The Late Masterpiece of Disney Animation...and even more dazzling in the "10th anniversary edition!).

Rating: 9/10 (25 November 2007)

I have long been saddened by seeing this visually stunning, and emotionally enthralling animated classic be labeled "Disneyfied History". It was so easy to take a brave attempt at broadening an art and chop it down because it is not a documentary on the subject, or because it dares inject a bit of magic, whimsy, and humor into a "True Story".
As the filmmakers stated from the beginning, this was intended to be a dramatization of the LEGEND of the ROMANCE between Pocahontas and John Smith. NEVER was it intended to be a 100% accurate documentation of the Historical events that happened (or MAY have happened) in the earliest days of "Jamestown".
What was attempted, and what was achieved in rapturous beauty, was the most naturalistic and richly detailed Animated interpretation of nature, human figures, and a multi dimensional star crossed romance that rings true Emotionally if not historically.
I very much hope that anyone interested in the art of animation will take another look, or see the superb 10th anniversary edition...which gives the lead characters the love theme that they were so rudely denied.
This is a breathtaking, intelligent film that stands up well against the sublime "The New World" (another, even LESS appreciated film treatise of the Pocahontas tale...that was largely overlooked in 2005).
It is to be treasured for it's superb songs, bewitching beauty, and unappreciated insights into Native American culture....and for being the most Dazzling Animated Film this side of "Fantasia".
I am writing this as the Re-birth of Disney "traditional" "Line Drawn" animation is marked by the release of "Enchanted".
It would be so wonderful to celebrate by acknowledging this film as the ultimate peak reached by the art (so far!!).