Lieutenant John Dunbar of Union Army at the end of the Civil War was wounded in the leg, but nevertheless proved his courage in the battle with enemy soldiers. As a reward, he chooses his assignment to the fort on the western border. He is there virtually alone and spends his time watching magnificent nature, wolves and then meets local Indians. During one of the expeditions rescues an Indian girl that tried to committ suicide. Dunbar wins the sympathy of the Indians and befriends them. Later he moves to their village and marries the Indian girl he rescued. It soon becomes apparent that the US Army believes Dunbar to be a deserter and they plan to hang him.
The film shows Indians in quite different way compating to other westerns, it is epic movie that shows the wonderful nature and unique customs of the Indians. The film won many Oscars (among others for music and screenplay). Perfect, poignant film.