Pocahontas (June 23, 1995)

I know this film is problematic and wildly inaccurate. But I will attempt to review it as a work of fiction rather than one based on reality, for my own ease and sanity. This is not to excuse the problems- particularly the narrative of the White Savior and savage Indians (though Governor Ratcliffe is also shown as a villain obsessed with his greed, dehumanizing the native Americans). But I also want to review the film on its merits. It has a wonderful soundtrack that still holds up as well as wonderful and mystical visuals showcasing the beauty of the virgin Virginian landscape and complete with large and fluid gestures among its characters. “Just Beyond the Riverbend” is the classic Disney princess “wanting for more” song and it fits this role, and the character of Pocahontas, perfectly. It uses the river as a metaphor for her decision as to marry Kokoum, a distinguished warrior from her tribe. “Colors of the Wind” is a gorgeous song with stunning visual accompaniment. It is an attempt by Pocahontas to tell John Smith, an English captain, about the beauty of nature and that her people, although foreign to him, are just as human. Just because their ways are different does not mean they are wrong. That message is applicable even today. “Savages” shows the true feelings of Governor Ratcliffe and most of the English settlers towards the “ignorant savages” that inhabit the land (that wrongfully believes is filled with gold. As a child I fell into the narrative that the Native Americans were also at fault. But now I realize they were right- they should of have trusted the white man- despite some “good eggs.” Both Pocahontas’ father, Chief Powhattan, and her childhood friend, Nakoma, a correct in their assessments and only have her best interests at heart. I do understand how a young woman could get swept away by the allure of an exotic foreign man and John Smith is portrayed as a typical “Disney Prince”, charismatic and kind with dashing good looks, in contrast to the native man, Kocoum, who is designated to be husband. The movie does get one thing right in portraying John Smith as returning to England after being saved by Pocahontas. This makes the movie unique in that respect. Pocahontas is a great headstrong princess, better than Jasmine. She defends her people but also tries to be an ambassador for their ways. It is unfortunate she has to humanize them when it should be apparent, but it works, at least with John Smith. John Ratcliffe is a typical Disney Villain nothing particularly special except he was loosely based on a historical person. Three last characters worth mentioning are Grandmother Willow, Meeko, and Flit. Grandmother Willow is an odd character that I feel is unnecessary. I think it would have been better if she were simply an old woman who lives alone in the woods instead of this mystical tree. Meeko and Flit are cute side characters that serve as buddies and protectors of Pocahontas as well as provide the necessary comic relief. Overall, while it has its historical inaccuracies which may make it unwatchable for some, I believe it still is an artistic masterpiece with wonderful song and great characters.

Final Rating: 7/10