The New World

reviewed by Jane Louise Boursaw

Suggested Ages: MPAA Rating: Star Rating:
12+ PG-13 ****


The year is 1607, and North America is much the same as it's been for the past 5,000 years – primeval wilderness inhabited by a network of tribal cultures. Although the tribes live in harmony with nature, their relationships with each other are a bit more uneasy.

Enter the first Europeans – three small ships bearing 103 men whose mission is to establish a cultural, religious and economic foothold in the new world. Among the newcomers are aristocrat John Rolfe (Christian Bale) and rebellious adventurer John Smith (Colin Farrell), whom we first see shackled on the lower deck of the Susan Constant. Expecting to be hanged for insubordination, the guilty man is surprised to be granted a pardon by Captain Christopher Newport (Christopher Plummer), who feels that Smith's soldiering, diplomacy skills, and leadership experience are greatly needed in the exploration of this new land.

Once free, Smith embarks on a mission to learn more about the Natives. At first, they view him as hostile, but when he's nearly killed, the young Pocahontas (15-year-old Q'Orianka Kilcher, in her first feature role) throws herself protectively in front of him. Her courage saves his life, and the two form a friendship and romance – which is not viewed kindly by Smith's starving comrades when he returns weeks later.

PRE-SCHOOLER (ages 2-5): This movie is definitely not for little ones. When they're old enough - 5 to 6 years old, let them watch the Disney-fied version of this story in 1995's Pocahontas. Although not historically correct, the story is interesting enough to give them an inkling of our country's early years.

GRADE-SCHOOLER (ages 6-10): This movie earns its PG-13 rating with intense battle scenes. Although little blood is shown, many characters are clubbed, stabbed, speared, beaten and shot. Houses are burned, and people are shown in perilous situations (settlers are depicted as starving, and a cannibalistic act is discussed). While sexual content is limited, the Natives are shown in revealing clothing, and older men are shown falling in love with young girls. For these reasons, this movie is not suitable for grade-schoolers.

TWEEN/TEEN (ages 11+): Though some may argue that the historical accuracy of this movie is not much better than Disney's Pocahontas, the live action element, beautiful cinematography, and haunting musical score help to make this movie bold, interesting, and suitable for teens and mature tweens (although some of the middle could have been trimmed without detracting from the movie). Also, director Terrence Malick has paid close attention to the details: actors were trained in the skills and body language of 17 th century Native American warriors, for example. For added value, visit some Web sites that offer a realistic taste of life in early America. Two good sites are the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities (www.apva.org) and the official site for the Powhatan Nation (www.powhatan.org).
Jane Louise Boursaw is a freelance writer specializing in the television and movie industry. Her syndicated column, "Reel Life With Jane," is published in papers throughout the country. Email her at jboursaw@charter.net.

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