A real historical figure, but his role is significantly expanded and dramatized for the film. He serves as a primary viewpoint character, connecting events where he wasn't historically central (e.g., depicted at Little Bighorn as a boy, which is inaccurate).

Portrayed as a proud, resistant leader facing immense pressure. His portrayal captures his historical stance and tragic end, generally considered nuanced and accurate within the film's scope.

Portrayed as a well-intentioned assimilationist whose policies ultimately proved devastating for Native American tribal structures and land ownership, which aligns with historical interpretations of his impact.

Depicted accurately as a prominent chief who had already transitioned to reservation life, representing a path of negotiation and accommodation compared to Sitting Bull's resistance.

A real historical figure known for her work with the Sioux and marriage to Charles Eastman. Her presence and advocacy are accurately based on her life.

A real military figure involved in the Plains Wars. His interactions and attitudes shown in the film reflect his historical role.

Accurately sets the stage for increased U.S. government pressure and military action to force remaining Lakota Sioux onto reservations following Custer's defeat.

The film correctly portrays the Act's aim to break up communal land ownership in favor of individual allotments (assimilation) and its devastating result: massive loss of Native lands and erosion of tribal culture.

Accurately shows the poverty, dependence on rations, disease, cultural suppression, and despair faced by the Lakota on reservations like Standing Rock and Pine Ridge.

Accurately depicts the Ghost Dance as a peaceful, spiritual movement offering hope for restoration, which was tragically misinterpreted by U.S. authorities as a hostile threat.

Accurately shows Sitting Bull's steadfast refusal to sign away more land or assimilate according to the Dawes Act policies.

The film accurately portrays the circumstances of his death during a botched arrest attempt by agency police at Standing Rock, fueled by fears surrounding the Ghost Dance.

Portrays the event as a massacre of largely unarmed Lakota Sioux (men, women, children) by the U.S. 7th Cavalry, aligning with historical consensus. The chaos and brutality are depicted effectively.

This is the film's main narrative device but is historically inaccurate. While Eastman was a real figure involved with Native advocacy and present after Wounded Knee as a doctor, he was not a central participant or witness to all the events depicted from 1876-1890.

Reflects the historical pattern of the U.S. government negotiating treaties with Native tribes and subsequently breaking them or altering terms, particularly regarding land.

Filmed in Alberta, Canada, the landscapes effectively represent the plains and reservation areas of the Dakotas where much of the action takes place.

Effectively portrays the stark conditions, agency buildings, rations distribution, and attempts at forced farming, reflecting the harsh reality of reservation life during this period.

Shows both traditional tipis and clothing, as well as the transition towards agency-issued clothing and more permanent (though often inadequate) housing on reservations.

Includes scenes in Washington D.C. (representing Dawes's work) and depictions of U.S. Army forts and personnel, reflecting the government and military presence in the West.

The setting for the massacre is depicted as a winter camp near the creek, consistent with historical accounts.

Costumes for Native Americans (both traditional and reservation-era) and white characters (civilians, politicians, military) appear well-researched and appropriate for the late 19th century.

Successfully captures the somber tone of Dee Brown's book, conveying the tragic sense of cultural destruction, broken promises, and the violence of the era.