"Dances with Wolves" is a 1990 American epic Western film directed by and starring Kevin Costner. It is based on the 1988 novel of the same name by Michael Blake. The film tells the story of John Dunbar (Costner), a Union Army lieutenant who is stationed at a remote outpost on the American frontier. Dunbar befriends a group of Lakota Sioux, and he eventually comes to adopt their way of life.
The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $425 million at the box office. It won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Costner won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama for his performance.
The film has been praised for its realistic portrayal of Native American culture and its sympathetic depiction of the Lakota Sioux. It has also been criticized for its white savior narrative and its historical inaccuracies. However, Dances with Wolves remains an important and influential film that continues to be enjoyed by audiences today.
Cast
- Kevin Costner as Lt. John J. Dunbar/Dances with Wolves (Lakota: Šuŋgmánitu Tȟáŋka Ób Wačhí)
- Mary McDonnell as Stands with a Fist (Napépȟeča Nážiŋ Wiŋ)/Christine Gunther
- Graham Greene as Kicking Bird (Ziŋtká Nagwáka)
- Rodney A. Grant as Wind in His Hair (Pȟehíŋ Otȟáte)
- Floyd "Red Crow" Westerman as Chief Ten Bears (Matȟó Wikčémna)
- Tantoo Cardinal as Black Shawl (Šiná Sápa Wiŋ)
- Jimmy Herman as Stone Calf (Íŋyaŋ Ptehíŋčala)
- Nathan Lee Chasing His Horse as Smiles a Lot (Iȟá S'a)
- Michael Spears as Otter (Ptáŋ)
- Jason R. Lone Hill as Worm (Waglúla)
- Charles Rocket as Lt. Elgin
- Robert Pastorelli as Timmons
- Tony Pierce as Spivey
- Larry Joshua as Bauer
- Kirk Baltz as Edwards
- Tom Everett as Sergeant Pepper
- Maury Chaykin as Major Fambrough
- Wes Studi as Toughest Pawnee
- Wayne Grace as the Major
- Michael Horton as Captain Cargill (extended version)
- Doris Leader Charge as Pretty Shield, Chief Ten Bears' wife (also credited as Lakota translator and dialogue coach)
- Donald Hotton as General Tide
- Frank P. Costanza as Tucker
- Annie Costner (Kevin's real-life daughter) as young Christine Gunther
- Otakuye Conroy as Kicking Bird's daughter
- Jim Wilson as Doctor (uncredited)
Director: Kevin Costner
Writer: Michael Blake
Box Office Gross: $424,208,848
Distributor: Orion Pictures
Genre: Adventure Drama Western
Release Date: November 9, 1990