Pocahontas: The Legend (1995)

This is the legendary story of English settlers arriving and establishing the settlement at Jamestown, Virginia. Pocahontas is the daughter of Chief Powhatan. She befriends Captain John Smith and even saves him after he's captured by the tribe. It's a romance set with a backdrop of a clash of cultures. Smith often clash with the other leaders including the arrogant Sir Edwin Wingfield (Tony Goldwyn).First of all, I do praise the use of real native actors. I don't think Sandrine Holt is native but there are many others in the cast. It is questionable about the historical accuracy and the movie covers that by naming it "Pocahontas: The Legend". It tries not to portray the natives as savages. However, it doesn't really have the gritty realism. Lead actor Miles O'Keeffe doesn't have the charisma and it would have been much better to have Tony Goldwyn play the part. The Canadian production doesn't have much in terms of value. This is a limited film.

Film starts: The year is 1607 when a ship sales into what was to become James Fort ( James Town ) Virginia. The ship is flying a version of the Union flag not adopted until 1801. Well at least Pocahontas didn't greet the settlers with the Stars and Stripes. Am I being picky may be but such gaffs are inexcusable. However I did enjoy the film which is probably worthy of a remake with greater authenticity. My biggest problem with this DVD is that it has clearly been heavily edited (hacked to pieces) scenes leap forward. One only has to watch the trailer which shows parts of scenes not available on the DVD. I would like to see the WHOLE uncensored film not the edited version.

Didn't think it could get worse than the Disney version? Guess again. This version is just as far from history, but it lacks even the fantasy and characterization that were the only worthwhile attributes of the Disney animated film. The acting is awful, dialog and scenes both are corny, every character except Pocahontas and her little brother are idiots. Miles tries to carry the whole film on his trademark smirk and good looks, but...well...even if you find this at a yard sale in the FREE box, don't bother.

While Snadine olt ... "Rapa Nui" & "Black Robes" is older than the historical Pocahontas (probably a young Indian woman entering womanhood - childbearing age - ...she convinces in a sensitive portrayal of the young Powhatan Indian Princess. Miles O'Keefe is well cast as John Smith playing the Elizabethan-Sturat era warrior well somewhat subdued .. and eager to establish England's first North America Colony.Holt's Pocahontas intreprets with her father .. her destiny and her tribes with the white man's settlement.Fine historical romance ... worth the time and visual history by a viewing. Filmed with a partial Indian cast in Ontario Canada.