Film Notes
     "Kevin Costner's 1990 epic won a bundle of Oscars for a moving, engrossing story of a white soldier (Costner) who singlehandedly mans a post in the 1870 Dakotas, and becomes a part of the Lakota Sioux community who live nearby. The film may not be a masterpiece, but it is far more than the sum of good intentions. The characters are strong, the development of relationships is both ambitious and careful, the love story between Costner and Mary McDonnell's character is captivating. Only the third-act portrait of white intruders as morons feels overbearing, but even that leads to a terribly moving conclusion. Costner's direction is assured, the balance of action and intimacy is perfect, what more could anyone want outside of an unqualified masterpiece?" (Tom Keogh, Amazon.com)
     "This is the movie that sent director-producer-actor Kevin Costner on his hubristic way. It is such a resonant and powerful film we can almost forgive him the arrogance of his later "epic," The Postman. Costner plays a Union solder who is stationed at the far edges of the West, and left there to rot at his post. He finally sees the wisdom of the Lakota Sioux and finds peace within their community. His decision to "go native" is greatly frowned upon by his military commanders. The story is told simply, and wastes not one word of dialogue, while the South Dakota locations provide a magnificent backdrop. Costner plays an American Everyman who awakens to himself and the world around him. We are drawn to him, and his story, because of his accessibility. As a filmmaker, his attention to detail, along with the stark beauty of the locations, will leave you wishing this ran longer than a mere two hours and 25 minutes. Costner thought so, too, as he also released his 237-minute European cut onto video." (Rochelle O'Gorman, Amazon.com)