I have always read that Native Americans (NA) are typically portrayed as bloodthirsty savages. To which I say, where? Through most of my adult life they have been these tree-hugging, talk-to-the-animals spiritualists who can almost do no wrong. Dances With Wolves shows the warm and cuddly side of NA life, centering around the horse-culture Sioux with the occasional dabble into the raider culture of the Pawnee.
The film deifies NA culture, focusing on their spirituality and oneness with nature: the NA use all parts of the buffalo to honour the animal's spirit. The fact that they are a Cro-Magnon people who *necessarily* need food, clothing, tools and weapons is not addressed.
Dances With Wolves presents the other stereotype, but a stereotype still. Check the four-hour version if you can find it, tho. They put the deleted scenes back into the film (where all deleted scenes belong!) instead of tacked on a separate disc.
The film deifies NA culture, focusing on their spirituality and oneness with nature: the NA use all parts of the buffalo to honour the animal's spirit. The fact that they are a Cro-Magnon people who *necessarily* need food, clothing, tools and weapons is not addressed.
Dances With Wolves presents the other stereotype, but a stereotype still. Check the four-hour version if you can find it, tho. They put the deleted scenes back into the film (where all deleted scenes belong!) instead of tacked on a separate disc.