The New World

"Once discovered, it was changed forever."

Jan 20 2006 PG-13 2h 15m
Biography, Drama, History

A drama about explorer John Smith and the clash between Native Americans and English settlers in the 17th century.

Plot

Captain Smith is spared his mutinous hanging sentence after captain Newport's ship arrives in 1607 to found Jamestown, an English colony in Virginia. The initially friendly natives, who have no personal property concept, turn hostile after a 'theft' is 'punished' violently on the spot. During an armed exploration, Smith is captured, but spared when the chief's favorite daughter Pocahontas pleads for the stranger who soon becomes her lover and learns to love their naive 'savage' way of harmonious life. Ultimately he returns to the grim fort, which would starve hadn't she arranged for Indian generosity. Alas, each side soon brands their own lover a traitor, so she is banished and he flogged as introduction to slavish toiling. Changes turn again, leading Smith to accept a northern-more mission and anglicized Pocahontas, believing him dead, becoming the mother of aristocratic new lover John Rolfe's son. They'll meet again for a finale in England.

Written by

Terrence Malick

Directed by

Terrence Malick

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

First Foot Films, Sarah Green Film, Sunflower Productions, New Line Cinema, The Virginia Company LLC

Languages

English

Awards

Nominated for 1 Oscar. 6 wins & 34 nominations total

Scores
# of Votes
93,423
Average Rating
6.7 out of 10
Metascore
73
Popularity
NA