The New World

8 reviews for The New World

1. 

   R. Perez – April 2, 2025

   A Cinematic Masterpiece – The New World (2005)
   The New World (2005) is an extraordinary film that masterfully brings to life the story of the early 17th-century encounter between the indigenous peoples of America and English settlers. Directed by the visionary Terrence Malick, this movie is a stunning blend of historical drama, romance, and breathtaking cinematography. Here’s why The New World is a must-watch and a standout film that deserves widespread acclaim.
   Stunning Visuals and Cinematography:
   One of the most striking features of The New World is its breathtaking cinematography. Malick’s use of natural light, sweeping landscapes, and intimate close-ups creates a visually immersive experience that transports viewers back in time. Every frame is meticulously crafted, making the film not only a story but also a visual poem that celebrates the beauty of the natural world and the cultural landscapes of the period.
   Compelling and Poetic Narrative:
   The film’s narrative is both compelling and poetic, weaving together the historical events of the Jamestown settlement with the deeply personal story of Pocahontas and her relationships with John Smith and John Rolfe. Malick’s storytelling is contemplative and lyrical, allowing the audience to delve deeply into the emotional and psychological landscapes of the characters. This approach offers a fresh and introspective perspective on a well-known historical episode.
   Outstanding Performances:
   The cast of The New World delivers outstanding performances that bring depth and authenticity to their characters. Q’orianka Kilcher shines as Pocahontas, embodying her with grace, strength, and vulnerability. Colin Farrell’s portrayal of John Smith is nuanced and captivating, while Christian Bale’s John Rolfe provides a steady and compassionate counterpart. The supporting cast, including Christopher Plummer and Wes Studi, further enhances the film with their powerful performances.
   Authentic and Immersive:
   Malick’s commitment to authenticity is evident throughout the film. From the meticulous attention to period details in costumes and sets to the use of the Algonquian language and accurate representation of indigenous customs and culture, The New World immerses viewers in the historical context. This authenticity not only enhances the film’s credibility but also honors the cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples portrayed.
   Emotional and Thought-Provoking:
   The New World is a deeply emotional and thought-provoking film that explores themes of love, loss, cultural collision, and the search for a new beginning. It invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of human relationships, the impact of colonization, and the profound connections between people and the land. The film’s contemplative pace allows these themes to resonate deeply, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
   Hauntingly Beautiful Score:
   The musical score, composed by James Horner, is hauntingly beautiful and perfectly complements the film’s visuals and narrative. The music enhances the emotional depth of the story, adding layers of poignancy and resonance that stay with the viewer long after the credits roll.
   Conclusion:
   The New World (2005) is a cinematic masterpiece that offers a rich, immersive, and deeply moving portrayal of a pivotal moment in history. Its stunning visuals, compelling narrative, outstanding performances, and authentic representation make it a standout film that is both enlightening and emotionally powerful. Directed with Terrence Malick’s signature poetic touch, this film is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates historical drama, romance, and exceptional filmmaking. Experience the wonder and complexity of The New World – highly recommended for viewers of all ages. This is a film that will captivate your heart and mind, leaving you with a profound appreciation for the beauty and tragedy of our shared history.

2. 

   AT – April 2, 2025

   Cinematic Bliss
   After my second viewing of TNW, this time the extended version, all I wanted to do was play in the woods. I wanted to turn cartwheels and run around on the grass and get all muddy. Or stand high in a tree and gaze into the distance. I now find myself looking at trees, birds, and seeking things like beauty, a more gratifying vision, a deeper awakening. Yes, friends, there were historical liberties taken here, concessions to contemporary tastes evoked in a sappy, sentimental, silly little love storyline the historical truth of which could easily be disproven by those of a rational mind. Such discriminating folk may resent having to watch a couple of beautiful people “scuttle about” in the forest to the hauntings of Mozart’s 23rd piano concerto for nigh 3 hours. But for those of us who choose not to be so rational, perhaps we like being non-rational, what a glorious cinematographic ride it was; blessed with a 37 additional magnificent minutes more than the theatrical version.
   Pocahontas was played by the blissful Q’Orianka Kilcher so comely that it makes the heart ache. Her face blazes like Malick’s beloved fire imagery clearer than his unrelenting blue skies. Her feverishly adorning form flows visceral through the landscape like a gazelle in slow motion, like the birds, the rippling water, and the animals in the forest, which, thanks to Mr. Malick’s artistic eye, inhabit the film with her. She embodies “form and proportion” to delight the senses and radiates “wit and spirit”, so astonishing was she that she “surprised” the sun whenever she came into his presence. Many torments visited upon her during the story all faced with a grace so touching and generosity so uplifting that her promise to herself to find “joy in all she sees” could be a mantra for anyone. A valid question could be how did Mr. Malick draw such a performance?
   Mr. Malick definitely has something to say and he says it his own way in his own time. We can second guess his choices with every frame. His motives were no doubt artistic and anything worthy of such distinction is entitled to remove us from servile convention and to make us stretch and flex our imaginative muscles. I don’t think he made any of his choices lightly but made his decisions resolutely founded upon a clear vision of the story he wanted to tell and the ideas and images he wanted to show us and affect us to think about. It is lamentable that he averages making a movie every seventeen years.
   Mr. Malick’s idea of a “special” effect is the natural light at dusk and dawn, God speaking through birdsong, a tear on the cheek reflected in firelight, fire itself, sunlight reflected through trees, birds in flight, deep blue skies, a water snake, a close up of the human ear. No obligatory explosions, no fake lighting or sets, no blue screens here, no over rehearsed acting but telling the story much through improvised movement and expression frequently, from what I understand, filmed when the actors didn’t know he had the camera running. No excess, not a trace.
   The dialogue is spare and poetic where thoughts sotto voce mingle with what is spoken aloud. When Pocahontas spoke the last time with her uncle in the English gardens, we have the rare privilege of experiencing a conversation in the Algonquin language which articulated a surreal, musical atmosphere. Her last words to Smith, this time in English, fell touchingly like loving teardrops: “Did you find your Indie’s, John?” Smith’s Reply: “I may have sailed right past them.” Their time together in the Virginia woodlands was dreamlike and when recalled in those last few moments they spent together, language wasn’t enough to give expression to their memories, across the expanse of time. To recreate such moments, and achieve such an affect through some indescribable medium, where all of the elements of film converge, is why we need people like Terrence Malick.
   This work is an elegy, one for Pocahontas and the way of life that that for her was decimated. The final few images gently reveal what was lost in her passing; an empty family bed, an Indian spirit guide, a gravestone, a joyous final cartwheel across the grass(in dreams, in death, or real?) accompanied by a soundtrack laced with Wagnerian flourishes. The final image is a visual symphony of river rapids wherein suddenly the music ends and we are left with pure sound; water rolling over rocks for a few suspended moments. This is the music that we lost, the natural music that symbolically died; Pocahontas, our “little wanton,” our “playful one” and the way of life she lost, her vanished wildness. “All things die”.
   Poetry is not for everyone nor is classical music. If modern film making had a parallel to the more elevated, less commercial, art forms that aren’t as accessible to the modern, for profit tastes, this would be it or at least its beginnings. All honor to you.

3. 

   Amazon Customer – April 2, 2025

   INTERESTING IF YOU HAVE NOTHING GOING ON
   worth watching once

4. 

   James – April 2, 2025

   Very slow but very beautiful. Also a really beautiful soundtrack running throughout the film. Some great performances. I recommend it.

5. 

   Ying Yang – April 2, 2025

   This is not an entirely accurate depiction of the history of Pocahontas and the preceding events. Its not trying to be. Its an experience, a beautiful piece of art that takes heavy inspiration from the history, and there is nothing wrong with that. I can still enjoy a more romanticized version of events, even if its not entirely accurate to the more unforgiving and harsh truth of what took place.
   As someone who loved the original Disney princess film i always wished for a live action adaption, and this is the closest thing to that. The extended cut is one of the most profoundly beautiful pieces of cinema i have ever witnessed. Its tragic, beautiful, emotional, and heartbreaking. The actress is absolutely breathtaking and does a phenomenal job at making the audience fall head over heels in love with her. The film delivers on a romanticized, yet tragic story of Pocahontas, the beauty and loss of our connection with nature, and creates a magnificent and emotional journey.
   I must recommend the extended cut of the film though. There are 3 versions here, but the extended cut is a thing of beauty. The theatrical cut loses 35 minutes of much needed footage, and in doing so loses much of the heart and soul of the film. Had i initially seen the theatrical cut first i honestly wouldnt have cared for the movie. The extended cut however is one of the best experiences i have ever had with a film. Just a wonderful experience, one that all people should see. If the story of Pocahontas intrigues you at all, watch this film, you wont be disappointed.

6. 

   noumeno – April 2, 2025

   Arrivato in 2gg, è la vesione estesa da ben 172′. Qualità video (VC-1) molto alta, così come l’audio ITA 5.12 DD thue HD. Molti gli extra ma tutti in SD. Il film è la storia di Pocahontas, che tutti conosciamo. Gli unici due aspetti “negativi” che ho notato sono: il ritmo un po’ troppo lento in alcune sequenze e soprattutto i dialoghi in lingua originale ENG che spesso troviamo inframmezzati a dialoghi in audio ITA nel senso non di scene ma una frase in EGN e magari la frase subito dopo in ITA. Inoltre non tutti i dialoghi sono con i sottotitoli e questo dà ancora più fastidio. A parte questo aspetto (che nella versione normale non ci sono ma purtroppo in BD esiste solo questa), il film è davvero bello, ricorda in molte sequenze Balla coi lupi, ottima la musica e il paesaggio. In ogni caso se piace il genere, l’acquisto è obbligato.
   Voto FILM: 4/5
   Voto AUDIO: 5/5
   Voto VIDEO: 5/5

7. 

   sean.strangelove – April 2, 2025

   内容は良くも悪くもテレンス・マリック。
   あまりにも詩的過ぎて、おそらく大半の人が途中でダレて飽きるでしょう(苦笑)
   評価はあくまでもソフトとしてです。
   画質・音質は言うまでもなく最高ですが、このソフトにはなんと
   劇場公開版135分　ファースト・カット版150分　Extended Cut 172分の３バージョン収録！勿論特典映像満載の３枚組
   俺が買った出品者からは3,493円で買えたのですが、プレミア化したのか価格が高騰してますね(;^_^A
   作品そのものとしては特別好きではないですが、俺は最初からコレクションとして割り切って購入しました。
   日本ではまず手に入らないだろうから。
   因みに俺はまだExtended Cut 172分のバージョンしか観ていません(^^;)

8. 

   Loup – April 2, 2025

   I did adore this mini series ! I recommend it !