The New World Movie

Director:
Terrence Malick

Writer (WGA):
Terrence Malick (written by)

Release Date:
20 January 2006 (USA)

Genre:
Adventure | Biography | Drama | History | Romance

Cast :
Actor Role
Colin Farrell Captain John Smith
Q'Orianka Kilcher Pocahontas / Rebecca
Christopher Plummer Captain Christopher Newport
Christian Bale John Rolfe
August Schellenberg Chief Powhatan
Wes Studi Opchanacanough
David Thewlis Edward Wingfield
Yorick van Wageningen Captain Argall
Raoul Trujillo Tomocomo
Michael Greyeyes Rupwew
Irene Bedard Pocahontas' Mother
Kalani Queypo Parahunt

Original Sound Track :
1. The New World
2. First Landing
3. A Flame Within
4. An Apparition in the Fields...
5. Journey Upriver
6. Of the Forest
7. Pocahontas and Smith
8. Forbidden Corn
9. Rolfe Proposes
10. Winter/Battle
11. All is Lost
12. A Dark Cloud is Forever Lifted
13. Listen to the Wind - Hayley Westenra

Plot / Synopsis :
The film begins with a young Native American woman offering a prayer to the Earth Mother. While never referred to by name, she is understood to be Pocahontas. The woman and others from her tribe witness the arrival of three ships. It is Virginia, the year 1607, and the ships are part of the Jamestown Expedition, sent by English royal charter to found a colony in the “New World.” Aboard one of the ships we see a man, later identified as Captain John Smith, below decks, in chains. While initially sentenced to death by hanging for his mutinous remarks, once ashore, Smith is pardoned by Captain Christopher Newport, the leader of the expedition.

While the prospects for the settlement are initially bright, disease, poor discipline, supply shortages, and tensions with the local Native Americans (who Newport calls "the naturals") place the expedition in jeopardy. Smith is given the opportunity to restore his reputation by taking a small group of men up river to seek trade while Newport returns to England for supplies. While on this mission, Smith is captured by a group of Native Americans and brought before their chief. After being questioned, the captain is nearly executed but is spared when one of the chief’s daughters (the same young woman from the beginning of the film) throws herself across his body, saving his life.

Living among the Native Americans as a prisoner for an extended period, Smith is treated well, earning the friendship and respect of the tribe. Coming to admire this new way of life, he falls deeply in love with Pocahontas, who is greatly intrigued by the Englishman and his ways. Slowly Smith begins to question the validity of his earlier life. The chief, however, eventually returns Smith to Jamestown with the understanding that the English are to leave the following spring once their boats have returned.

Upon his return Smith encounters a settlement in turmoil. Pressed into accepting the governorship he finds the peace and happiness he had experienced in the wilderness replaced by privation, death, and the difficult responsibilities that come with his new position. Smith wishes to return to his love but dismisses such action, labeling his time among the Native Americans as “a dream” that he has now awoken from. As their numbers dwindle throughout the brutal winter the settlers are only saved when Pocahontas and a rescue party arrives with food, clothing, and supplies.

As spring arrives it becomes clear to Chief Powhatan that the English did not intend to leave. Discovering his daughter’s actions, he orders an attack on Jamestown and exiles Pocahontas. Repulsing the attack, the settlers learn of Pocahontas’ banishment and organize a trade so that the young woman can be taken captive and used as leverage to avoid further assaults. Smith strongly opposes the plan and as a result is removed as Governor and despoiled by the new leadership.

With Pocahontas now living in Jamestown she and Smith renew their love affair. However, with the return of Captain Newport, complications arise. Newport informs Smith that the king has offered him the opportunity to lead a new expedition of his own which will seek an elusive new passage to the West Indies. Torn between his love and the promise of his career, the captain eventually makes the difficult decision to return to England. Before he departs, however, he leaves instructions with a trusted settler who later informs Pocahontas that Smith has died in the crossing.

Devastated, Pocahontas sinks into a deep depression. Continuing to live in Jamestown, she is eventually comforted by a new settler, John Rolfe, who helps her better adapt to the English way of life. She is subsequently baptized, receives education, and eventually marries Rolfe and gives birth to a son. While she is happy with her new life she soon learns that Captain Smith is still alive. Realizing that she is still in love with him, her relationship with her husband is complicated.

Ultimately, Rolfe and his family are given an opportunity to travel to England. Arriving in London and sharing an audience with the king and queen, Pocahontas is overwhelmed by the wonders of this “New World.” While there a private meeting is arranged between Pocahontas and Smith. Rolfe supports the meeting believing that his wife still loves Smith and that she will not be at peace until she sees him again.

The reunion is uncomfortable at times as the love the two shared years before reminds them of the happiness they once felt while the state of their present lives exposes how much they each have changed. Smith admits that he may have made a mistake in choosing his career over his love for Pocahontas, stating that what they experienced in the wilderness was not a dream but instead “the only truth.” The two depart, never to meet again.

Embracing her husband, Pocahontas and Rolfe make arrangements to return to Virginia. However, on the outward passage, she falls ill and suddenly dies. The film ends with images of Pocahontas and her young son playing in the gardens of their English estate as Rolfe, in a voiceover, reads a letter, addressed to their son about his deceased mother. In the film's closing moments, Pocahontas says "Mother, now I know where you live", having found peace through her strength to grow past her wounds, the film ends with images of nature.

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