Pocahontas (1995)

A review by C J Dee

When the English land in the ‘New World’ they are searching for gold and glory. What Englishman John Smith doesn’t expect is that he will find love with native Pocahontas. They must overcome prejudice on both sides before their love can blossom.

Rewatching

Do you ever watch a movie that you haven’t seen in a couple of years only to rediscover how wonderful it is? I had that experience today when I saw Pocahontas on the big screen. I remember seeing Pocahontas in cinemas when it first came out and have seen it several times since then on VHS and DVD. However, revisiting the big screen for the magic of Pocahontas, John Smith, and their forbidden love was an extraordinary experience.

Voice acting

I found myself more appreciative of the voice actors, especially the minor ones. The irony of the man I think of as being the voice of the Crypt Keeper (Kassir) also voicing the adorable Meeko is too delicious. Of course, what would a film featuring animal ‘voices’ be without the legendary Frank Welker? The man is a master at imitating and anthropomorphising animals. Go on, go have a look at his IMDb profile. I’ll wait.

The wrap

Pocahontas is a wonderful story with one of the most fantastic soundtracks in Disney, a history rife with outstanding soundtracks. Regardless of if you’re a first-time viewer or a long-time fan, if you have the opportunity to see Pocahontas on the big screen or even to pick it up for a Friday night in, this reviewer highly recommends it.

“My daughter speaks with the wisdom beyond her years. We’ve all come here with anger in our hearts, but she comes with courage and understanding. From this day forward, if there is to be more killing, it will not start with me.”

CJ also recommends Beauty and the Beast.

Movie details

Director: Mike Gabriel, Eric Goldberg
Starring: Irene Bedard, Mel Gibson, David Ogden Stiers, Russell Means, Christian Bale
Other notable appearances: Billy Connolly, Linda Hunt, Frank Welker, John Kassir
Running time: 81 minutes
Watch this if you liked: Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Mulan
Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5

Related:

Murder in the First (1995) Sleeping Beauty (1959) Beauty and the Beast (1991)