Dances with Wolves is widely regarded as one of the greatest films in cinematic history. With Kevin Costner’s masterful direction, breathtaking cinematography, and a deeply emotional storyline, the 1990 classic captivated audiences and won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
However, like any film, Dances with Wolves isn’t without its flaws. From historical inaccuracies to continuity errors, even the most devoted fans may have missed some major blunders. One mistake, in particular, stands out—and once you see it, you’ll never watch the movie the same way again.
The Unnoticed Error That Changes Everything
For a film that prides itself on authenticity, one glaring mistake seems almost impossible to ignore—but somehow, it slipped past audiences for decades.
In a crucial scene, Lieutenant John Dunbar (Kevin Costner) is seen riding a horse equipped with a modern saddle complete with stirrups that didn’t exist in the 1860s. Historically, Sioux warriors rode bareback or used traditional Native saddles, making this an anachronism that contradicts the film’s commitment to realism.
It’s a subtle yet jarring oversight in a film that otherwise went to great lengths to depict Native American culture with accuracy.
Video: The Huge Mistake You Never Noticed in Dances with Wolves
The Grueling Production Challenges That Led to Mistakes
The making of Dances with Wolves was an incredibly demanding process that pushed the cast and crew to their limits. Over 100 days of filming took place across the rugged landscapes of South Dakota and Wyoming, with unpredictable weather, wild animals, and demanding stunts adding to the chaos.
One of the most challenging sequences was the buffalo hunt, which required:
- Eight days of filming
- A crew of wranglers and helicopters
- $250,000 spent on a realistic fake buffalo
- The use of Oreos to guide live buffalo on set
With so many moving parts, errors were bound to happen—some small, others more noticeable upon closer inspection.
Historical Inaccuracies You Probably Missed
Despite its reputation for authenticity, Dances with Wolves includes several historical inaccuracies that may surprise even its biggest fans.
1. The Wrong Language
The Lakota Sioux dialogue spoken throughout the film is not entirely accurate. While much of the language is correct, native speakers have pointed out grammatical errors and awkward phrasing that wouldn’t be used in real conversations.
2. Sioux Warriors Using Saddles
As mentioned earlier, most Sioux riders historically rode without saddles. While modern saddles were added for the safety of the actors, this detail contradicts historical accounts of how the Sioux actually rode their horses.
3. The Tin Can Anachronism
In one scene, a tin can is prominently displayed, but tin cans were not widely used in America until the late 19th century—decades after the film’s setting.
Behind-the-Scenes Mishaps That Almost Changed the Film
Filming a historical epic in remote locations came with serious challenges. Some of the most unbelievable mishaps include:
- Kevin Costner sustaining injuries during a wrestling scene gone wrong.
- A cinematographer’s daughter breaking her wrists after her horse was spooked.
- An actor auditioning for a role but instead working as a medic on set due to the frequent injuries.
These real-life struggles mirrored the hardships of frontier life, making the filming process just as grueling as the world it portrayed.
The Perils of Working with Wolves
The wolves in the film appear tame and friendly, but behind the scenes, working with them was anything but easy.
- One trainer was bitten during filming.
- Kevin Costner had to bribe a wolf with meat to keep its attention in certain shots.
- The wolves didn’t always cooperate, leading to multiple retakes and delays.
It’s a stark reminder that wild animals don’t follow scripts—even in Hollywood.
Continuity Errors That Even Die-Hard Fans Missed
With a runtime of nearly three hours, Dances with Wolves is bound to have a few continuity mistakes. Here are some of the most noticeable ones:
1. The Case of the Disappearing Boots
In one scene, Dunbar is seen wearing boots, but when the camera cuts away and returns, he’s barefoot—a classic continuity blunder.
2. Costume Changes Between Shots
Throughout the film, characters’ clothing mysteriously changes between scenes, indicating reshoots or editing oversights.
3. Crew Members Accidentally in the Background
Eagle-eyed viewers have spotted crew members hiding behind bushes and trees, unintentionally making their way into some shots.
The Buffalo Hunt: Hollywood Magic at Its Best
Despite its technical errors, Dances with Wolves contains some of the most breathtaking scenes ever filmed, with the buffalo hunt being a standout moment.
To create the iconic sequence, the filmmakers used a mix of real and fake buffalo to capture the intensity of a real hunt. However, behind the scenes, it was a logistical nightmare:
- Wranglers had to carefully control the movement of the buffalo to avoid accidents.
- Some scenes relied on trained buffalo, while others required animatronic stand-ins.
- Editing tricks created the illusion of a seamless hunt, blending real footage with staged moments.
Even with minor inaccuracies, the buffalo hunt remains one of the most visually stunning moments in film history.
Why Dances with Wolves Still Holds Up Despite Its Mistakes
Every movie has imperfections, but what makes Dances with Wolves stand out is its emotional depth, storytelling, and cultural impact.
Yes, there are continuity errors, historical inaccuracies, and behind-the-scenes struggles, but the film’s powerful themes of cultural understanding and respect for Native American heritage make it one of the most important films ever made.
Conclusion: The Beauty of Imperfection
Dances with Wolves is not perfect, but that’s part of what makes it so human.
- The historical inaccuracies serve as reminders that even the most well-researched films can miss details.
- The continuity errors remind us that filmmaking is a challenging, unpredictable process.
- The behind-the-scenes struggles mirror the resilience needed to bring such an ambitious story to life.
So, next time you watch Dances with Wolves, keep an eye out for these hidden mistakes—but don’t let them take away from the beauty of the story.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not about flawless execution—it’s about the emotions, the journey, and the impact.
