New World, The DVD Review

"THE NEW WORLD" reviews

DVD

THE NEW WORLD

Author

anonymous

Date reviewed

2006-05-19 15:33:12

Provider

MRIB

DVD Review

The New World is an elegiac telling of the Pocahontas story that, unsurprisingly, sticks far more closely to historical records than Disney's version.

In the early 15th century three ships set out for the riches and treasures believed to be waiting across the Atlantic. Landing at Jamestown, Virginia Captain John Smith leads a party to search for food but is captured by the Powhatan tribe. Narrowly avoiding death, he befriends Pocahontas, the Chief's daughter and learns the Native American's ways and culture. When he returns to the Jamestown camp with supplies he finds them ill-prepared, untrustworthy and in disarray. The Powhatan realise the settlers are not leaving and plan an attack on the camp, but Pocahontas's love for Smith leads her to warn him. Consequently, she is exiled and then bought by the settlers as protection. Smith leaves and further émigrés arrive and attempt to anglicise her. An English aristocrat and widow, John Rolfe is amongst them and builds a close bond with Pocahontas over their mutual feelings of loss.

Director Malik doesn't make movies often, so when he does they tend to be a cinematic event. With Colin Farrell as Smith and Christian Bale as Rolfe he has two strong leads unafraid to immerse themselves in their roles plus the amazing find of newcomer Q'orianka Kilcher as Pocahontas.

Although it's not quite the romantic or politically charged execution of the classic story some might have expected, movie fans should relish the opportunity to see a new film from a modern master.

A Making Of featurette is also included.

Copyright © MRIB 2006.