For better or worse, Malick does it his way.

Rating: 8/10 (11 March 2007)

If nothing else, at least The Hound can now say he's seen a film with Colin Farrell in it. And for the record, he isn't bad. His John Smith pretty much stands around and gives the camera a forlorn look or chases Pocahontas around in the tall grass. There are worse ways to spend your time, I guess.
Love him or leave him, Terrence Malick makes pictures on his own terms and for that reason alone he must be respected. Never mind the fact that his films are never commercially successful. Those expecting an exciting epic along the lines of Last of the Mohicans will be disappointed. There is a battle scene or two, but the action is neither graphic, nor terribly compelling. The real story here is the discovery of different cultures by both Native Americans and English settlers. We see what happens when the English land at Virginia in 1607 and encounter the local natives. You'd have to think that scene where the two sides first meet in that field would have been pretty accurate. It's hard to imagine how odd each group would have seemed to the other. Anyway, before too long, the "Naturals" are out to rid themselves of the white settlers, but the romance between the chief's daughter (Pocahontas) and Captain John Smith (Farrell) muddies the waters considerably.
For the record, I liked the film. It is like other Malick films in terms of structure. The narrative takes a back seat to the scenery and mood of the film. The scenery, as one usually gets with Malick, is exceptional. Nearly every shot is at eye-level and has a large object or expanse of nature in the background. James Horner's score is subtle in some places, then overwhelming in others. Farrell isn't asked to do all that much as Smith, but he won't disappoint you. Christian Bale who comes on the scene later on is a much more developed character, and you will be glad he's there. Newcomer Q'Orianka Kilcher is a site to behold. She is such a beautiful young woman that sometimes she even outshines the scenery around her. She was a perfect casting choice, and actually shows she can act, too! The verdict: A good film, but the 150 minute version is just too long. Some of the shots of the actors wandering around in nature just get redundant, but not necessarily unpleasant. If the film had been edited down to around 90 minutes like Days of Heaven, then it might have worked better. The New World is still a considerable cut above The Thin Red Line, however. The existentialism and voice overs just didn't work with the war setting.
I would recommend this film, but be warned: Do not forget to pack your attention spans! The casual viewer will probably be bored stiff.
8 of 10 stars.
The Hound.