Check the Epinions database for this title and you'll find over 350 other movies listed under "New World" or "The New World. The last listing is for this film. Odd.

I had eagerly anticipated this film when I saw who directed it (Terrence Mallick--"The Thin Red Line"; "Days of Heaven"; "Badlands") and the impressive cast (Colin Farrell--"Alexander"; "Minority Report"); Christian Bale ("Batman Begins"; "Laurel Canyon"; and "Empire of the Sun"). Mallick also wrote the screenplay for the film which has perhaps the least dialogue of any movie I've ever seen with humans in it.

After viewing the movie, I have to say that I was impressed by the aforementioned but even more impressed by the lead female in the film: Q'Orianka Kilcher. This is Ms. Kilcher's first feature length film. Her parents are from Peru and Alaska and she was chosen after over 2000 women were considered for the role. She was a perfect choice.

THE PLOT

I'm not sure how many movies have been made about John Smith and Pocahontas (including, of course, the Disney animated version), but this version seems to me the most realistic. The film starts in 1607 with the arrival of a few Englishmen trying to establish a colony in what would become Virginia. They named it "Jamestown" in honor of the king. They chose some rather unhealthy swamplike land for the first location and nearly starved to death during their first winter.

That's when an Indian princess called "Nothing" came to their rescue by bringing food. "Nothing" (who was later dubbed "Rebecca" by the English is known by us as Pocahontas. The Princess, of course, has a romantic relationship with John Smith (Farrell) which starts when she begs her father to spare Smith's life. Smith leaves Virginia and "Nothing" behind and doesn't see her for several years. She meets John Rolfe (Bale) whom she marries and has a child with. The Princess is taught English manners and has an audience with the King and Queen in England. All that is very well known and covered in films.

Farrell plays John Smith in a brooding manner that reminds me of the acting of Gary Cooper. Quiet dignity. His acting is controlled but full of proper emotion when needed. Bale is also excellent is his role as a husband who does not know if his wife really loves him. And, Ms. Q'Orianka Kilcher is amazing in her debut performance. She has a natural dignity which befits her role and a warmth that is shown when she smiles.

WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT MALLICK'S FILM?

The primary difference in Mr. Mallick's version of the tale is his use of realistic detail and lack of dialogue. First, as to the detail, Mallick and his cinematographer, Emmanuel Lebezki ("Lemony Snicket"; "Ali"; "Sleepy Hollow") shot the entire film in natural light. This adds a quality seldom seen in historical films. Secondly, the dirt and sqaller of the Jamestown has a gritty quality that is very believable. Third, the "makeup" and clothing of the Native Americans (called "The Naturals" in the film appears to be amazingly accurate. Also, the Native American roles were cast by a special casting crew and Mallick agreed not to exhibit the film until it was approved by a Native American counsel.

As to the lack of dialogue, this is both a positive and a negative for me. The positive aspect is that it just makes sense that two groups of peoples who have never seen each other are obviously not going to start talking right off the bat. There is an incredible amount of silence, staring and silent gesturing throughout the film. The only negative aspect of this for me is that I'm used to much more dialogue. At times, the lack of the spoken word made the film seem to drag. Mallick somewhat compensates for that with a narration of the thoughts by several of the characters.

Mallick is a master of realism. His "Thin Red Line" was incredibly realistic although somewhat controversial. I'm not sure how well "The New World" will do but it deserves to be seen.

Another major difference in this movie goes back to the discussion about and portrayal of Native Americans. John Smith spends several months with "Nothing" and her people and finds that they are a people without guile, deceit or jealousy. In another words, they are an innocent people. Mallick does does accuse the English and other "Old World" people of intentionally destroying this innocence but the message is strongly implied.

Finally, Mallick chose one of the best movie music men in the business in James Horner ("Titanic"; "The Legend of Zorro"; "Troy"; and, "The House of Sand and Fog"). Horner music here is majestic when it needs to be and sensitive during other times. It soars with feelings of grandeur as we are shown scenes of the unspoiled land and rivers before they became overcrowded by overpopulation.

While I felt the movie was a little slow at times, as I've reflected on it, I think it was one of the best historical movies I've ever seen. It was fascinating to see the Native Americans first glimpse of the mighty ships and men in metal clothing. Mallick makes us realize how truly momentous and surreal this initial meeting was.

FIVE STARS

Recommended:
Yes

Video Occasion: Good Date Movie
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older