My Thoughts on Disney's Pocahontas (1995)

Capt. John Smith leads a rag-tag band of English sailors & soldiers to the New World to plunder its riches for England (or, more precisely, for Governor Ratcliffe, who comes along for the ride). Meanwhile, in this "New World," Chief Powhatan has pledged his daughter, Pocahontas, to be married to the village's greatest warrior. Pocahontas, however, has other ideas. She has seen a vision of a spinning arrow, a vision she believes tells her change is coming. Her life does indeed change when the English ship lands near her village. Between Ratcliffe, who believes the "savages" are hiding the gold he expected to be plentiful, and Powhatan, who believes these pale newcomers will destroy their land, Smith and Pocahontas have a difficult time preventing all-out war, and saving their love for each other. ~ IMDB

 Story

     Though fearfully historically inaccurate, this adapted version of Pocahontas' life is entertaining and fun.   The romance between Pocahontas and John Smith is lovely (though the sequel rather spoils it).   Pocahontas shows John Smith the beauty of nature that he has been to busy to see.   Meeko and Flit are two funny sidekicks that add the humor to the story.   The pair keeps you laughing when the rest of the story looks grim.   The relationship between Pocahontas and her father is also very sweet.   Pocahontas shows everyone to stand up for the things they know are right.

Visuals

     This movie was simply stunning.   Every frame was absolutely beautiful.   The trees and the sky and the clothing and the animals all had such vibrant colors.   Every moment of the film that displayed nature, be it river or hill or waterfall, were so breathtaking.   Most people look to the scene depicted in the above gif as the most visually stunning, but the whole film was so lovely that I don't know how anyone could pick a favorite moment.

Music

     Alan Menken, aka the king of Disney music, always does well with the films he writes for.   This film is no exception.   You can tell by listening to his other scores that he is always able to accurately capture the true heart of the film he's writing for.   He was able to capture the free spirit feel of Pocahontas and put it into the music.   My personal favorite from the film is "Just Around the Riverbend," though all the songs are fun and catchy.

Final Rating

     Pocahontas is such a beautiful film in every way.   I love to watch it and sing along to all the catchy songs!   I'm giving this movie Five Mickeys.   This is definitely one of the best films that came out of Disney's "Golden Age!"

Have you watched Pocahontas?   What is your favorite part?

Bonus gif: