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Pocahontas (Disney Gold Classic Collection) Review

After watching the old vhs version of Pocahontas for the first time yesterday, I was somewhat ambivalent about the film. Reading the reviews, however, I realize that Pocahontas has done something remarkable, especially for a "cartoon": it has made Americans discuss serious aspects of our history with each other. I can remember the excitement when Pocahontas came out, that Disney had finally created a non-white heroine. I think we can still feel the ripples of that excitement today, as we talk about the difference between history and legend, who the Native Americans were and are, and the implications of these questions for people living today.
As for historical accuracy, a person would have to be confused to go to a Disney movie thinking they would see "history" on the screen. Pocahontas is a legend, and Disney has, as usual, created its own version of that legend. On the surface, the movie is just a love story between two people of different cultures. Still, the conflict between Indians and white "settlers" depicted in this film gives some indication of the historical expectations of both groups, and of what happened as a result of that. We can't expect a Disney movie to deal with the genocide that followed.
The character of Pocahontas that Disney created is so powerful that she overshadows everything else in the film. This is not a cute cardboard cutout, but a grown-up, majestic woman who should be an inspiration to everyone who watches the movie. The John Smith character is not quite the same quality, but he is an admirable nonetheless. Smith is eager to explore the New World and willing to forge a relationship with someone he previously considered a "savage," and even remains silent when the natives accuse him of killing one of their warriors. But he cannot equal Pocahontas's noble gesture of protecting Smith with her own body and telling her father that he will have to kill her if he's going to kill the white man. This is powerful stuff.
Underlying the love story is the message of honoring the earth, beautifully captured in the song "Colors of the Wind." In Pocahontas, Disney's artists have made nature come alive, from the majestic rivers and mountains to Pocahontas's delightful friends Meeko and Flit. In color and sound, it is a gorgeous film.
To sum up, everyone should see this beautiful movie. Far more than just entertaining you, it will make you think seriously about who we are as Americans, as well as how we treat the planet we all have to share.

Pocahontas (Disney Gold Classic Collection) Overview

Disney's take on this historical confrontation between European settlers and Native Americans follows the paths of two future lovers. One is British adventurer John Smith, who travels the Atlantic with the Virginia Company to establish Jamestown. On the shore is Pocahontas, a typical Disney heroine: bright, beautiful, mischievous, and motherless. The two meet in the untamed wilds of America (the first meeting is quite divine), fall in love, and try to ward off the warring factions. It's Disney's version of a Native American West Side Story. Two Disney trademarks do not quite muster up: the villain isn't hissable and the score's only high point is the Oscar-winning "Colors of the Wind." Calling it "historical" is a stretch, but Disney created a very natural look at the two cultures. The Native American characters are handled especially well, and kids should be intrigued by their world; the movie is a far different lesson from the one their parents and grandparents learned. Disney has discovered a few things, though: you don't have to kill to solve your problems, and you can end the film without a happily-ever-after, illustrated by a touching final visual. (Ages 5 and older) --Doug Thomas

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Customer Reviews

Everything was great! - SieJurgens -
Ordered the Pocahontas 10th Anniversary Edition and couldn't be happier with it. It looks brand new, the discs work fine, and it shipped relatively fast. Everything about this purchase was great!

thanks! - Christian E. Taboada - Irvine, CA, US
I bought this product for all the wrong reasons, for a boy, but even since he didn't work out, I have the movie and this movie is great! There are random crayola marks all over the cover, but it's cute! thanks!!!

Most underraated Disney film. - V. Nguyen - California
It's hilarious reading the bad reviews about Pocahontas. They either complain that the movie is too mature (it tries too hard to be politically correct, and it is too blatant in its portrayal of violence and racism), or that it is too childish (making a mockery of actual history by portraying it in a cartoon-ish and simplistic manner). So, what is it?

The problem is that people already have too many opinions formed about it before they even watch it. People were already protesting 'Pocahontas' before it was even released way back in 1995! Why judge something before you have seen it? If you watch it with an open mind, you will see that Pocahontas is a wonderful movie with a great message, and that the creators took a lot of care into trying to portray Indian culture in a respectful way. Great music, great animation, great story. Extremely underrated. And one of my favorites. (:

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Sep 30, 2010 15:00:09

Animation

Thursday, September 30, 2010