'The New World" is a dark, strange, beautiful film, entrancing with the sensual lyricism that has made director Terrence Malick as much a hypnotist as a storyteller. With majestic quietude, Malick tells the story of the Jamestown Settlement in Virginia and the curious relationship between John Smith and Pocahontas. Nature's splendors — grass, trees, sunlight, water, the echoes of forest birds and insects — are great communicators in Malick's art. Some viewers will approach the film's unhurried rhythms, slideshow imagery and Zenlike narrative with the bewildered trepidation of the English settlers shown landing in the pure wilderness of Virginia in 1607. And they might want to get back on the boat. Read the full review
In April 1607, three English ships sail to North America to establish a cultural and economic foothold. Shackled below decks is rebellious John Smith, to be hanged for insubordination as soon as they reach land. But instead he is freed by the captain, who knows — as the colonists will soon discover — that surviving in this wilderness will require the services of every able-bodied man — particularly one of Smith's abilities.
Director: Terrence Malick
Starring: Colin Farrell, Christopher Plummer, Wes Studi, August Schellenberg, Raoul Trujillo, Q'Orianka Kilcher
Run time: 135 minutes
Release date: Jan. 20, 2006
Rating: PG-13 for some intense battle sequences.
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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: B+
"The New World is almost like reading a long, descriptive novel. It isn't really a film for the masses weaned on the entertaining, roller-coaster action of King Kong or the manic relationship entanglements of Wedding Crashers."
Austin American-Statesman: 4 of 5 stars
"...a long, important-feeling film constructed of dichotomies. It is both understated and overly stately. It contains both lyric restraint and grand strokes."
The Palm Beach Post: C
"Shot on location and without the use of artificial lighting, this is surely the most authentic rendering of the first meeting of the English and the Native Americans."
