Dances with Wolves
User Score
8.5 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 61 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 57 out of 61
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 61
  3. Negative: 0 out of 61

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  1. UsmanA.
    Jun 6, 2006
    10
    its a briliant film. explains the civil war and how america split up because of slavery. 1 man changes from being a hero to being a traitor.
  2. EC
    Jul 1, 2007
    10
    A marvelous film. Many powerful sequences, some memorable characters, lush and evocative cinematography in the right places. Not too many movies leave you feeling enriched, but this one does.
  3. Dany:)
    Apr 22, 2004
    10
    The best film of kevin costner with no doubt. 'hair in the wind' saying: "dancing with wolves, don't you see I'm your friend? don't you see I'll always be your friend?" in last sequence riding his horse in top of a mountain maybe is the very best sequence i've seen in years. (hope you understand my poor english).
  4. AtHomeWithGilbertMulroneycakes
    Jul 16, 2003
    10
    A Good Film. Only problem I have is that it chickens out a little by making Stands With A Fist white. It would have made more thematic sense to have the love interest a Proper Native American Lady - though maybe it transgresses Sioux law else, I don't know. Anyway, it's a Good Film - a Great Film, and brilliantly directed by Costner to boot. It's a good start. Then again, hindsight's a wonderful thing.… Expand
  5. SamA.
    May 20, 2004
    10
    This is an excellent movie showing the various veiws of the plain indians and the buffalo hunting.
  6. JenniferM.
    May 24, 2005
    9
    I think the film was very interesting. It had a wonderful story line. The acting was great, one of Kevin Costners greatest films ever.
  7. PenniS.
    May 18, 2003
    10
    The greatest western in movies. An awesome pictorial of how the west was won. Kevin Costner is truly the best actor, director, and movie maker.
  8. Paul
    Apr 26, 2005
    10
    My all time favorite movie.
  9. [Anonymous]
    Nov 13, 2004
    10
    Beautiful and intresting. ONE OF THE BEST FILMS EVER!!!
  10. Shahmeer
    Jun 18, 2011
    9
    Dances With Wolves is the 1990s version of Avatar. Wait, let me rephrase that; Avatar is a 2000's version of Dances With Wolves. It's well-done, exciting, and truly emotional. It's Kevin Costner's best film,for none of his other's can beat it. It gets you emotionally drawn to the film throughout, and you never want any of the characters to be forgotten. While watching the film, I quickly realized it resembled many characteristics that I had seen in previous movies. The cinematography, the acting, and the story had all been recreated in films that had come out after the movie, and this was a basic beginner of many films in Hollywood. ItÃ¢â… Collapse
  11. asbeloliver
    Mar 6, 2012
    10
    a great film where you look, with a technical section that nothing blockbusters envy, besides being a heartwarming story of valuesâ
  12. TheWalrus2000
    Mar 9, 2013
    9
    With its great direction and extremely well acted and written plot, Dances With Wolves suceeds in all standards.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: David Sterritt
    63
    Smoothly directed by Kevin Costner, who also gives a sensitive performance in the leading role. The screenplay is often trite, however, and there's no reason for the picture's three-hour length. [9 Nov 1990, Arts, p.12]
  2. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Mick LaSalle
    75
    The picture moves slowly but never sluggishly, and it never grinds down. The measured pace shows real assurance on the part of Costner. [9 Nov 1990, Daily Datebook, p.E1]
  3. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Gene Siskel
    88
    A three-hour delight… The movie generates much of its power by being so life-affirming at a time when people feel nervous about the future. [9 Nov 1990, Friday, p.C]
See all critic reviews »