And the Best Picture goes to....

In his directorial debut, Kevin Costner delivers a visually stunning film set against the backdrop of the American frontier, featuring horses, Native Americans, and vast landscapes. The story effectively explores themes of racism from both sides, depicting some violent and disturbing scenes.

The main character, John J. Dunbar, is a dedicated Union officer who forms a unique bond with the Sioux tribe after initially facing off with them. Despite the language barrier, he successfully integrates into the tribe and becomes one of them.

Mary McDonnell’s performance as the white woman turned Indian is particularly noteworthy, as she skillfully portrays the emotional journey and had to learn the Lakota language for the role. Her character’s backstory adds an intriguing dimension to the plot.

While the cinematography and storytelling were impressive, I personally found the film overrated. Its three-hour runtime felt even longer due to some tedious moments that detracted from the overall experience.

The ending left me puzzled.  All traces of Dunbar’s original identity were seemingly erased, including the deaths of his beloved horse and wolf companion, so I would have seen this as a perfect opportunity for him to remain with the Sioux nation—especially considering how he seemed to have integrated into their culture.  However, he and Mary McDonnell ride off together to start a new life. 

Although the film had its strengths, I felt that it did not live up to the hype and left me somewhat disappointed.