Pocahontas 1995

Pocahontas 1995

            Pocahontas is an American animation released in 1995 by Walt Disney Animation Studios. It falls under the musical, drama and romance genres. This type of film –based on a real historical figure- was the first and in the category of animated feature films the thirty third to be produced by Disney studios. Credits of directing go to Eric Goldberg and Mike Gabriel, whereas for production, go to James Pentecost.

Summary

The version of Disney about the story of Pocahontas shows as a romantic fantasy between Pocahontas and John Smith, which brings peace. From the outset of the film, the British army is seen heading to North America to find gold and claim the land they believe to be theirs. While the Indians watch the invaders penetrate their borders, the chief demands Pocahontas, his daughter, to marry Powhatan. Later on, Pocahontas consults Grandmother Willow and subsequently spots John Smith exploring the area and starts to trail him. The two meet, become close friends, and eventually fall in love. In one of their meetings, Kokoum is killed, and war commences between the two groups. When Smith is about to be killed by the chief, Pocahontas intervenes and saves his life. This loving action by Pocahontas ends the war before it starts and makes the Englishmen leave so as to treat Smith.

Native America Stereotyping

In portraying the Native Americans, Disney rides the wave created in the films of North America. That is, Indians are pronounced not as faceless savages but as members of the dynamic cultures. They do not shoot arrows to good people while in unseen hiding localities but instead try to foster peace, love, and brotherhood in their country. Generally, the stereotype that is reinforced concerning Native America is them being Noble Savages. Additionally, there dressing was also stereotypically depicted. The men clad in breechcloths with no shoes or shirts. Although, in cold situations, they wore cloaks made from hides. On the other hand, women’s attire was short dresses and skirts. Nonetheless, a number of them had unique dressings like the chief who had a feather headdress.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The weaknesses of the film are that it depicts historical inaccuracies. Bestowing to Encyclopedia Britannica (Benton, 1963), Pocahontas is around the age of 10 years, and John Smith 27 years during their encounter. In the film, the protagonist is somehow over 20 years old. Also, due to the big difference in their ages, no real romantic relationship was recorded. Although Kocoum was a real person, his actual death did not happen by the hands of Thomas because he was alive in 1613- years later after the British army had left- during the invasion of Captain Samuel Argall.

Although the movie fails to meet the real historical happenings, according to Russel Means, an actor and Native American activist, in comparing it with all the other films before it, it is the best that comes closer in recognizing the motives and true actions of the nation’s founders (Benton, 1996). Further, Pocahontas’ film perfectly portrays the Eurocentric characteristics of the invaders. They come to rob, pillage, and kill the Indians.

Overall, the film is impressive, however, it offers mixed reactions as to whether it is fit for children. It presents songs that can be used by this group when camping or hiking and inspires them to love others and care about nature. On the other hand, it depicts fictional accounts that are misleading. Further, it is filled with scenes of bloodshed, shows complex romantic connections, and the brutal abduction of Pocahontas.

References

Benton, W. (1963). Encyclopedia Britannica. University of Chicago Press.

Goldber, E., & Gabriel, M. (Directors). (1995). Pocahontas [Motion picture]. USA: Walt Disney Animation Studios.