Movie Review: Dances with Wolves

Dances with Wolves (1990, PG-13): ****

Where to begin with Dances with Wolves? Well, this is a western film that doesn't feel like a western film.  I can't really find an explanation for that.  Maybe it's that Dances with Wolves belongs in its own unique genre.  Call it an epic film then if you must; similar in fashion to other great films such as Ben-Hur, the Ten Commandments, Gettysburg or the Godfather and such.  Dances with Wolves is such an appealing film, so much as to that it becomes one of the greatest movies ever made.  Visually, Dances with Wolves is gorgeous to look at, with the camera taking in the entire vast panorama of the Great Plains.  It's a cinematic achievement on any level, shot through with a number of highlights, a few of which that come to mind include an opening Civil War battle sequence, a Buffalo hunt, and a battle between rival tribes.  Perhaps Dances with Wolves' most decent accomplishment though, is having a high sense of respect for both the Native American and White way of life, and shows the good and bad aspects of both cultures.  That said, Dances with Wolves is an incredible feat, and one that has been equaled by all too few.  Directed by Kevin Costner.