notch.
1	glm01	82 _71st
81.500
1	Alex WS	83 _89th
Good plotting and a great use of the setting.
1	EDM_freak	100 _85th
This is an epic classic that you have to see.
1	gogolit	80 _76th
Beautiful. Sad.
1	koiras	65 _71st
Loved, like lived, with hunting scenes!
1	RYM	69 _70th
3.43/5

Average Percentile 59.63% from 6579 Ratings