Dances With Wolves Review (Essay)

Dances with Wolves directed by Kevin Costner is a historical movie depicting civil war and westward expansion during the 1800’s. A plot that is based on a dubbed American hero John Dunbar, and his experience in the West which include his encounters with the

Native Americans. The Movie to be thought filled with stereotypes of the “White Man” and the “Indians” are factually accurate.

The plot of the story was based upon John Dunbar and his Experiences in the Western Frontier. He accidentally leads union troops to a victory in the Civil War. He then requests for a position to go to the Western Frontier ( been a dream of his.) His post is moved to Dakota, in the middle of no where. He finds himself to be very lonely, and he sees a wolf he names Two Socks. Whilst wandering around on his horse he sees a women in distress under a tree and approaches her. She passes out and takes her back to the village, and everyone is scared of him and feels threatened. Keeping in mind there is a major language barrier. The tribe then realizes that Dunbar is trying to help. John Dunbar returns to his post and writes in his Diary everything that happens. Dunbar makes an effort to communicate with the tribe through hand motions and easily identifiable objects. The Girl Stands with a fist has little english left from her childhood but tries to translate for Dunbar. Slowly over time the sioux tribe and Dunbar become friendly with each other and Dunbar helps them in return they teach him their language and way of life. Dunbar and Girl Stands With a Fist get married but are troubled by the soldiers that are coming. she insists to stay with him during the outbreak. The Sioux tribe ends up defeating the soldiers. Although a victory, a sad one as important tribe members  died in battle and two socks was killed.

I felt that this movie was very accurate in the sense of  White Men and Native Americans During this time period. Some may argue these are stereo types are exaggerated although i will argue they are accurate. I think they are accurate as it portrays the white man as a whole (soldiers) to be very mean to the indians. But shows as individuals not all of them were like that and some wanted to help them and learn about their culture such as John Dunbar. Native Americans, were showed as threatened and then once shown trust were very open and caring, kind people.

Concluding, In my opinion, according to the plot of Dances with Wolves it is an accurate interpretation of the time period and is very beneficial source for a learning about the Civil War and Westward Expansion.