The New World [DVD]

.I love the beginning of the film that slowly drifts into tranquillity in beautiful film imagery and music: The three ships arriving in view from greenery land where the sun captures the light in shadow from the sky: The unusual dance movements and playfulness of the Native Americans' -'inquisitive and gentle like deer' -it all intrigued and captured my attention:"They are gentle, loving, faithful, lacking in guile and trickery. "The words denoting, 'lying, envy, slander and forgiveness' -have never been heard: "They have no sense of possession. " 'Real' -is what I thought was a dream."And yet, in a dreamlike quality and tale, this is how the story unfolds -but how very different this film would have been in mood without the haunting and lovely musical score: from a long journey to form a new settlement into a colony among Native Americans'?The words are often spoken in quietly voiced, and imagined thoughts -in confrontation, in harmonisation to communicate in division of languages between two very different cultures from ancestral nations.There are no horrors to witness to unsettle the viewer in alarming terror: but there are hardships, hunger, fighting and poor discipline, and a constant threat in fear from the natives to be conquered, to be colonized in control of their freedom?I like the eventual pageant meeting at the Royal Court with King James and the daughter of Chief Powhatan: 'Pocahontas!' -the girl, hypnotic to mesmerising beauty to Captain John Smith -and to the camera lens itself!The beautiful filming and music drifts and lingers along in 172mins of viewing time -and a piano concerto by Mozart ( no.23 ) is prominent throughout to enhance a sadness of a love story that I had not mentioned -but in a longing desire that the film seems intent to convey!Directed by Terrence MalickMusic by James HornerCinematography by Emmanuel LubezkiStarring Q'orianka Kilcher, Colin Farrell, Christopher Plummer, Christian Bale, August Schellenberg....I saw the film in the cinema at the Tavistock Wharf ( Devon ) on Thursday, 30th March 2006 ( I still have the box office ticket! ) : An afternoon viewing at 2.00pm that drifted into an early evening visit to the 'Tavistock Inn' -in a reflective mood to engage my imagination and enchantment -with my thoughts, not so very far removed from 'The New World' in beauty of this film..

This film was lovely to watch, but there were long sections when nothing happened. Based on the well documented and true story of Pocahontas and John Smith and her subsequent marriage to John Rolfe. She became quite a celebrity in England, accepted at the Royal Court of King James and Queen Ann.Colin Farrell was totally unconvincing as Captain Smith, spending much of the time wandering round a pained look on his face. Other reviewers have mentioned that his speech was mumbled and unclear. I would agree.Such a shame that this true story with great potential was spoiled by the directing and mediocre acting by a few.

Quite simply one of the most beautiful, mesmerising and profoundly moving films I have ever seen.Action movie fans - look elsewhere and do not be fooled by the cover or by the trailer. This is most definitely not another 'Last of the Mohicans' or anything like it. It is much, much more. It is that rarest of things in these days of disposable, homogenised, multiplex fodder - it is a work of (dare I say it!) art. With a capital 'A'.This is not so much a film that you watch as you literally experience. Incredible!

I love all types of film and I'm often asked " how can watch that boring film?" However after 15mins that is exactly what I asked myself and switched it off

It's been said its like watching a painting dry, and lovely to look at.It does not have a lot of action, for the young kids of to-day. But if youjust sit back, there is a lot to enjoy. Must say it's the first time I'veenjoyed Colin Farrell in a film. I've just cannot see why so many peopleliked him. But this film is not about him but Terrence Malick, and oncemore shows how skilled he is.

This film somehow had it all, and at the same time somehow missed the target. I loved the mood and storyline, as it had a charm, but Colin Farrell mumbled so much we could hardly follow, which is a shame, since an Irish accent is endearing. And he didn't come across as much if a leader. I'd have prefer another male lead actor, though not sure who. Dialogue could have been fuller, and the entire story with all its aspects (meanwhile back at the fort) could have been developed in a way we could better grasp the hunger and misery they endured. Loved the ending. We're not sorry we watched it, and will probably watch it again.

A fabulous presentation of Terence Malick's 2005 film. Another top notch release from Criterion.

As others have said this is an art film. Lovely photography, great settings, realism etc but it is very slow and the love story (both for the native woman and the new Eden) does not convince, and that's mainly down to Colin Farrell who gives the overwhelming impression he does not want to be there.