#5: My Favorite Rainy-day Movie

Of course I have several favorite movies, which makes this a tough one. If I was choosing a good one for a rainy day like it is today in "not so sunny Indiana," I would have to choose,"Dances With Wolves." (The extended version)
   First of all, Kevin Costner is probably my all-time favorite actor. He is as talented in front of the camera as he is behind it. His talent shows both in this movie.
   I love American history and this is it. It holds back nothing. It shows how brutal the Civil War was, how inadequate the medical care was during that combat, and what a lost cause the war was to the South. I abhor the treatment of the Native Americans by the whites. I also admire the Native American way of life, which is truly shown in this movie.
  I have seen this movie 24 times. Twice in the theater, the rest on either VHS or DVD. I know that seems like a lot of wasted time, but I like the movie and I see something I missed every time I see it.  We used the beginning scenes of the Civil War in my 8th grade American History class. My students were fascinated, especially when it was explained to them that this was actually based on facts and research.
  I have always been interested in the Native American culture and way of life. With the help of many leading historians and experts, the scenes of the life of the Lakota Sioux depicted in this movie were as real as they could possible be made. The buffalo hunt is fascinating and after reading how it was filmed, and that no animals were actually hurt, it became even more fascinating.
   I also liked the love story between John Dunbar and Stands With a Fist. I'm an incurable romantic at heart, so this was another part of the movie which drew me in.
   The cast was wonderful, the acting great, using many Native American stars, and actually giving some their start in the motion picture business.
   All in all, it's a wonderful movie experience. At almost 3hrs and 45 mins, it takes a lot of time, but it keeps my interest, even though I can quote many lines, both in English and Lakota. And, yes, I will probably watch it again and again. But first, I have to figure out how to hook up my new DVD player. My old one quit!

Other Rainy Day picks might be:
An American President
When Harry Met Sally
Postcards from the Edge
Grand Torino
Bridges of Madison County

Until nest time,
Peace,

JE