Rating: Summary: Still holds up Review: I still remember watching this movie in the theater when it came out and being blown away by the beauty of the cinematography. It's been almost a decade now and the film still holds up. The dvd is good(except for the complete and utter lack of extras), and the director's cut does basically no horrific damage to the original. If you're a junkie for lush backdrops, a gorgeous score and well shot and bloody battle scenes then give this flick a try.
Rating: Summary: They couldn't find a real indian to play the lead Review: Well I guess a real indian would have been too smart to be in this turkey of a film. I will find you... makes you think there's gonna be this long drawn out and epic search. Well guess what 15 minutes later she's found. Gimme a break
Rating: Summary: Extended - and even better? Review: I've seen the original - and fell in love instantly. Wonderful actors, a beautiful scenery, no lengths and heart-gripping drama and action. Thats how it was - and I'd watch it one over and over again. I then got this DVD and frankly it just isnt the same. Some scenes were added to give it a more historical touch and there's a lot more of walking in the woods - that's it. Oh and they changed the absolutely grand soundtrack - it still contains most of the themes but it lost a lot of it's splendor. My verdict: as long as there's no release of the original version on DVD: GO GET IT - it's still one of a kind. A two hour trip into a fascinating story - a classic.
Rating: Summary: If you own it on VHS, DON'T buy the DVD Review: For those of you who've never seen this movie, or do not own it, this is a great flick, and definately worthy of joining your collection. The end scene will make you gasp,cry,cheer, and will make you want to watch the whole thing all over again. For those of you who own this movie on VHS, DO NOT BUY the DVD. If you are a big fan of this movie, you will be severely disappointed. The addition of scenes was nice, but the director's cut DELETED some of the best parts of the movie. Hawkeye no longer tells duncan "One day you and I are going to have a serious disagreement", a line that I thought was one of the best in the movie. The "i will find you" song has been taken out and replaced by the same tune used in the end and beginning. There are many other small deletions that are hard to catch, but leave you feeling that something is missing. The first time I watched it, I was so furious I almost stuck the DVD in the microwave, but I guess that's because I'm such a huge fan of this movie.
Rating: Summary: A groundbreaking film! Review: Epics are some of the most visionary and illustrious films in Hollywood, evoking many different feelings with their stories of love, war, and human discovery. These movies usually are based on a historical event or time period, and can either remain completely authentic, or include a fictional story which sometimes is added to enhance the feeling the event or time evokes. I love movies like this: they have so much to show us, so much that we can relate to and sometimes learn from. "The Last of the Mohicans" is one of these films, embodying all the these traits while remaining a film that appeals to a broad audience. Those seeking battle scenes filled with intense moments of hand-to-hand combat will find it satisfying, while the emotional story of three men, the last of their tribe, as well as the unlikely romance between two of the characters will keep just about everyone enthralled. The history behind this film has been debated as to its authenticity, and though some cynics will use this as a disuasion from seeing the film, I highly recommend it for its ability to evoke such emotion and granduer from every nuance of its development and progression. The story revolves around three remaining Indian men, known as the Mohicans, whose destiny is futile due to the ongoing French and Indian war in the year of 1757. The movie focuses most on Hawkeye, who was raised by the Mohicans and has been forced to serve as a guide for the British. Chingachgook, the last of the true Mohicans, raised him as his own, as he did his blood son, Uncas. The story sweeps around their involvement with the British forces that dominated the lands, leading into the battles between the British armies and the joined French and Indian forces. At the heart of this story is the mens' will to survive in the face of this danger, which becomes complicated by the budding romances between Hawkeye and Cora, Uncas and Alice; both women happen to be the daughter of a renowned British general. The movie chooses to focus more on the romance of Hawkeye and Cora, who waste no time in giving in to their feelings without denial. This focus rests mainly on the urgent nature of their relationship: while most films would draw the romance out against the war backdrop, this one establishes their love quickly to emphasize the unknown dangers of the time period. They realize that anything can happen that could take away their love, which is what keeps them together and brings their relationship to an intensity previously unseen in any film. Like their bond, the ties that keep Uncas and Alice together are equally strong, and it is ultimately their bond that will prove to be the most effective in the final mezmerizing sequences. The complications do not come solely from the ongoing war, but from the disputes among Hawkeye and Colonel Munro, Cora's father. His refusal to comply with the commands of Munro lands him in risky situations, which brings a small hardship. The movie uses this to embody strength and courage within our romancing characters, as shown in their refusal to be separated from one another in the face of the war or the betrayal of Munro. The final third of the film completely sells us on this strength: our heroes will do unexpected things to pursue their kidnapped loves, while the women themselves will show their will and determination to be with the ones they love. Secondary characters provide obstacles to the romance as well as the lives of our heroes. The character of Duncan is a two-way street: his loyalty to the British army and his willingness to win over the love of Cora, even if that love goes no farther than friendship, will bring him to a turning point later into the movie. Magua is a fierce Indian chief who leads the Indian armies devoted to the French, and his interaction with our characters will bring the movie to a brilliant climax. Indians in films are always learned and wise, and the movie takes no liberties with this. A scene between Cora and Hawkeye reveals his intelligence and insight into the nature of things around him, and his explanation of the existence of the stars proves the "wise beyond years" adage. Chingachgook portrays everything that an aged Indian should: the very wrinkles of his face are evidence of his many overcome hardships, while his ways with words, especially in the movie's closing dialogue, are some of the most moving and involving emotional and worldy insights I've ever heard in a film. As I paid close attention to the fictional development, the historical story is also quite involving. The battles scenes are grueling and intense, putting us right in the middle of the brutal but not overly gory action. These scenes are some of the movie's most authentic, made believable by the choreography of the fighting on each opposing side. Some have criticized the way in which the French and Indian war in portrayed, or more fittingly, who fought who. I, myself, have no residing knowledge concerning this time in history, nor am I about to ruin my favor for this film by researching it. My belief is that this film has much to offer with its sweeping tale, so just enjoy it for that. This sweeping tale is just what those words describe: the breathtaking visual acuity of the surrounding nature is completely visceral and moving, adding to the overall emotional effect. Period costumes and sets are authentic and bring us into a time gone by, mastering the use of meticulous craftsmanship to add to the film's true-to-life nature. Scenes underneath a giant waterfall provide a setting that is both sensual and dangerous, while the fog-covered mountains which bookend the film remain ominous and resonant in our minds long after viewing the movie. Trevor Jones and Randy Edelman compose the magical score, which is the defining key to bringing a certain majesty and presence to the surroundings as well as adding to the telling of the love story. Daniel Day Lewis is cast as Hawkeye, providing a brilliant aura as the hero who rushes to save the day and his love. He brings exhuberance and power to his role, an ideal hero who goes through the motions and comes out the winner. Madeleine Stowe is Cora, his love, and her performance, coupled with her convincing chemistry with Lewis, keeps the passion and the emotion alive. Eric Schweig and Jodhi May portray Uncas and Alice, and while their romance takes a backseat for most of the picture, their performances in their defining moments are stunning and awe-inspiring. Russell Means brings a sense of intelligence and wise knowledge to the role of Chingachgook, while Wes Studi is equally convincing in his role as the evil and ruthless Magua. "The Last of the Mohicans" is a film for the ages, and practically bleeds passion and intensity. It's romance is moving and powerful, as is the story of human strength and courage that surrounds our characters and sweeps us into a web of emotion. This is a movie I can sit through with eagerness each time, knowing that each viewing will be different from the first. I loved this movie!
Rating: Summary: Doesn't deliver emotionally Review: Ok, I just watched this film last night. After browsing amazon.com for good reviews on a classic adventure movie like BRAVEHEART, I came across LAST OF THE MOHICANS. I dowloaded a few songs from the soundtrack and fell in love with the music. Naturally, I had to see the movie. I'll get to the point...THE MUSIC AND SCENERY WAS AWESOME. I thought the acting was NOT up to par, I thought the love story was completely underdeveloped and I thought the script was horrible. I was completely lost the first 45 minutes and so was my mother, who teaches Cooper's novel. BUT...I have to say, the ending scene was beautifully done--visually. Anyway, go buy the soundtrack--that's where the real magic of this movie is. Anyone agree with me on this...because I see many great reviews for the film on here...honestly, I thought it was semi-cruddy.
Rating: Summary: Great film; fast paced; great Historical context Review: LAST OF THE MOHICANS: great costume effects for colonial times; excellent costumes on the American Indians; plush countryside visuals; beautiful women; lusty men; excellent overlap of the main story with the culture and values of the Indians; based on a short story from the 1930s
Rating: Summary: Read the "dmw from Washington State" Review Review: I absolutely agree with "dmw from Washington State". The DVD version is barely two stars; the theater and VHS version is more than 5 stars. dmw's description of the Theater, VHS and sadly the DVD versions are exactly on the mark. "The VHS widescreen version in THX is a wonderful piece of entertainment. Unfortunately, this Director's Expanded Edition has destroyed the flow and continuity of the original." The DVD version is a tragedy. Buy the VHS version and if you have a chance see this movie in the theater.
Rating: Summary: GET THIS MOVIE!!! Review: The storyline was great and so were the actors. I, myself, just adore Eric Schweig and saw this as a good role for a hot Indian. He was quiet about his love with Alice (Jodhi May) but you could see a strong affection between the both of them when he sacrifices his own life for hers. This movie got me interested in history class just to learn more about that war. I've watched that movie so many times that I'm scared the tape will wear out. My friend Elise (also obsessed) told me the ending in the original book was quite different from the movie! Why did they do that I wonder? Anyway, I reccomend this movie to anyone over the age of ten and while you're at it get the soundtrack too. There may be only five songs repeated over and over in the actual movie but they're great! (Theres more on the soundtrack.) In conclusion, this is a movie worth getting...I miss Uncas :(
Rating: Summary: fantastic movie. Horrible audio Review: I saw this movie about six months before buying it on dvd and man was I ready to sit down at watch it again. Upon trying to show this movie to my girlfriend for the first time we both noticed that we could barely here anything. What is the problem here? You would think that with surround sound that you could here it. But no. No matter what the movie is outstanding. A real guys movie. Full of adventure. So if you can get by the sound, or lack of, then i suggest getting it. If not, then i guess you need to wait for a better dvd to hit the market.
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