I Watch Films: Pocahontas

 

Pocahontas (1995)

It’s 1607 and the English have arrived in the New World. Governor Ratcliffe wants gold*; so do the others though they’re also there for the adventure and for land. Some are concerned about the Native Americans, but are reassured by the presence of Captain John Smith.

Meanwhile Pocahontas, daughter of the Chief of the Powhatan, is free-spirited and in touch with the natural world. She fears she will have to marry Kocoum, a serious warrior. She consults with Grandmother Willow, a tree, who tells her the English have arrived.

Exploring the forest John Smith meets Pocahontas and the two fall in love. However the Powhatan and the English clash, leading the chief to ban all contact. Pocahontas and Smith continue to meet, but both are given away. They meet with Grandmother Willow to make a plan for peace, but when seen kissing Kocoum attacks, only to be killed by Thomas (who Smith saved earlier). The Powhatan, furious at Kocoum’s death prepare for war, and to execute Smith. Thomas warns Ratcliffe, who thinks this an excellent opportunity for a surprise attack and to get the Powhatan to reveal where their gold is (they don’t have any). Pocahontas intervenes to stop the execution; Ratcliffe tries to start the war by shooting the chief but Smith blocks the shot, leading to Ratcliffe being deposed for shooting a comrade. Presumably the English and the Powhatan live in harmony from then on.

Very loosely based on historical events, this is a simplistic cartoon for children. War is caused by greed and jealousy. Love and sacrifice can save the day. Some excellent visuals.

Watch This: Entertaining kid’s adventure
Don’t Watch This: Very simplistic version of real events

 

* He wants to dethrone James I (James VI of Scotland) in a confused plot that goes nowhere