The strong parts of this movie are its dedication to historical accuracy from what I know about the westward expansion of the US. From things like weapons, saddles, uniforms, logistics, language, and music, this movie absolutely cuts no corners, and it's the charming part of this movie along with its range of emotion, much distinct from contemporary movies with lead characters that show a clinically depressed flat affect. For history buffs this will be a great movie to watch.I'm worried that appeal doesn't extend beyond that audience though. I love what Costner is trying to do here, give not only a both sides take on the American West, it shows the breadth of human experience during that period in US history. The movie is certainly an epic so we see a collection of stories that spans the Southwest all the way to Montana.What this movie will make you realize is how people were just surviving until the 20th century, life being much much harder than our indoor, luxurious lives relative to theirs. Basic needs aren't always guaranteed. I was pleased with details like the pace and mentality of a wagon train moving west, the leader reiterating to men in his crew that they do 14 hours of moving a day, they stick to that and it's how they survive.The movie felt like an old western, complete with its optimism about the country's expansion in the 19th century. What was noticeable was the lack of cynicism or brutality that's in vogue when making westerns, Tarantino style affairs that accentuate the bleakness and dark side of that era.I also appreciate the scale of the movie, particularly including Native American scenes with dialogue in their language, and no white settlers to be seen. You saw a wider range of their lifestyle and concerns, also how they governed themselves distinct from the European settlers.Overall I felt this was a first installment that just didn't do as well as it could in setting up some excitement for the next chapter. I get the feeling the second chapter will be much stronger, and having to separate these two parts into two movies is a weak part of how this movie will be received.If your view of 19th century white settlers is unredeemingly negative, you will not like this movie. And I'm worried that in today's political climate, its strengths won't make up for this contemporary faux pas of not making white Americans in the 19th century the perennial antagonists, while Native Americans are given a more sugarcoated treatment.If you're looking for examples of the darker side of Native Americans at this time in US history, read about what the Commanches did to Cynthia Parker's family in Texas, and that was just one story of many. "Empire of the Summer Moon" is a great longer read to learn about Commanche brutality, and give a window into a fuller narrative about the 19th century in America.