Dances with Wolves facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dances with Wolves |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | Kevin Costner |
| Produced by |
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| Screenplay by | Michael Blake |
| Starring |
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| Music by | John Barry |
| Cinematography | Dean Semler |
| Editing by | Neil Travis |
| Distributed by | Orion Pictures |
| Release date(s) | October 19, 1990 (Uptown Theater) November 9, 1990 (United States) |
| Running time | 181 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | |
| Budget | $22 million |
| Money made | $424.2 million |
Dances with Wolves is a famous American movie from 1990. Kevin Costner directed, produced, and starred in it. It's an epic Western story. The movie is based on a book by Michael Blake. It tells the story of a soldier named John J. Dunbar. He travels to the American frontier. There, he meets and learns about the Lakota Indians.
Making the movie cost about $22 million. It was a big production. A lot of the talking in the movie is in the Lakota language. Don't worry, it has English subtitles! The filming happened in 1989. They shot scenes in South Dakota and Wyoming. Albert White Hat helped translate the Lakota language for the film.
The movie was very popular with critics and audiences. They loved Costner's directing and the actors' performances. Dances with Wolves was a huge success at the box office. It made over $424 million worldwide. This made it one of the highest-earning films of 1990. It is also the highest-grossing film for Orion Pictures.
The film was nominated for twelve Academy Awards. It won seven of them! These awards included Best Picture and Best Director for Kevin Costner. It also won for its writing, editing, cinematography, music, and sound. The movie also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Drama.
Dances with Wolves helped bring back the Western genre in Hollywood. In 2007, the movie was chosen for the United States National Film Registry. This means it's considered important for its culture, history, or beauty.
Contents
Main Characters
This section introduces the main actors and the characters they play. These characters are important to the story.
- Kevin Costner plays Lt. John J. Dunbar. He is the main character, a soldier who becomes known as "Dances with Wolves."
- Mary McDonnell plays Stands with a Fist. She is a white woman raised by the Lakota people.
- Graham Greene plays Kicking Bird. He is a wise Lakota holy man.
- Rodney A. Grant plays Wind in His Hair. He is a brave Lakota warrior.
- Floyd Red Crow Westerman plays Chief Ten Bears. He is the respected leader of the Lakota tribe.
- Tantoo Cardinal plays Black Shawl. She is Kicking Bird's wife.
- Jimmy Herman plays Stone Calf. He is another member of the Lakota tribe.
- Nathan Lee Chasing His Horse plays Smiles a Lot. He is a young Lakota boy.
- Michael Spears plays Otter. He is another young Lakota boy.
- Jason R. Lone Hill plays Worm. He is also a young Lakota boy.
- Wes Studi plays the fiercest Pawnee. He is a warrior from a rival tribe.
Story Summary
The movie's story begins during the American Civil War. Lt. John J. Dunbar is a Union Army officer. He is sent to a lonely outpost on the American frontier. He finds the outpost empty and decides to stay there alone.
Dunbar soon meets members of the Lakota tribe. At first, they are cautious of each other. But over time, Dunbar starts to learn about their culture. He learns their language and customs. He becomes friends with Kicking Bird and Wind in His Hair. He also falls in love with Stands with a Fist. She is a white woman who was adopted by the Lakota.
Dunbar becomes a part of the Lakota community. They give him the name "Dances with Wolves." This name comes from his friendship with a wolf he sees often. He learns to respect their way of life. He sees the beauty of the land and their traditions.
However, the American Army eventually finds Dunbar. They do not understand his new life with the Lakota. They see him as a traitor. Dunbar must decide where his loyalty lies. He chooses to stay with the Lakota people. He helps them prepare for the challenges ahead. The movie shows the clash between two different cultures. It highlights themes of friendship, respect, and belonging.
Awards and Recognition
Dances with Wolves received many important awards. These awards show how much people loved the movie.
Academy Awards
The film won seven Academy Awards. These are some of the most important awards in filmmaking.
- Best Picture: This is the top award for the best movie of the year.
- Best Director: Kevin Costner won for his amazing work directing the film.
- Best Adapted Screenplay: The movie's script, based on the book, was recognized as the best.
- Best Film Editing: The way the movie was put together, scene by scene, won an award.
- Best Cinematography: The beautiful camera work and visuals were honored.
- Best Original Score: The music created for the film was recognized as outstanding.
- Best Sound Mixing: The way all the sounds in the movie were blended together won an award.
Golden Globe Awards
The movie also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Drama. This is another major award for dramatic films.
National Film Registry
In 2007, Dances with Wolves was added to the National Film Registry. This means the Library of Congress believes it is very important. It is saved for future generations to watch and study.
Legacy of the Film
Dances with Wolves had a big impact on movies. It helped bring back interest in Western films. Before this movie, Westerns were not as popular. The film showed a different side of the American frontier. It focused on the Native American perspective. This was new for many viewers. The movie encouraged more films to explore historical events with greater depth and respect for different cultures.
See also
In Spanish: Dances with Wolves para niños
