Perhaps my least favourite Malick, but still very good

Rating: 8/10 (10 July 2011)

I can understand again why those mayn't like Terrence Malick and his films, and this film too. I am not one of those people though, I highly appreciate Malick and his films too.
The New World is probably my least favourite of his work, but that doesn't mean bad, just that I enjoyed his other films more. The slow pace didn't bother me, I think it was deliberate and also a characteristic of Malick, however I do think some scenes do drag and the story while often poetic and poignant is not always as involving as I would've liked.
However, Malick's direction once again is spot on, the music is beautiful and haunting and the photography and images/scenery are astounding. The dialogue is fine and effort is gone into making the audience care for the characters particularly with Pocahontas. The acting I have no problem with either, the lady who plays Pocahontas is very compelling and moving and holds her own against Colin Farell and Christian Bale, both excellent.
All in all, very good but perhaps my least favourite of Malick's work. 8/10 Bethany Cox