Pocahontas (1995) (Disney)

Such it is with Pocahontas, and for no real justfiable reason... if you're looking to learn the history of Pocahontas, go watch a documentary. If you are upset about the fact your children don't know the real story, then get them a book and stop using Disney as a source of education rather than entertainment.

But I digress...

Pocahontas is an excellent Disney movie. Perhaps not quite up to the stellar qualities of Alladin and Beauty and the Beast, it is nonetheless a fantastic and enjoyable movie. It ventures pretty far from the historical truth of the inspirational historical events, but don't let that disaude you in the least... it has everything that a Disney movie should have.

The songs are up to the usual high quality, with 'colours of the wind' being a particularly lovely ballad about the western perception of 'savage' and 'backwards' cultures. Perhaps a little excessively 'politically correct' in some parts, the score nonetheless is as magical as in any other movie.

So, if you're looking for a wonderful movie to enthrall, delight and entertain you can't go much wrong with Pocahontas. If you're looking for a documentary that explains the eco-geopolitical ramifications of the western colonisation of America, then go get a documentary (or a life).


One of Disney's Best   November 2, 2001
M. D. Smart (London, UK)
8 out of 13 found this review helpful

A lot of rubbish has been talked about this film by critics, but why they attack it so remains a mystery. This is a beautifully animated (the gorgeous hues of blue and purple in the forest being a standout) and often moving story, with a more serious, 'adult' tone than many other Disney films - although there is also plenty of humour from the animal cast. Infinitely superior to it's more successful predecessor, 'The Lion King', it's not historically accurate but who cares? This doesn't present itself as a documentary; it's entertainment - and on that score, as on all others, it is an unqualified treasure.


Underrated classic   May 5, 2004
Mr. S. Walker
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Pocahontas is a sweeping spectacle of a film, which desreves greater recognition than it has recieved thus far. Inevitably, coming hot off the heels of The Lion King, Pocahontas was never going to match its success, but that doesnt make it any less enjoyable.

It is the first Disney animated feature to be based on historical events, and perhaps this shines through as the film is perhaps more serious than other Disney fare.

The stroy deals with Captain John Smith, who, along with a group of sailors heads to America in search of gold. However, whilst there he meets Pocahontas and the two characters are let into eachothers worlds. Things become complicated however, when Pocahontas' father and General Radcliffe (head of the mission to the 'New World') prepare to wage a war against each other due to their hatred and discriminations of the other's race. Naturally Pocahontas and John Smith fall in love, though the usual happy ending is traded in for something much more effective.

Comedy comes in the form of sidekick pals Meeko the meerkat and Flit the humming bird, and the magical element of the movie is portrayed in the form of Grandmother Willow, the advice-giving tree.

Accompanied with rich animation, beautiful music and real heart, this is an essential buy for any Disney fan.


Sheer brilliance   October 14, 2001
3 out of 8 found this review helpful

The film is a beautiful tale with captivating music and art which should shine through with brilliance on the DVD.

the film is a masterpeice, the only reason why the critics did'nt like it was because it was totally different to the lion king. The film is a classic, I can't say any more than this film is excellent. (Also watch Pocahontas 2 journey to a new world.)


Hey Nonny Nonny!   October 28, 2003
3 out of 4 found this review helpful

Buy this for the music, The original score by Alan Menken is his best score and his songs are superb. What makes the music so brilliant is it's adult and heartfelt composition and orchestration. Listen to the score on it's own and you could very easily be listening to the phillamonic playing a modern classical movement. Without Menken Disney suffers badly and Pocahontas although well written and beautifully animated is my favourite because of his contribution that and the work of orchestrator Danny Troob.

Disney have lost a lot of interest in recent attempts due to Alan Menken leaving the film side of the company after "Hercules". I'm pleased to say he will be back with a new score for Disney's next animated feature "Home on the Range" next year.

In the mean time see and enjoy his earlier work and buy "Pocahontas" there really is nothing to dislike and the music may even bring a tear to your eye.