Pocahontas (1995)

 

"Pocahontas, that tree is talking to me."

"Then you should talk back."

In 1607, a ship sets sale from England, bound for the New World.  The expedition is led by Governor Ratcliff (Stiers), who is trying to redeem his reputation at court.  He hires explorer John Smith (Gibson) to protect the settlers as the dig for gold.

Meanwhile, the natives have returned from battle as victors.  Chief Powhatan (Means) gives permission for his best warrior Kocoum (Apaumut Fall) to marry his headstrong daughter Pocahontas (Bedard and Kuhn).  Pocahontas dreams of something more.  She is encouraged by Grandmother Willow (Hunt) and her animal friends, mischievous raccoon Meeko and stern hummingbird Flit.

When the ships arrive, Pocahontas and John Smith are drawn to each other.  As they steal away to learn more about each other, the natives and colonists want to start a war.  With trouble on the horizon, can Pocahontas and John Smith broker peace or is their love doomed?

Pocahontas debuted while I was in middle school.  I saw it in theaters and fell in love with the beautiful animation and intense songs / score.  Years later, I am still captivated by the film.

Pocahontas is performed beautifully, by an incredible Broadway talent, Judy Kuhn.  Nothing against Irene Bedard who voices Pocahontas, but the best parts of the character are the songs, and the credit goes to Kuhn.  She is also animated beautifully and is a strong female character.

Native American actors portray Pocahontas' tribe, and provided information to the animators to get the portrayals more accurate (some people still had problems with the story).  Mel Gibson brought star power to the film (back when his presence on screen carried significant weight).  David Ogden Stiers hits all the right notes as the villain, Governor Ratcliff.

The story is not historically accurate, let's just get that out of the way now.  However, I don't think it ever claims to be the definitive story of Pocahontas... it is telling a story that happens to be about real people.  Disney was expecting this film to be the next big hit, but it was overshadowed by Disney's other animated film released in 1995: The Lion King.  It is still a beautifully animated film, with a gorgeous score.  The ending still gives me chills (the orchestral reprise of "Colors of the Wind" and the the wordless exchange between John Smith and Pocahontas... chills).

For a more detailed overview of the film, the characters, the animation, the music, etc, check out the blog Waking Snow White.

Pocahontas (1995) 81 minutes
Director: Mike Gabriel and Eric Goldberg
Starring: Irene Bedard as Pocahontas (voice)
Judy Kuhn as Pocahontas (singing voice)
Mel Gibson as John Smith
David Ogden Stiers as Governor Ratcliff / Wiggins
Russell Means as Powhatan
Christian Bale as Thomas
Linda Hunt as Grandmother Willow
Billy Connolly as Ben
Joe Baker as Lon
Michelle St. John as Nakoma
James Apaumut Fall as Kocoum