It would be a disservice to those who have not as yet seen this film to say any more about the plot. Suffice to say that there is a great deal of sometimes violent action which Costner (as director) brilliantly juxtaposes with moments of exquisite tenderness and deep reflection. All of the performances are outstanding. One of the strongest is provided by Mary McDonnell (Stands with a Fist), a white woman and recent widow who has lived most of her life among the Lakota. I especially enjoyed Wes Studi's work in this film as the Toughest Pawnee, (as well as in The Last of the Mohicans as Magua) and Graham Greene's performance as Kicking Bird, Stands with a Fist's surrogate father. Some of the most effective photography recreates a buffalo hunt during which Dunbar helps his friends and neighbors to obtain the food and hides they need before the arrival of winter. There is also an especially well-staged attack on the Lakota camp by the Pawnee in which Dunbar also plays a key role. The "civilization" he rejected eventually follows him westward, forcing him to make a predictable choice. Dunbar's assimilation reminds me of one experienced by John Blackthorne (Richard Chamberlain) in Shogun following his immersion in 17th century Japanese culture. By the time a choice had to be made, neither hesitated and each made his decision for reasons which reveal so much about the new values to which each is committed. Some have criticized this film for being so obviously sympathetic with the Lakota and so critical of the society from which Dunbar fled. They have a point. It is important to remember, however, that Costner is telling the story from a specific point-of-view. He selected historical material which gives his film a degree of authenticity, to be sure, but whose greater purpose is to expedite as well as enrich the narrative. He, his cast, and crew should be very proud of what they achieved together: a thoroughly entertaining film of a very high quality.

Be sure to purchase the Special Edition DVD which offers so many supplementary items which include commentaries by Kevin Costner, producer Jim Wilson, director of photography Dean Semler and editor Neil Travis, a new extended version with never-before-seen additional scenes (236 minutes), and a new "The Creation of an Epic" retrospective documentary.