Dances With Wolves (Reflection #2)

After Lt. John Dunbar assists the Sioux tribe in finding and hunting buffalo, he separates himself from the tribe for a short time, but the cinematography shows in accordance to him being familiarized to their customs from spending time with them, he starts to act as if he is a part of the tribe, even away from them. He starts to act and live by their rules though some characteristics still show that he still retains parts of his old self as an American soldier as he grows accustomed to his new life.  But he shortly returns to the tribe and helps gather supplies - guns - from the fort for the tribe to use against a Pawnee attack. As the movie progresses further toward the climax and ending it is notable that John (re-named 'Dances with Wolves') starts to fight on the other side - for the Sioux, even against his own people. His relationship with Stands with a Fist progresses as well, and the two marry. After finally informing the Chief of the oncoming attack of the white men will invade, and there will be to many, it is decided that the camp be moved to a winter fort. Dunbar realizes that he left his journal back at the camp - and fearing that it will lead soldiers to the tribe goes back to get it. As he feared the camp is now overridden with his used to be comrades. But because Dunbar is dressed as a member of the Sioux tribe he is attacked and captured. The film then reflects on how much John has changed in the past few weeks o living with the Sioux - he now wears their clothes and speaks their language. When the general asks john questions he replies in the Sioux's language - Lakota, and acts apart from them, as their enemy rather than a lost comrade. His now being initiated into the tribe, has changed his attitude towards the people he once fought with. He treats them as the tribe might have, if they encountered the army. While being taken to his execution he is rescued by Wind in his Hair and others, and his journal is lost to the river. Soon after returning to the camp Dunbar comes to the realization that because he helped kill the American soldiers he is now a fugitive and an outcast. He decides that for the good of the tribe he reluctantly must leave. As Dances with Wolves and his wife leave the camp, Wind in his hair shouts that he will always be his friend, and will remember him. This is an important piece of the film setting and character development as Wind in his Hair did not like Dunbar at first, but in the end he declares himself and Dunbar friends. In the ending scene Pawnee scouts arrive at the campsite where the Sioux have started to live. In the credits the film states what happened in history to many of the Sioux and other's tribes homes, how they were ruined and overtaken.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LR4j8iWu-OI