Dances With Wolves (1990)

     Usually when I think about watching a movie, I think about lounging around and eating popcorn. This was not the case with Dances with Wolves. The movie changed my views on not only Natives but film as well. During preparation to watch the film we discussed how Dances with Wolves was the first popular movie to adequately represented the Sioux and Pawnee tribes. Of course, as with most historical films, some aspects of native culture were twisted and stretched. The movie was not only a form of entertainment but a message about societal views on Natives and the West. Issues were deeper and more complicated in the West than perceived and Americans had prejudices about the cultures of the frontier.

     This starkly contrasts with what my judgments of the film originally were. In my mind Dances with Wolves was going to be a mix of the old western movies my grandpa likes and a war movie. It turns out to be the exact opposite. The Sioux are portrayed as compassionate, loyal and civilized group of people who are just trying to protect themselves and understand. The Sioux tribe and John Dunbar have to overcome fear, a communication barrier, and basic cultural differences to understand each other. It is heartwarming to say the least.
At this point I have not yet finished the film but I am excited to see how the story will proceed. As I watch, I would like to take note of parallels within the film and character progression as well as other important analysis. Analysis of film has been hard for me but when I see a parallel or image it brings a whole new meaning to the film. Dances with Wolves contains many important and relevant lessons on humanity and society as a whole.