Favourite Oscar winning films

Years ago, the Hollywood studio system used to produce films like this, referred to as "Sword and Sandal" epics, the best two examples of 5* winning films pair this with examples such as Spartacus, Ben Hur.

This won a few Oscars some years ago, including Russell Crowe - his merit is another debate. In the process it revived the genre (shame that films made since haven't been so good)

Deservedly winning of many Oscars for a film - the first monochrome film to win for about 35 years, one that's most definitely a very hard film to watch, but very rewarding. There are few films about this element of 20th century war history and since it's based on true story (from the novel by Thomas Keneally) it becomes even sadder, especially towards the end, and ultimately worthwhile.

Landmark film and well deserving of all its Oscars, to some epic only just begins so describe it. I Saw it on its initial release and have seen it on tv and DVD but recently watched the definitive 3hr46minute version. Even better.

Novel and screen play by Michael Blake.

Brief plot synopsis: Lt John J Dunbar (Costner) an American Civil war hero requests to be transferred to the frontier, with the justification of "before it all disappears" and when arriving to discover it abandoned - explained in more detail with restored scenes in the extended edition - as are other elements of the story.

As you know, over a significant story arch, from his isolation at the post, he befriends a Sioux-Indian tribe and learn to commune, hunt buffalo with them, learn their language, fight and defend them from other tribes and the Union soldiers. American history being what it is has acknowledged its bad behaviour during and after the civil war, and this film vividly brings it to life.

A cast of some well known (Costner, Mary McDonnell) and some unknown or lesser known actors (Charles Rocket, Maury Chaykin) is very well put together and for the first time in a long time not only native American Indian tribesmen and women and children cast - For an in-depth cast list and biographies, check out IMdB and others - but also the native language of the time, recreated and spoken with subtitles on screen.

The music of the film, from composer John Barry is incredibly evocative and fits like a silk glove to the sumptuous visuals and story.

Even more amazing when you consider that this was Kevin Costner's directorial début. All the additional features and interviews on the disc are also worth viewing.