Pocahontas

Pocahontas

The Plot

King James's soldiers have set sail for the 'new world' under governor Ratcliffe. The men are excited about landing on this new terrain in search of gold. This supposed new fortune will allow them to start new lives and get the things that they want.

In the New World Chief Powhatan has returned from the war and has decided it is time for his daughter, Pocahontas, to marry his best warrior. This goes against Pocahontas's dreams as she senses change in the village: little does she know that the English soldiers will soon be upon them.

Ratcliffe and his army make dock on the shores close to Pocahontas's village and the lead character, John Smith, is ordered to go and scout for the savage Indians. Having seen the ship dock Pocahontas moves in to get a closer look at the Pale Faces. John Smith and Pocahontas meet and despite their differences form a close relationship.

Their relationship is soon discovered by both Chief Powhatan and Ratcliffe and both are convinced that it is a plot to get closer to each other's camps to make war. Both sides think of each other as the savages and it is only when Pocahontas saves John Smith's life can she show them that neither side are the savages they believe each other to be.

The Cast

• Irene Bedard: Pocahontas
• Mel Gibson: John Smith
• David Ogden Stier: Governor Ratcliffe
• John Kassir: Meeko
• Christian Bale: Thomas
• Linda Hunt: Grandmother Willow
• Danny Mann: Percy
• Billy Connolly: Ben
• Joe baker: Lon
• Frank Welker: Flit
• Michelle St. John: Nakoma
• Jame Apaumat Fall: Kocoum
• Gordon Tootoosis: Kekata

Soundtracks

• Colors of the Wind: Pocahontas is showing John all that he land has to offer and questioning Johns's assumption that her people are the real savages.
• Just Around the River Bend: Pocahontas is singing about adventure and trying to work out what she wants and if it's the right thing to do.
• Listen With Your Heart: Grandmother Willow advises Pocahontas to stop listening to outside influences and to listen to what she wants.
• Savages: the war song between to two sides.
• Steady as the Beating Drum: introducing the Indian tribe.
• Virginia Company: the English settlers setting sail to the New World
• If I Never Knew You: this was not in the original movie but was put in the 2005 Special Edition DVD release. It depicts Pocahontas's and John's love for each other on the verge of his death. To be honest I'm not a fan of this song as it doesn't really fit in with the rest of the music theme.

Verdict

Pocahontas is Disney's first historical animation and although it isn't really that accurate it still makes for one heck of a story. Since it's release in 1995 Pocahontas has been re-released in 2005 and set for the theatrical stage.

In case you hadn't guess Pocahontas is a Princess with attitude. She is not one of these Princesses stuck in the tower but is strong, independent and speaks up for herself and the rights of her people. Her character is refreshing when most Princesses you see are softly spoken and waiting for their knight in shining armor; Pocahontas actually saves her knight from death on a couple of occasions. 

There are a few characters who add to the light-heartedness of the movie. For example, Percy, Meeko and Flit are always getting into trouble and provide the momentary humor that makes Pocahontas a great film.

Disney have yet again made an unbelievable soundtrack. The songs are brilliant and add interest and depth to the story. The lyrics are easy to keep up with and are suitable for a universal audience. 

I can highly recommend Pocahontas as a great Disney movie for kids and adults alike. 

  

The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride

The sequel to The Lion King was released in 1998 and has since been a favorite Disney movie of mine. Unlike the original this movie doesn't really focus on Simba but on his daughter, Kiara, who like her father is good at getting in trouble. 

Before we get to the main plot you should know that between these movies Scar has created his own pride, all just as corrupt as he was and his wife Zira is upholding Scar's ideals about the Pride Lands and how the Outlanders (Scar's pride) should be the rightful leaders of the Pride Lands. 

The Cast

• Simba: Matthew Broderick
• Nala: Miora Kelly
• Kiara: Neve Campbell
• Kovu: Jason Mardsen
• Ziara: Suzanne Pleshette
• Timone: Nathan Lane
• Pumbaa: Ernie Sabella
• Rafiki: Robert Guillame
• Mufasa: James Earl Jones
• Nuka: Andy Dick

Simba's Back: The Plot

Having returned to the Pride Lands to take his rightful place as King, Simba has been busy making a family of his own and now has his own cub, Kiara. However, not is all calm and peaceful as there is a plot for Kovu, a young cub from Scar's pride who was hand-picked by Scar himself to infiltrate Simba's pride and take over Pride Rock.

An interesting twist occurs here as Kovo and Kiara fall in love, helped along by none other than Rafiki the baboon. Kovo soon learns that Simba's pride is no threat to the outlander pride but it is too late for him to warn Simba of the ambush that is waiting for him. Simba manages to escape but is badly hurt and exiles Kovo from his lands. 

At this point Kiara is heart broken and runs away from home to find Kovo. While they are running away they realize that only they can end the war between their two prides and they must reach the battle ground before it begins. Only if they can convince the two sides not to fight will both their prides be saved.

The Music

This wouldn't be a Disney movie if we didn't have a song every 5 minutes; the music is just fantastic.

He Lives in You

This is the equivalent to "Circle of Life" and is performed right at the start when Kiara is being presented to the Pride Lands.

We Are One

In this song Kiara learns about the importance of life and how she is more than just an individual. She learns that she is part of the land she lives in and that Simba understands her more than she thinks.

Upendi

Rafiki helps Kiara and Kovu find love during this wonderfully animated song.

One of Us/Deception

This is the song that sends Kovu into exile after the ambush on Simba. It is a very powerful song that gets to me every time.

My Lullaby

This is Ziara's lullaby that she sings to Kovu as the plot to kill Simba begins to form and take action. Ziara sings about what keeps her going during their hardship and what she plans to do to Simba.

Love Will Find a Way

After running away from home Kiara is searching for Kovu. When they reunite the song becomes much more romantic rather than searching as they finally declare their feelings to one another.

Buy the Soundtrack Here:

The Lion King 2 - Simba's Pride Original Soundtrack

Verdict

In my experience with sequels they are normally very disappointing, however, Disney has surprised me yet again with another fantastic movie. All the old characters are there, except Scar (but he's mentioned enough), and some great new ones as well like Kiara and Kovu.

I love the story line and the fact that just like her father, Kiara is the only one who can save Pride Rock from another disaster (Simba was the only one who could save it previously). The plot between Kiara and Kovu is a little like Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the point being that two members of different houses have fallen in love and it is life threatening to let on that this has happened. The upside to this story though is that the two main characters don't die at the end but join the two prides together and presumably remain happy for the rest of their lives.

As always the music is spot on. The advances in sound and animation make for a drastic and powerful setting to really tug at the heartstrings, especially in pieces such as "One of Us" which moves me every time.

I think Simba's Pride is more suited to a slightly older child as it deals with more complicated emotions such as love, jealousy and hatred and a small child might not quite understand. However, for older kids and adults there is plenty of in-depth and darker plots to be absorbed. I have watched it time and time again and have yet to be bored with it.

 If you want to get your own copy of The Lion King II: Simba's Pride I have provided a link to Amazon where they are selling for a very reasonable price.

 

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