DANCES WITH WOLVES (1990) | FIRST TIME WATCHING | Reaction & Commentary | So BEAUTIFUL!!

[@luci2k1]

History Buffs pointed out one of the greatest feats of this movie... thanks to not only having her as coach for the cast's Lakota language skills, but by giving her a small speaking role... the late Doris Leader Charge speaking 100% authentic Lakota will be forever preserved on film... for me that's the real tear dropper of this movie.

[@larrybell726]

I seem to recall reading an interview with Doris Leader Charge shortly after the movie came out. She was very happy to get the bit part in the movie, she said she would be able to buy a new refrigerator for her family.

[@opiniondude1]

​@@larrybell726I just bought a new fridge for my family. It cost a month of wages.

[@OneVoiceMore]

@@opiniondude1 Riveting.

[@dineanddash22]

Not only that but History Buffs also went into the history of the Sioux history up to the Keystone protest

[@ZelbeQahi]

FYI: Keep in mind. Many indigenous languages are gender based. When the Lakota watched the film, they laughed because everything spoken was spoken as a female.

[@lordrahl2345]

In the ending scene when Wind in His Hair yells from the cliff top "Do you see I am your friend", coming full circle from "Do you see I am not afraid of you" gets me choked up every time. One of my favorite cinematic moments.

[@krisbrown6692]

Every time.

[@robertharper5087]

I agree, it’s what I think about when I think of this movie.

[@subliminallime4321]

For me it's the wolf howling when the soldiers find the abandoned Souix camp.

[@scipioafricanus5871]

The Prairie version of "screaming it from the rooftops"

[@Doutsoldome]

This is one of the most emotionally powerful scenes I've seen in any movie (and I've seen a lot, believe me - including a ton of Bergman, Fellini, Antonioni, Truffaut, Godard, Kurosawa, Tarkovsky, Welles, Kubrick and so on). The emotion it generates in the audience is totally earned. It's a masterclass in how to really build things up, instead of relying on cheap tricks to lead the audience. This whole movie is a masterpiece, and this particular scene is, together with the buffalo hunting sequence and Two Socks accepting food for the first time, among its top highlights. Pauline Kael once said that only real life Grumpys would fail to love the 1937 Disney's Snow White. I venture to say that only souless people would fail to get teary-eyed when Wind in His Hair yells from the cliff top.

[@mattdellarosa7365]

I always tear up at the end when Wind in his Hair is telling Dances with Wolves he is his friend too Shanelle. So good.

[@slchance8839]

That was the first scene in any movie EVER, that made me cry, at the age of 19. To me, it was a somewhat movie "coming of age," for me, because i realized I was moved by emotion and cinematic art, not hollywood manipulation.

[@jean-paulaudette9246]

Sincerely. Every single time.

[@haroldlipschitz9301]

Yep, kills me every time too. Shouting forever friendship from a ridgetop...

[@John-m2d6y]

The voice-over is that of him (in his mind) WRITING in his journal. When you write, it is matter of fact. The emotion comes at the reading.

[@pistonburner6448]

Also: some people talk like that. I seriously can't with millennials, pretend to be so into "diversity" but then can't understand or handle *_anything_* different from their basic b***h friends repeating the same exact programmed sound-bytes with rising intonation.

[@Mclint9171]

@@pistonburner6448amen. Think it’s more the younger generations than millennials…maybe a few millennials trying to fit in with the young. But they’re all used to do much slang, atrocious grammar, etc that I’ll call it, pure dialect sounds strange to them.

[@timchuck9969]

Okay sure, but is that the best way to tell the story of the film? Debatable, but I’d say it could use a bit of an emotional punch-up. Take The Last Samurai, which is basically the exact same plot as this movie. Tom Cruise’s character is also narrating from his journal, but he puts a lot more heart into the delivery, and it pays off.

[@timchuck9969]

@@pistonburner6448 What does the voiceover have to do with diversity? hahaha. We know he doesn’t just “talk like that” because we hear Kevin Costner emote a lot more in the dialogue scenes of the movie. Aren’t people supposed to age with grace? You sound bitter!

[@vanyadolly]

Kevin Costner has a very matter-of-fact way of acting, but it's carried by the sincerity behind it, rather than outright emotionality. Maybe it's growing up in the 90s, but he's just got one of those wholesome, comforting presences.

[@nayjay468]

Wes Studi the "Bad" Pawnee won an honorary Oscar for lifetime contributions. This was his first stand out role.

[@JustinJaymz]

Great reaction, Shannelle! As a 16 year old indigenous youth growing up in New York when this was released, it was amazing to see natives depicted in such a wonderful way on the big screen. And this movie gave rise to short burst of movies where indigenous characters were presented as lead characters in movies, including “Last of the Mohicans” and “Thunderheart”, both of which are great movies worth checking out.

[@jenniferfoster1692]

I love Thunderheart soooo much!!! Graham Greene & Val Kilmer were the best together, the whole movie is just so amazing. Loved Grandpa, too, and John Trudell. I love watching Reservoir Dogs because so many of these great Native American actors are in it. Wes Studi's character goes against his film type as a tough guy, he's so funny and intellectual with string theory. Of course Graham Green is in it, too, among other greats (& new wonderful actors). .

[@marcusfridh8489]

It also gave rise to the documentary series 500 nations, produced and narrative by Kevin costner himself

[@tsogobauggi8721]

"Many times I had felt alone, but until this afternoon I had never felt completely lonely." That line I have remembered since the first time watching this movie.

[@sueshoemaker2924]

This film holds a special place in my heart. It was the movie I saw on my first date with my husband of 31 years. What a way to start a relationship! Thanks Kevin Costner!

[@jackdoud]

This is one of those movies that NEEDS to be seen on a big screen.

[@johnbernhardtsen3008]

we kinda had it back then, my big bros 600 dollar sorround sound, a 52 inch farkin heavy tv that had to run about 3-4 minutes before the colours were right!plenty of soda and candy that night!amazing movie

[@styles9956]

@@johnbernhardtsen3008lol old school TVs we’re heavy af

[@SutMacG]

I saw this one, Dead Poets Society, Last of the Mohicans and Glory all on the big screen as a 12-13 year old kid. Absolutely life changing movies for me still to this day!

[@Doutsoldome]

Yep.

[@QuayNemSorr]

I remember seeing it with my Dad when it came out. First "grown up" movie he took me to, and it was just the two of us. Just a couple of guys at the movies. I was 10 years old and I still remember it vividly.

[@mattdellarosa7365]

"if he loses this horse by the end...so help me God, I will cry." I'm pretty sure that won't be the only moment you'll cry in Shanelle.

[@Klayhamn]

i love the contrast between "can you see that i am your friend?" at the end and "can you see that i am not afraid of you?!" at the start

[@OldScratch81]

Jeremiah Johnson with Robert Redford is a master piece , and Little Big Man with Dustin Hoffman is great as well

[@c1ph3rpunk]

Definitely +1 on both of those. Classic masterpieces.

[@Brandon-th4xx]

My dad MADE me watch Jeremiah Johnson when i was very young.. now I have to watch it when it comes on.. just wish he was hear, so I could watch it with him

[@chris...9497]

"Windwalker" (1981) is said to be as poetic and beautiful as "Jeremiah Johnson", but from the Native American side.

[@rebo2610]

​@@Brandon-th4xx:hugs:

[@potterj09]

Oh nice, only recently saw Jeremiah Johnson knowing it was there since I was a kid, glad its a consensus how amazing it is. Hoffman I've seen almost all of since now. About to look up another new wonder. What an awesome platform where we can share our loves of film :)

[@rustincohle2135]

52:50 _During the musical recording in post-production, composer John Barry was reportedly so moved by the film's final scene that he broke down in tears while conducting that section of the score._ YES! YES! YES! I've written trivia on IMDb for like 10-15 movies that you've reacted to so far, Shan, and this is the FIRST time that you read one that I wrote in your reaction. Only took three years. So stoked...😂 When you think about it, composer John Barry would've been the first person to actually watch the ending of the film WITH the score. The edit of the film would've been playing on a big screen on the wall in front of him, while the orchestra would've had their backs to the screen while he conducted. Barry would've been watching the film while conducting so that he could accurately control the rhythm and tempo of the score.

[@The-Cosmic-Hobo]

I used to contribute to IMDB before it became so heavily subscriber based... Now I don't bother. :( It's no longer a community.

[@rustincohle2135]

@@The-Cosmic-Hobo What do you mean by _"before it became so heavily subscriber based"?_ The thing I miss the most about IMDb is the discussion boards.

[@The-Cosmic-Hobo]

@@rustincohle2135 I miss the discussion boards, too. I mean - once upon a time there was no "Pro" paid version of IMDB. I'm not going to provide information for free to a service that is then going to charge people for that info.

[@highstimulation2497]

yeah screw the subscription model. all it is does is separate people and society and destroy communities.

[@highstimulation2497]

yes.... being a sensitive person is indeed a wonderful thing sometimes.

[@shainewhite2781]

Winner of 7 Oscars including Best Picture! One of the greatest epic westerns of all time! The Buffalo Hunt Sequence is one of my favorite scenes in the movie!

[@pistonburner6448]

The anti-open-borders education film, which too few learned from.

[@josepho7083]

This is really one of the best movies ever made, and the story behind the script is more amazing. As a person born and raised for 16 years in South Dakota and traveling to the reservations makes this hit so much harder. The scenery of South Dakota is beyond amazing to anyone who has never seen such a beautiful site

[@kh884488]

You should check out the 2017, semi-biographical film "The Rider" by Chloe Zhao - it's a small, independent film, but filmed on the Pine Ridge Reservation. IMO, better than "Nomadland" which was an Oscar winner for best picture.

[@Maya_Ruinz]

The buffalo chase scene, with its incredible mix of music and visuals is just legendary filmmaking. Kevin Costner is an American treasure.

[@PetraDarklander]

By far one of the greatest films ever made. A timeless classic.

[@Major42]

Yep.

[@entropyfun]

I actually like the monotone narration. It portrays a simple but conscientious man's perspective.

[@floorticket]

A film in the same vein is "Little Big Man" (1970), starring Dustin Hoffman and Faye Dunaway.

[@jmc5876]

Costner's story of the screenplay writer is pretty amazing

[@sgtcrab2569]

Jesus ,...Dan George! Please!

[@TetsuoVI]

I think Legends Of The Fall might also be your cup of tea. Excelent reeaction as usual.

[@robbiereacts22]

I feed a squirrel and 3 crow’s every day at my house. They come every day. I love this film it made me cry the first time I watched

[@SamCreedT1000]

Shanelle, Costner's is doing journal narration. Something that's been a movie making tool forever. Westen movies in particular.

[@thunderstruck5484]

Amazing how Clint, Mel and Kevin can star in and direct such epic films, thanks Shanelle!

[@louisenglish8069]

Tarantino as well, definitely a lost skill

[@lexkanyima2195]

Warren Beatty also And they won for best directing

[@Doutsoldome]

Mel Brooks?

[@rexxbailey2764]

​@@Doutsoldome: LOLS GIBSON BRO, GIBSON😁😋 WELL YEAH ACTUALLY MEL BROOKE'S CAN ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE LIST TOO ACTUALLY! 😂😂😆😆

[@tjmccannphotography2786]

Thanks so much for reacting to this movie. This was filmed in South Dakota. I worked with a non-profit in the mid-2000s on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, home of the Oglala Lakota people, aka the Sioux. I knew some of the people who were extras in Dances With Wolves. One man, whose name was John Her Many Horses, was a Pow-Wow dancer in the scene where Kevin Kostner's character rides in to announce the Tatanka (Buffalo) John said they pulled him off his horse much harder than was expected. Also, there is a male and female dialect in the Lakota language, and at times, the men are speaking in the female dialect. It was a running joke on the Rez.

[@HotrodDan]

The extended director's cut gives a lot more back story on the soldiers who left Fort Sedgewick and the commanding officer at Fort Hayes who was insane. Helps explain a lot.

[@charlize1253]

6:39 "What's with all of these clowns?" One thing the movie gets right is there weren't a lot of well-read college-educated professionals out on the frontier in the 1860's. Western "heroes" like Davy Crockett, Kit Carson, and Billy the Kid were mostly illiterate, violent brutes, as were most foot soldiers in the army.

[@jesseblack0713]

One of my favorite movies of Kevin Costner's. One movie that I would recommend if you like this one is "Quigley down under" Starring Tom Selleck.

[@zurnie]

This was filmed near where I live. I took a bunch of Lakota classes in college. I was two credits short of a minor in Lakota. Only because they did not have enough classes to qualify a minor degree. From not using it since the mid 90s my Lakota is so rusty. But, I can pick out every third or fourth word being said.

[@mattdellarosa7365]

Yay!! It's about time Shanelle. I've been waiting for this reaction. I know you're gonna love it.

[@IDLERACER]

😎👍 A year after this film, Kevin Kostner DID try his hand at a southern dialect in the movie "JFK" and most genuine southerners at the time found his accent to be a bit iffy. Of course, it wasn't nearly the disaster that his attempt at an English accent was in "Robin Hood, Prince Of Thieves." I chuckled when you mentioned Donny Osmond. The one criticism of this film that critics had at the time of it's release was Kostner's 1980s MTV hair. Needless to say, very few men had hair like that in the 1960s let alone the 1860s. 😄 As for directing one's self in movies, Clint Eastwood, Mel Brooks and Woody Allen have all been doing it successfully since the late 1960s.

[@joerhea9340]

As usual you are always so good with your reactions. I love your trivia section. I feel like I am learning with you. I saw this in the movie theater in 1990. I remember walking out and feeling heartache about what did to the native Americans. Even to this day it still breaks my heart,

[@sunshinyday8648]

The tall skinny native kid that John saved from the buffalo... His daughter is now the first Native supermodel. Quannah Chasinghorse

[@arctan2010]

The soundtrack is just amazing. This is one of the earliest Hollywood movies where Native Americans are portrayed in a more realistic setting with their actual languages are used as opposed to the usual Hollywood butchery of using extras just making whooping sounds or talking English like Tarzan.

[@johannesvalterdivizzini1523]

"Little Big Man" from 20 years earlier (1970) did all that very well.

[@flarrfan]

@@johannesvalterdivizzini1523 Better and more interestingly, with a great Dustin Hoffman performance, IMO. And as far as I can tell, no one has reacted to it :(

[@gregkral4467]

Glad that you got a chance to see this awesome story. Loved all the characters in Dances with Wolves, powerful cast, and you see them all over the place. Fun reliving this show with ya. Happy new year.

[@haroldlipschitz9301]

Shanelle, your reaction to this is basically the same as mine when I first saw this as a teenager. So many great emotional moments, the score goes straight to the heart, and the flat narration a big distraction. But over time I have just come to appreciate this as one of the best movies of the last 50 years, there is so much heart in the story and it speaks to really important themes, as you noted at the end. By the way, no need for John to have a particular accent, as he was an officer and therefore an educated man from the north. And even if you fucked up, your hair looks great! Absolutely rocking those colors

[@randallwilliamson3838]

Open Range, Silverado, Wyatt Earp are all great Kevin Costner westerns. Silverado is the first movie I ever saw Kevin Costner in and I have been a fan ever since. Even his portrayal in Hattfield and McCoys is fantastic. In this movie he is an educated man and an officer in the Northern Army, there is no reason he would have a drawl.

[@texashookem22]

OPEN RANGE is a must watch, one of the best westerns ever, in my opinion. Costner and Robert Duvall are absolutely brilliant, and it's another beautifully directed Costner film. The Postman you can probably skip. 😂

[@russcarvertruthjedi259]

I second that, I forgot about that when I was providing options for other westerns. Open range is one of my favorites. It's just such a realistic story. I even remember my dad hating sheep because they graze to the ground. They eat the grass to the ground making it hard for any other animals to eat. I don't know how much that's true, but I'm pretty sure it derived from cattlemen hating sheep herders and my dad being a lifelong Montanan.

[@tonyodonnell-tv9yq]

I think that the Postman is an underrated masterpiece.

[@jeffreymoore6742]

The move “Open Range “ also stars Robert Duvall. Another good western. This one does have shot em ups

[@mattdellarosa7365]

Shanelle: "I don't know why I feel emotional." Get ready for the rest of the movie Shanelle.

[@alexrobert13]

As a follow up watch Kevin Costner on The Graham Norton show how he came to direct the film, quite interesting!

[@mattdellarosa7365]

Thanks for reacting to this one Shanelle. I love, love, love this movie. It's so epic and they don't make movies like this anymore. Watching this is like rewatching it for the first time for me. All the feels, great movie, great reaction. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@horror_fam0847]

Being Native American my whole family loved this movie especially my late grandma she always shed a tear at the end knowing that when the Calvary came upon the camp that the tribe would go through tremendous heartache and grief. Always a great movie one of my top ten movies you have to react to The Last Of The Mochians another amazing movie with beautiful shots, amazing acting and inspiring music

[@marcusfridh8489]

Wich also has Wes Study in it as Magua and the epic score by Hans Zimmer himself

[@tolson57]

It is good to see the movie have the same effect across the generations. I saw this on the big screen and in the ending scene, when Wind In His Hair is calling out to Dances With Wolves, most of the people were crying. PS you should do the Postman. Another great film that will leave you in tears.

[@dereknolin5986]

I feel like The Postman has gotten an undeserved bad rap. I thought many parts were pretty moving, myself. Also, the late one and only Tom Petty has one of his few movie roles.

[@Xorgrim]

Open Range is very good, too. Again, lots of great landscape shots. Like this one, it is also an unusual Western, but in a different way.

[@yourthaiguy]

Your reaction was EVERYONES reaction the first time they see this. An EPIC film and an incredible accomplishment for Kevin Costner in his directorial debut. Everything seemed to come together perfectly for this film which went on to sweep the Oscars that year. The unsung hero of this picture is John Barry who went on to win the Oscar for film score. Watch the making of it! FYI… kicking Birds wife, played by Tantoo Cardinal, appears in KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON as Lily Gladstones mother and the young actor who plays SMILES ALOT was recently arrested for running a sex trafficking cult…

[@nsasupporter7557]

This movie was good but the first half of it before he meets the Indians was boring as hell

[@onlyme064]

@@nsasupporter7557 Maybe for you it was. For others, great storybilding.

[@Lepusxlupus]

This is probably one of my favorite movies. Not only because of the movie itself but because it hits so close to home. Grew up in western SD, so not only filmed there but the story based there...and the story actually being respectful and accurate! Most other westerns could never! I have only watched a few seconds and I just have to say your reaction is one of only a handful I wasn't nervous for. So much to appreciate in this. I know you'll probably not see this, so for anyone else reading. The big wide landscape shots that are just so beautiful...that's some of the ignored beauty of this specific part of the country. Its easy to miss, but once you see it is so hard to deny. Yea the politics here usually suck. But even the most bullheaded western south dakotans still typically appreciate how special it can be here. Okay, on to the reaction. I'M EXCITED!

[@keyman6689]

I take his voice over as reading his journal. It has that matter-of-fact feel to it, like we're reading it, as opposed to him telling his story within a conversation with someone. Also, I see this movie as a civil war drama, not a western. I guess horses means western.

[@doggiesarus]

This film is so soft spoken, about the campaign leading to the near Extinction of the American Plains Bison, and the total anihalation of the plains people, and it makes me totally cry.

[@Dracounguis]

I always find it funny when all these young people just assume everything is CGI. No one could possibly have a training wolf or there actually be physical buffalo. 😆 In 1990 there wasn't realistic CGI.

[@lexkanyima2195]

It was so well done and practical

[@gsh341]

The great thing about Dances With Wolves is it manages to make the white guys both the heroes and the villains while simultaneously portraying the native Americans in a good light. It showed the complexity of the struggle between two cultures.

[@mattdellarosa7365]

Kevin Kostner shared his personal story of how he came to direct Dances with Wolves on the Graham Norton show. You can probably find the clip.

[@poolhall9632]

Yeah, he really gave his friend the business...but it worked 😅

[@MikeWood]

Epic. And Beautiful. And Sad. Seeing it in the theater was something else. If you ever get to see a showing somewhere, it is worth it.

[@jjkcharlie]

If you liked this, check out "Little Big Man" (1970).

[@brettfogarty1616]

I saw this movie at the cinema, it was so long the cinema split into 2 parts with an intermission. Later on after afew years it was released with an extended version. It was beautifully shot movie, won many academy awards.

[@cbmx1x1]

The first encounter Costner has with Wind In His Hair is interesting - the warrior is doing something called “counting coup”, in which a warrior would get close enough to an enemy to touch them, without harming them, as a way of humiliating the enemy’s pride and demonstrating bravery.

[@MFSMUG]

One of my favorite films of all time. Tragic and beautiful. Your hair looks great, Shan.

[@pedroV2003]

Shanelle, Dances with Wolves is a beautiful movie. You should look up the story of Costner talking about how the story came to be a movie. I love westerns. I used to watch them with my dad so I am kind of sentimental about it. The following are a few favorites that you might want to check out. Open Range Jeremiah Johnson Outlaw Josey Wales Pale Rider True Grit (the remake) Butch Casidy and the Sundance Kid

[@stevenwertschnig329]

You are so much fun to watch! Thank you

[@williampearson9679]

Perhaps Kostner was speaking like an undereducated, plain spoken man of the 1860’s might have spoken. Thank you for reacting to this, Shanelle. You are good at this!

[@stevesparks2001]

He was an officer, and not likely undereducated

[@adamcohen233]

I'm a newcomer to your channel and I'm really enjoying your reactions- from one NYer to another, keep up the great work!

[@poolhall9632]

The story of how this novel was written is a journey in itself. Costner recounts the story on the Graham Norton Show. A friend of Kevin, who was struggling as a Hollywood writer ended up crafting this story after Kevin gave him a bit of a career wake up call - and they had a falling out. Kevin ignored the story for a while - then on finally reading it told his buddy he was going to film it. It made Blake's career. Edit: they both won an Oscar

[@AndyJayroe]

“He was working in a Chinese restaurant, killing raccoons“ 😂 The funniest part of that interview was Ricky Gervais saying “wow that’s an amazing story, because I never help anyone. “

[@poolhall9632]

@@AndyJayroe lmao yes 😅

[@tofersiefken]

Despite the fact that Kevin Costner's character voice is generally the same whether he's playing an early American soldier, Robin Hood, a seafarer or a post-apocalyptic postman, I would suggest you check out The Postman (1997), Waterworld (1995) and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) for future reactions.

[@pistonburner6448]

👍

[@billtisch3698]

Yep. Costner just doesn't do accents. Although he did hick it up a little in Swing Vote. He can pass for Robin Hood, but not for drunken trailer trash.

[@lexkanyima2195]

​@@billtisch3698in JFK he did a bit of Oklahoma accent

[@billtisch3698]

@@lexkanyima2195 OK (npi LOL) But I didn't watch that. I'm allergic to conspiracy theories.

[@NéstorjesuanemilianoMujica]

Listening to the wind scream heartbreakingly always makes me cry, not because they are friends, but because it is clear that you should never despise people because of their appearance, they overcame the differences of race, language and beliefs and ended up being best friends dance with wolves will always have a privileged place in my heart

[@dailyrider2975]

LOL, I forget how blessed I've been growing up in the West learning about the Indian tribes, animals and the life they led. Seeing Lady Shanelle watch this movie and realize how much is no longer being shared and passed down about Americas past saddens me. The land has had such rich history for various peoples who lived here and most movies are about the future, wars, crime, romance and clever fantasy and yet there is so much we can tell about history that is just as fascinating.

[@nebidiaswift5200]

The end gets me every time. So pure. I love this movie glad you reacted to it!!!

[@cbobwhite5768]

If you want a earlier, true western, that has a younger Kevin Costner in it, watch "Silverado", from 1985. It has a amazing cast and story.

[@1MahaDas]

At the time of this film's release, the American Western genre of film had all but died. It was 'Dances with Wolves' that single-handedly restored an interest and an audience for such motion pictures. This production was also one of the first films to portray the indigenous tribes as protagonists as opposed to protagonists!

[@patinho5589]

As opposed to antagonists*.

[@Lee_H9]

If you wanna keep on with this Western kick, Graham Greene is in another good one: MAVERICK. It's a really fun movie with a stacked cast including Mel Gibson (who you referenced here), Jodie Foster, James Garner, and Alfred Molina.

[@raramonty5217]

I love Maverick it's such a great movie with a great cast

[@pebblesanddirt]

That movie is totally fun. It’s a little cheesy but so was the TV show. If you only know Jodie Foster from her more serious work, you’ll enjoy her having a blast being sexy and funny and brash.

[@charlesedward5047]

Hey Shanelle. Always love your reactions, super insightful! I'm just surprised you didn't see the superior Extended Cut of Dances with Wolves.

[@ShanelleRiccio]

Yeah i didn’t have four hours of time that day 🥲

[@EastPeakSlim]

Thank you so much for your honest, cogent reaction to such a great film. I love how Smiles A Lot becomes a pivot for spinning the story. He is the first to attempt to steal Cisco. Dunbar saves him from the buffalo. He helps Dunbar find the guns to help protect the Lakota camp. He becomes a warrior when he buries the tomahawk in the Sergeant's sternum. Finally, he returns the journal. Great film making and deserving of the Oscar for Best Movie.

[@falkohehl8769]

Music, landscapes, story telling....beautiful. Always rewatchable, if you are aware, that your heart will be broken again.

[@mikeljenks]

Legends of the Fall is another movie like this. It sounds like a western in setting and story moments but it’s really a character study of a man dealing with a changing world.

[@nsasupporter7557]

Yes, that was the movie that put Brad Pitt on the map. I mean, he was already pretty known before after he did Thelma and Louise but Legends of the Fall was what really shot him to super stardom. Unfortunately, it aged pretty badly though

[@redensign24]

I'm glad I saw this in the theatre. up on the huge screen the outdoor shot were so moving. on anything else it's never felt the same again.

[@Ganon5600]

Another great, but often overlooked, Kevin Costner film is The Postman. You should check that one out too.

[@djgrant8761]

This film won Oscars for Best Picture and Best Director at the 63rd Academy Awards in March of 1991.

[@pjb3583]

I think it’s a great idea to start exploring Westerns, and I would like you to add Silverado to your list of possibilities. It’s one of Kevin Costner’s early, early roles and it’s a really fun movie. I always enjoy watching a film with you, well done! Peace …

[@carriecoles6299]

I remember watching this as a kid..I cried hard. Every angle of it broke my ❤.

[@Wayne-x6x]

If you want another really good western, you could try 'Lonesome Dove'. Miniseries, KZbin, 6 hours, 4 parts. I've only seen one reactor do it.

[@cole_deatherage]

i love the tone of the narration, it keeps the listener knowing who he is

[@SmokeDogg11]

I love the bit where Costner gives Kicking Bird the spyglass and he reacts with amazement. It mirrors the moment in Robin Hood where Morgan Freeman does the same for Robin.

[@TheJamieRamone]

22:17 - Man, Shanelle, you never cracked open a history book have you? The white man, that's what happened to them. They got skinned for their valuable hides, and the rest was left to rot. That also took a toll on the various indian tribes of the Great Plains who lived off their flesh AS WELL AS their hides.

[@kathyastrom1315]

I always recommend the 1939 John Ford-directed Stagecoach, which launched John Wayne into the stratosphere. The entire movie is fantastically written and directed, with a very exciting action scene towards the end. It really was the prototype for all future feature-film Westerns.

[@JackW467]

He Says in the scene at the Fort, "I want to see the frontier before it's gone" . That was his motivation.

[@rg3388]

I’ve never met Kevin Costner, but he and I came very close to being literal classmates. The sadness at seeing dead buffalo is not just because they are dead, as they would be no less dead no matter who killed them. The problem is that white hunters would not have performed the ceremonies necessary to maintain the covenant between humans and animals that ensures that buffalo will return annually and make themselves available.

[@nsasupporter7557]

It was cool that he did the hits… the Untouchables, Robin Hood and Dances with Wolves. But he went downhill when he did the tankers Waterworld and Postman

[@dgillphotos]

Tears = Human. Dustin Hoffman made a film called "Little Big Man" which was the last film before this one that told the story of the American Indians from the Indian perspective. When "Dances with Wolves" came out - everyone thought Costner was crazy - a three hour western from the American Indian perspective? He was right. I'm not sure how much is said about it these days but it stands on its own as an epic from the 1990s - timeless from anytime. I cannot remember the last time I watched this or a reaction here to it and not cried. Why? I think there is a beauty to it; a true myth about the American west. I think we also rightly mourn what we did to a people and place so pure - as we look back. The tears are in our DNA as a country and when we cry we know it's true. After Ferguson - Director Spike Lee produced an ESPN 30 for 30 at the university of Missouri about the football coach who listened to his players and let them protest as well. At the University in an auditorium of college students - Spike Lee talked bout the project but refused to answer any questions. I love the guy. I think it was his way of saying - "I have already answered your questions - if you don't understand what I have worked so hard to say in my films, the problem is not with me but with you. There is nothing else I can say or do that I have not already tried to say before." That is what Costner did in "Dances with Wolves" and I believe this is why we cry.

[@OneArmedRetroGamer]

Cosner do an accent lol I guess she hasn't seen Prince of Thieves 😂

[@RoadDoug]

One of my favorites. I love how he got absorbed into the culture. PS love your hair

[@alanhembra2565]

I saw this movie in the theatre 4 times. I’d watch it on the big screen again if I could.

[@petetrippe8457]

This is one of my all time favorite films. I can't count how many times I've watched it, but I get emotional every time.

[@matthewjordan7297]

Dances with Wolves is one of my favorite epics! I enjoyed how Dunbar became enamored with the Sioux culture. Largely, this was possible because he and Kicking Bird saw the value in trying to overcome the language barrier. The friendship between those 2 characters is what leads to his joining the tribe. It's a very powerful story.

[@ricktreat]

One of my favorites, and probably the most beautiful movies I've ever seen.

[@LukeLovesRose]

This masterpiece is mostly setup. We literally spend almost all of the movie setting up the ending and our reaction to the ending. The score is fantastic. For the budget, the cinematography is fantastic. The acting is PHENOMENAL, even from the animals. Dances With Wolves is more proof that the 1990s is one of the greatest decades in film history. But a lot of people prefer the other masterpiece that year by Martin Scorsese, Goodfellas.

[@Doutsoldome]

Oh, I think _Goodfellas_ is overrated. It's obviously a good movie - I wouldn't deny that -, but I don't rate it even among Scorsese's best. The guy made three perfect movies and absolute masterpieces, in my estimation: _Taxi Driver, Raging Bull_ and _After Hours,_ with _The Color of Money_ and _The Temptation of Christ_ coming next as pretty excellent, but not as flawless as those other three. _Goodfellas_ is rather low in my list. Costner may not have directed many movies and I'm not a particular fan of his other two ones, but I do rate _Dances with Wolves_ higher than most of Scorsese's films, way above _Gooefellas,_ although not as high as those three perfect ones I mentioned.

[@LukeLovesRose]

@@Doutsoldome I can respect that. I disagree.

[@Doutsoldome]

@@LukeLovesRose Fair enough.

[@snbks4ever]

I love this movie and happy to see it get a nice 50+ min reaction. Saw this when I was a kid when it came out and couldn't appreciate it but I've seen it many more times and it just gets better everytime. Awesome reaction

[@pduidesign]

Since you already checked out Tombstone with Kurt Russel playing Wyatt Earp, you should also check out Kevin Costner’s other “Dances with Wolves” style film called “Wyatt Earp” with an all star cast as well. It was like Tombstone meets Dances with Wolves. A really great film! 👍

[@obenohnebohne]

I saw this movie as a kid and I loved it. Music, location, human connection. This movie has a dear place in my heart. I can’t belive it is 33 years old. A classic.

[@banje72]

Thanks for your reaction, Shanelle! I always enjoy your insightful comments. I saw this movie in the theater when I was 18, and it had a huge impact on me. It was my favorite movie until I saw Almost Famous in 2000. :D I totally get what you're saying about Costner's very flat delivery in his narration. I do think it detracts a little from the movie. But overall it's such a beautiful film, I can't help loving it.

[@PeteHummers-my3kv]

Costner directs himself with more period "realism" in the fine western "Open Range"

[@jmominis]

Fantastic movie. Loved your reaction. Cute you always say you are getting emotional for no reason…but it’s exactly what the movie was trying to do.😊 I always wondered about accents with movies set in this time period (1860). They probably didn’t sound like modern day American english. There’s some old recordings of people born in the mid 1800s and they all have a very distinctive way of speaking and it’s not a 1990 Costner accent.

[@TheJamieRamone]

Ugh, what a gorgeous movie! I'm so glad you finally watched it! The story, the music, the cinematography, the acting, a timeless classic! That's why I always recommended this one, along with just about everybody else, since...what, Avatar? Maybe even before that. And no, this certainly DOES COUNT AS A WESTERN. They not strictly cowboys shooting at each other, high noon duels, and hangings. Other things that fit are plots involving american indians, as well as being set west of the Mississippi and during the 19th century. So this one I watched on cable in 1993...I think. And I rewatched it every time it was on. I mean, you just watched it. How could I not? Like, DUH! Hadn't seen it in a long time. Good excuse for yet another rewatch! Man after that trivia You realize just how far Kevin Costner has come since his start in Troma films back on Long Island. Sucks that I'm such a BAMF (broke-ass mother fucker), I can't join the community on Patreon. 😢But I can comment, so hope that makes up for it. 😊

[@manuelvillacana9284]

I've been waiting for this one.❤ And you may want to check out a perfect world. That is also a pretty good Kevin Costner movie.