The New World

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Credits: Directed by Terrence Malick and starring David Thewlis, Christopher Plummer, Christian Bale, Michael Greyeyes and Colin Farrell.

Details: (M), 135 mins, United States, English

Synopsis: An epic adventure set amid the encounter of European and Native American cultures during the founding of the Jamestown Settlement in 1607. Inspired by the legend of John Smith (Colin Farrell) and Pocahontas, The New World is an exploration of love, loss and discovery, both a celebration and an elegy of the America that was, and the America that was yet to come.

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More poetic and true to life than the Disneyfied version.

jamie-leonarder
Rating
Video Review
The New World

From the director of Badlands and The Thin Red Line Terrence Malick, comes the epic tale of John Smith and Pocahontas in The New World. It's 1607 and Captain Christopher Newport (Christopher Plummer) sails into the new world to establish the Jamestown settlement. On board is rebellious John Smith (Colin Farrell) who sets out to elicit the assistance of the Native American Indians so they can survive in this seemingly hostile land. A deep emotional bond is struck between the chief's favorite daughter Pocahontas (Q'Orianka Kilcher) and John Smith until he is sent on to open up new frontiers. Left behind she marries John Rolfe (Christian Bale) and eventually traveling to England to be presented to the Royal court as a Princess.

Malick has crafted a stylish and visually breathtaking epic, the only problems are some uneven performances and it's length. Collin Farrell and Christian Bale are perfectly cast in their roles but are held back by the young Kilcher who personifies the classic beauty of a woodland nymph when quietly frolicking with nature. But it's in her dialogue-driven scenes that she seems to be still finding her feet as an actor.

More poetic and true to life than the Disneyfied version the audience will need to keep their patience in check to be rewarded.

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