3) Dances With Wolves
Revitalizing the western genre with one grand, sweeping epic of cinema, Kevin Costner’s love-letter to the old frontier gathered Oscars and fans alike in its stampede to box office glory. Adapted from the novel of the same name, by its own author – Michael Blake – it is a story of challenging boundaries, and the pursuit of a happy ending.
Set in 1863, Union Army lieutenant John Dunbar (Kevin Costner) is wounded in the American Civil War, and opts for suicide, rather than the amputation of his leg. He rides his horse right up to Confederate lines, causing them to open fire. He survives, recovers, is decorated, awarded his horse, and his own choice of posting. He heads to Fort Sedgwick – delivered by a wagon driver – and, despite finding it abandoned, he rebuilds it, mans it, and enjoys the solitude. Unbeknownst to him, however, his wagon driver is killed on the return journey, and his superior officer takes his own life – leaving nobody with knowledge of Dunbar’s posting. He is isolated.
What follows is a gradual attempt to build bridges and open lines of communication with the local Sioux tribe, juxtaposed with the development of a beautifully played out relationship between Dunbar and a wolf. As mutual, deep understanding is reached, his connection with the Union Army is irrevocably severed, and he forges a new life.
Despite all its grimness and violence, Dances With Wolves is a story filled with hope. Dunbar goes from being a suicidal loner, to being a fulfilled and respected family member, having viewed new circumstances as opportunities for connection, rather than fear and judgement. He listens to his instincts, and he listens to people – and both those skills lead to his happy ending. All in all, it’s a tale that inspires us to lead peaceful, open lives – turning away from prejudice and hate.
