"Pocahontas / Pocahontas II" explores more from the 1990s animated Disney Renaissance

Rating: 7/10 (4 September 2012)

"Pocahontas" shows us how the young Native American Princess meets Englishman John Smith. The two engage in a romantic relationship which brings to mind Romeo and Juliet. Her Indian tribe and his group of settlers clash over the land with tragic consequences.
This was the first Disney movie based on an actual historical figure. It does a great job of keeping true to the spirit of the actual incidences it's based on. That's not to say it doesn't stray away from fact or embellish a bit to keep things interesting and family friendly. There are messages of racial equality and environmental preservation throughout the film as well. What would a Disney movie from the 1990s be without social commentary?
John Smith leaving Pocahontas behind at the end of this movie didn't give me a sense of "Happily Ever After" I expect from these types of movies.
This movie is different from most of the Princess animated features like "Cinderella," "Snow White," or "Beauty and the Beast." Instead of waiting for Prince Charming to come along, Pocahontas takes matters into her own hands. Many females will embrace the concept and identify with the message of the movie.