Opened: November 9, 1990

Directed by: Kevin Costner

Starring: Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene, Rodney A. Grant, Floyd Red Crow Westerman, Tantoo Cardinal, Jimmy Herman, Nathan Lee Chasing His Horse, Michael Spears, Jason R. Lone Hill, Charles Rocket & Robert Pastorelli

With incredible cinematography and a respect to the Lakota tribe at the center of the film, Kevin Costner’s directorial debut Dances with Wolves is an instant classic.

During the Civil War, Union Army lieutenant John J. Dunbar (Costner) is labeled a hero and gets to choose his post. He heads to the American frontier and meets a Lakota tribe, which he befriends and learns more about.

Much of the film is spoken in Lakota with English subtitles, which adds to the realism of the film. The story is one of understanding and ultimately shows what happens both when we accept others and when we refuse to learn more about them.

Shot on location in South Dakota and Wyoming, the scenery is stunning and features incredible wildlife, especially in the epic buffalo herding scene.

Final say: A tasteful tribute. ★★★★★