Dances with Wolves (1990)
- Starring:
- Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell, (more)
- Director(s):
- Kevin Costner
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- PG13
- Category:
- Westerns
Member Rating
My RatingSynopsis of Dances with Wolves
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. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide
- Theatrical Feature Running Time:
- 236 mins
Complete Cast of Dances with Wolves
- Kevin Costner - Lt. John W. Dunbar
- Graham Greene - Kicking Bird
- Floyd "Red Crow" Westerman - Chief Ten Bears
- Robert Pastorelli - Timmons
- Maury Chaykin - Maj. Fambrough
- Nathan Lee Chasing His Horse - Smiles A Lot
- Doris Leader Charge - Pretty Shield
- Bill W. Curry - Confederate Cavalryman
- Wayne Grace - Major
- James Mitchell - Ray
- Billy Burton - General's Aide
- Kirk Baltz - Edwards
- Buffalo Child - Pawnee #1
- Steve Reevis - Sioux #1/Warrior #1
- Larry Joshua - Sgt. Baker
- Maretta Big Crow - Village Mother
- Ryan White Bull - Kicking Bird's Eldest Son
- Richard Leader Charge - Pawnee
- Jason R. Lone Hill - Worm
- Percy White Plume - Big Warrior
- Chad Dowdell - Young Cavalry Soldier (uncredited)
- R.L. Curtin - Ambush Wagon Driver
- Conor Duffy - Willie
- Robert Goldman - Union Soldier
- Mary McDonnell - Stands With a Fist
- Rodney Grant - Wind in His Hair
- Tantoo Cardinal - Black Shawl
- Charles Rocket - Lieutenant Elgin
- Jimmy Herman - Stone Calf
- Steve Chambers - Guard
- Otakuye Conroy - Kicking Bird's Daughter
- Michael Spears - Otter
- Raymond Newholy - Sioux Courier
- David J. Fuller - Kicking Bird's Son
- Annie Costner - Christine
- Marvin Holy - Sioux Warrior
- John Tail - Escort Warrior
- Sheldon Peters Wolfchild - Sioux Warrior
- Wes Studi - Toughest Pawnee
- Donald Hotton - Gen. Tide
- Tony Pierce - Spivey
- Kent Hays - Wagon Driver
- Carter Hanner - Confederate Soldier
- Redwing Ted Nez - Sioux Warrior
- Frank P. Costanza - Tucker
- Elise Daniel - Christine's Mother
- Tom Everett - Sgt. Pepper
- Director(s):
- Kevin Costner
- Writer(s):
- Michael Blake
- Producer(s):
- Derek Kavanagh, Jim Wilson
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- PG13(Western Violence, Adult Situations, Profanity, Nudity, Questionable for Children)
- Categories:
- Westerns
- 1998 - American Film Institute - 100 Greatest American Movies
- 1990 - American Society of Cinematographers - Best Cinematography
- 1991 - Berlin International Film Festival - Silver Bear for Outstanding Individual Performance
- 1990 - Directors Guild of America - Best Director
- 1990 - Golden Globe - Best Picture - Drama
- 1990 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Screenplay
- 1990 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Picture - Drama
- 1990 - National Board of Review - Best Picture
- 1990 - National Board of Review - Best Director
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