Pocahontas

Movie, 1995, G

Premise - Native American Pocahontas has her world turned upside down when British settlers invade her village, introducing civilization, guns, and racism against her people. When she meets settler John Smith, the two begin to learn to see eye to eye and communicate the differences and similarities between their worlds.

Review - All animated Disney films, more or less, are magical, happy films. They are fairy tales appropriate for children. Pocahontas, for what it is, stays true to this. It is a wonderfully beautiful film filled with bright colors and catchy songs. All Disney films are coated with a metaphorical rose-colored sheen, and this is seen as a positive attribute. Sure, it's a little creepy that Belle has fallen in love with her captor, or that Eric fell in love with Ariel without once hearing her voice. But we look past it because they are adored fairy tale stories.

Pocahontas is a little bit different because it is based on a true story that, without the Disney-sheen, is tortuously dark. Pocahontas was a real Native American princess, not a fictional character like other Disney princesses. To accommodate for Disney standards, her story was changed and romanticized. In truth, American colonialism is by far the most the most horrific stain on global history to date. I do not believe for a second that any of those British settlers tried to understand Native ways of living. They only gave praise to those, like Pocahontas, could be forced into Western civilization.

I say this as a disclaimer more than a criticism. I truly believe the creators of this film knew exactly what they were handling, historically. There were careful efforts to make the British settlers seem dumb and ignorant. The point of the film is to showcase the beauty of Native American culture and educate the White settlers (and the film's modern audience) about the value of their ways, rather than the other way around of the White settlers coming into to educate "civilization" into the "savages." And yes, that is not what actually happened. In her time, I believe Pocahontas was more famous for her assimilation into White culture. I think, however, there is beauty in the consideration of "What if?" What if there was collaboration, trust, and communication? What if they were seen as equals? What if Pocahontas was not forced to leave her village? What if John Smith learned something about life from Native Americans and took information back to England?

There is a sequel where I think Pocahontas does leave her village and travel to Europe. I have no interest in that and I don't think it did very well.

Pocahontas is full of death and misfortune. Western civilization is seen as dangerous, particularly regarding the use of guns (even in the hands of well-intentioned people, if they are under enough fear and pressure). There is no happy ending between John Smith and Pocahontas, as John Smith is shot and sent back to England for medical attention after a gunshot wound. So, sure, a lot was romanticized. The most horrific topics were off the table (alcoholism, rape, pillaging, smallpox, etc.). That said, for Disney standards, this film was far more serious in its topic matter. The film was done in a way I consider to be very respectable and age-appropriate (92/100).

Quote -
"You think I'm an ignorant savage
And you've been so many places
I guess it must be so
But still I cannot see
If the savage one is me
How can there be so much that you don't know"

What to Watch For - The entire "Colors of the Wind" sequence is iconic

If you liked this movie, I'd recommend Moana!

Directed by Mike Gabriel and Eric Goldberg
Produced by Disney
Distributed by Buena Vista Pictures