Why I Defend Dances with Wolves

Over thirty years later, despite criticisms, this Avatar-inspiring epic western remains a triumph for Kevin Costner

Credit: MGM

NOTE: Contains some spoilers.

When Avatar (2009) was released, many of the criticisms of the film revolved around the plot essentially being Dances with Wolves (1990) on another planet. Whilst I am not a fan of Avatar, I can understand why James Cameron chose to ape this film, as the going-native-and-finding-yourself story is a compelling one.…