Review of Dances with Wolves (1990) by Daniel K — 29 Jan 2011

4: Classic film and one that I definitely grew up loving. It played an even larger role in my imagination than most largely due to the locations and the people. I definitely remember having a fascination with the native americans that lived among the buffalo herds on the plains.

This was certainly partially due to the Badlands and the surroundings grasslands being one of my, if not my very, favorite places to visit as a child. The locations are truly beautiful and they look better on Blu-Ray than they ever have before.

I can certainly see why the film was difficult to get greenlighted, but it's equally obvious after seeing it why it was so successful. It is strange that Costner was able to make a film this good this early and then have much of his subsequent work be so lackluster in comparison.

I got the sense while watching the film that it was often on the verge of the ridiculous, but because it never crossed a certain boundary it ended up being brilliant. Everything about the film simply reminds one of the joy and dedication the filmmakers must have felt in bringing their vision to the screen in such a magnificent way.

The sense of place, people, and culture created through simple actions, items, and dialogue is impressive. One is certainly transported into a foreign and yet familiar world. The film isn't as effective for me now as it was when I was a child, but it is still a powerfully entertaining and moving piece of work.

I think the original theatrical cut is probably much more compelling than the extended version, even if it is interesting to see more of the story.