Dances with Wolves: Examining the Historical Accuracy of the Movie

Introduction

Dances with Wolves is a 1990 American epic western film directed by and starring Kevin Costner. The film tells the story of Lieutenant John Dunbar, an American soldier who travels to the American frontier to find a new life. Along the way, he befriends a tribe of Lakota Sioux Indians and eventually adopts their culture and lifestyle.

The purpose of this article is to explore the historical accuracy of the movie Dances with Wolves. We will look at how accurately the movie portrays the events of the time period, as well as the cultural representation of Native Americans and the US Cavalry. We will also investigate the impact that the movie has had on public perception of Native Americans.

Comparison to Historical Record

When assessing the accuracy of Dances with Wolves, it is important to consider the events of the time period. While some liberties were taken in the movie, overall it does provide an accurate representation of the situation between the US Cavalry and the Native Americans. In fact, many of the scenes in the movie are based on real-life events, such as the Battle of Little Big Horn.

It is important to note, however, that there are some areas of deviation from accuracy. For example, while the movie accurately depicts the US Cavalry’s treatment of Native Americans, it does not show the full extent of the atrocities committed. Additionally, while the movie does portray the differences between the US Cavalry and the Native Americans, it does not accurately depict the underlying reasons for these differences.

Cultural Representation of Native Americans in the Film

One of the most important aspects of Dances with Wolves is its portrayal of Native Americans. The movie does a good job of depicting the culture of the Lakota Sioux, including their language, customs, beliefs, and clothing. Furthermore, the movie portrays the Native Americans as strong, independent people who are capable of standing up for themselves and fighting for their rights.

However, there are some areas where the movie falls short. While the movie does a good job of showing the respect and admiration that Lieutenant Dunbar has for the Native Americans, it does not do enough to show the complexity of their culture. Additionally, while the movie does portray the Native Americans as strong and independent, it fails to show the struggles they faced due to the US Cavalry’s oppressive policies.

Impact of the Movie on Native Communities

The movie has had a significant impact on public perception of Native Americans. Before the movie was released, Native Americans were often portrayed in a negative light in popular culture. However, the movie has helped to shift public opinion by portraying them in a positive light. Furthermore, the movie has helped to bring attention to the injustices that Native Americans have faced throughout history.

Additionally, the movie has helped to raise awareness of Native American culture. By showing the culture and traditions of the Lakota Sioux, the movie has helped to educate people about Native American culture and has encouraged people to learn more about it.

Accuracy of General Custer’s Battle of Little Big Horn

The movie does a good job of representing General Custer’s Battle of Little Big Horn. The battle itself is depicted accurately, and the movie shows the bravery of both sides in the conflict. Additionally, the movie accurately portrays the Native Americans’ victory in the battle, showing that they were able to defeat the US Cavalry despite being outnumbered.

However, there are some areas where the movie could have been more accurate. For example, the movie does not show the full extent of the US Cavalry’s losses, nor does it show the aftermath of the battle. Additionally, the movie fails to show the Native Americans’ loss of land and resources due to the US government’s policies following the battle.

US Cavalry Treatment of Native Americans

The movie accurately portrays the US Cavalry’s treatment of Native Americans. It shows the brutality of the US Cavalry, as well as the discrimination and oppression that the Native Americans faced. Furthermore, the movie does a good job of illustrating the impact that these policies had on Native American communities.

However, the movie does not show the full extent of the US Cavalry’s atrocities. For example, the movie does not show the massacre of Native Americans at Wounded Knee or the forced relocation of Native Americans to reservations. Additionally, the movie fails to show the long-term effects of these policies, such as poverty and disease.

Conclusion

Overall, Dances with Wolves is a relatively accurate portrayal of the US Cavalry and Native American relations during the late 19th century. The movie does a good job of showing the culture and traditions of the Lakota Sioux, as well as the bravery of both sides in the conflict. Additionally, the movie has had a positive impact on public perception of Native Americans, raising awareness of their culture and helping to educate people about their struggles throughout history.

While the movie does take some liberties with the facts, overall it does provide an accurate representation of the time period. As such, the movie can be seen as an important tool for educating people about Native American history and culture.