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What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Maria Llull

Lt. John Dunbar (Kevin Costner) is a soldier in the American Civil War whose suicide attempt ends up bringing about a battle victory for his side. Given his choice of posts as a reward, he picks the frontier where an insane Major sends him miles away to an abandoned, run-down fort. Months go by with no contact from the Army. Dunbar's solitude, curiosity, and sense of duty lead him to make friends with some Sioux Indians who come to him seeking answers about the intentions of the white men in their country. Dunbar eventually gives up waiting for the U.S. Army to send supplies and more men. Through more than three hours of movie, he falls in love, befriends a wolf, and the Sioux come to trust him and treat him as one of their own, eventually fully integrating him with the tribe.

Is It Any Good?

5

This very emotional and intense epic has many light-hearted moments but it's not kid-friendly. It is fraught with violence, and there are heavy themes such as suicide (three characters attempt to take their own lives; one succeeds). However, the characters in DANCES WITH WOLVES will stay with you, as will the decisions they make and the love (and hatred) they show.

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