The 1990 film Dances with Wolves, directed by and starring Kevin Costner, is a cinematic masterpiece that has captivated audiences for decades. The movie’s breathtaking cinematography, poignant storyline, and respectful portrayal of Lakota Sioux culture have made it a beloved classic. Despite its widespread acclaim, however, Dances with Wolves is not immune to mistakes.
One of the most striking aspects of the film is its use of the Lakota language, which has been praised for its accuracy and cultural sensitivity. To ensure authenticity, Costner and his team collaborated closely with Native American experts, including native speakers who instructed the actors in proper pronunciation.
However, despite these efforts, a subtle mistake has gone largely unnoticed by viewers. The error lies in the pronunciation and grammar of certain Lakota phrases, which are either mispronounced or incorrect. This mistake is all the more surprising given the filmmakers’ commitment to cultural accuracy.
Linguists familiar with the Lakota language have pointed out that the errors are likely due to time constraints and the challenges of teaching non-Lakota speakers. Despite the best efforts of Doris Leader Charge, a Lakota speaker hired to mentor the actors, the short filming schedule made it difficult to achieve flawless fluency.
In addition to these linguistic errors, the film also contains a historical inaccuracy. The movie depicts the Lakota people expertly riding and handling domesticated horses, which is consistent with their historical affinity with horses. However, the breed of horse used in the film, the American Quarter Horse, did not exist during the time period depicted in the movie.
Furthermore, the film’s portrayal of certain ceremonial rituals has been criticized for not accurately following Lakota customs, but instead incorporating traditions from various Plains tribes. While this may not have been immediately apparent to viewers, experts and tribal members have pointed out this error over the years.
These mistakes do not diminish the film’s achievements, however. Dances with Wolves set a new standard for its time by using Native actors and presenting Indigenous culture in a respectful and nuanced manner. The film’s influence can be seen in a generation of filmmakers who have followed in its footsteps, treating Native topics with greater sensitivity and respect.
The mistakes in Dances with Wolves serve as a reminder that even the most well-intentioned filmmakers can make errors. They highlight the importance of collaborating closely with linguistic and cultural experts to ensure authenticity in storytelling.
As viewers rewatch Dances with Wolves, they may notice these mistakes for the first time, or perhaps not at all. Nevertheless, the film’s magic lies in its ability to transport us to another world, flaws and all.
So the next time you watch Kevin Costner’s masterpiece, pay close attention to the Lakota dialogue or watch the horses as they gallop across the plains. You may just notice the subtle errors that have gone unnoticed by viewers for over three decades.
