Movies

Dances with Wolves is a historical and epic drama that provides a romantic look at the terrible time in human history where expansion in the name of progress is inevitable. The story is about the profound relationship between a Civil War soldier named John J. Dunbar and a band of Sioux Indians. The film opens on a particularly dark note during the American Civil War when Lieutenant John Dunbar attempts to kill himself after learning that his legs are to be amputated. By his suicidal attempt however, he establishes himself a hero. Due to his bravery, Dunbar is offered a station anywhere he wants. He chooses the frontier and soon reassign to a remote post in South Dakota where he encounters the Sioux. In his stay there overtime, he becomes comfortable with his peaceful surroundings and the natural simplicity of the lifestyle. There is a subtle cinematic poetry in the frontiers scenes that makes the viewers learn not just the character of Dunbar but the land itself more than hundred years ago. In the arrival of the Sioux, there is an initial mutual distrust but as Dunbar and Sioux begin to communicate and interact, they form a bond. As Dunbar getting more infatuated with Siouxs lifestyle, he chooses to live his former life behind to join their culture, taking the name Dances with Wolves.  Dunbar makes a home for himself in this quiet plain, getting in touch with nature and enjoying the vast emptiness away from all the cruelties of the American Civil War he was used to.

In the film, Dunbar becomes a character who witnesses changes, those that are both tragic and enlightening, in the West. The Sioux culture due to imperialism is about to disappear. The encroaching approach of the new civilization come the possibility of the end of the Sioux culture. But the plot is not so much about foreshadowing the big possible impact of imperialism but it is more about complex human adventure of brotherhood and discovery. It is only after meeting the Sioux tribe that Dunbar begins to develop a full respect and love for nature and his new comrades. But the discovery of self and brotherhood are all threatened by the shadow of the army that will eventually thousands of Indians from their homeland and force them into submission.

In the film, with its lengthy running time, the viewers will learn to embrace both the White and Native American characters. More than the cinematic landscape, the viewers will embrace the characters as human beings that shine brighter than the afternoon sun. In the film, the viewers may forget many times the outside world and remain attach to the Sioux tribe and their authentic and profound customs and rituals. Due to their rich culture, the viewers will see many character relationships that are developed, including of course the spiritual growth of Dunbar. The authenticity of this epic film lies in the fact that it has an apparent humanistic appeal. Unlike other past epic Western films who only master gorgeous photography and stereotypical intensions, Dances with Wolves is first and foremost emotional that teaches the viewers about human nature. This epic historical film is more ambitious in scope compared to other films in the same genre since it places emphasis on human drama on a grand scale. Old epic is particularly known for its costume drama and its large expanse of time set against a vast, panoramic backdrop but this film is more on human emotions and transformation. In this film one will not expect lavish costumes, extravagant settings, dramatic scope, sweeping musical score and high production values.

Dances with Wolves is one of the most significant motion picture since it brings Native American culture into the consciousness of modern America. The script and the overall screenplay give a deeper understanding, sympathy and acceptance for the old Indian culture. The film embodies a dominant American culture that can not be ignored. The film gives the character of the soldiers different perspective. Instead of illustrating them as stupid brutes just like how other epic and war films manifest them, the film Dances with Wolves demonstrate them as human beings who wants a quiet life. The title itself determines the ultimate tragedy of the novels plot. The film was fruitful contribution to still remember that once in American frontier there came an ancient civilization that must be saluted with their expertise in the wilderness, pioneer life and the authenticity of their culture. The story is non fiction but the characters were created in the novel especially the Indian tribes has historical context. Though the land itself where the setting took place is as dangerous as the Indian tribes but the film also highlighted and justified the good sides of the natives. The setting is in the woods that fills Indian tribes. Their expertise in conventional battle in the wilderness fits their potential. The setting and nature conveys that the story is to introduce the native Indians. When the whites came, the film through the characters he created contributes to the depiction on how Indians are treated outside the Frontier. The film also showcases the weakness of the Europeans in their lack of understanding in the dangerous forest. At the very beginning, whites were expressive that they need Indians expertise to invade the land. Indians are fierce and dangerous though but it is for them to continue their legacy and civilization. Their keen awareness of racism made them defensive.