The New World Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A moody Captain goes on a camping trip with a minor, gets bored, then marries a tobacco farmer, and dies, all while beautiful scenery happens.

🍿 The New World: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Arrival at Jamestown

In 1607, English ships arrive in Virginia to establish a colony. Among the passengers is Captain John Smith, initially in chains for mutiny. The settlers, led by Captain Newport, face immediate challenges: disease, lack of food, and distrust from the Native Americans, whom they refer to as “naturals”.

Smith and Pocahontas Meet

While exploring, Smith is captured by Native Americans and brought before Chief Powhatan. Pocahontas, the chief’s daughter, intervenes to save Smith’s life. During his time as a prisoner, Smith grows to admire the Native American way of life, and he and Pocahontas fall in love. She is fascinated by his world.

Return to Jamestown and Growing Conflict

Smith returns to Jamestown, now the governor. He finds the settlement struggling to survive. Pocahontas and her people provide aid, straining her relationship with her tribe. As the English show no sign of leaving, Powhatan orders an attack on Jamestown and exiles Pocahontas for siding with the settlers.

Kidnapping and New Beginnings

The English capture Pocahontas, intending to use her as leverage against Powhatan. Smith opposes the plan and loses his position as governor. Word arrives that Smith has supposedly died at sea, leaving Pocahontas distraught. She begins to adapt to English culture and finds comfort in John Rolfe, a tobacco farmer.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Pocahontas (Q’orianka Kilcher): A spirited and adventurous Native American princess who navigates the complexities of love and cultural change.
• Captain John Smith (Colin Farrell): A conflicted English explorer torn between his duty and his love for Pocahontas and the New World.
• John Rolfe (Christian Bale): A kind and thoughtful settler who offers Pocahontas a different path, leading to marriage and a new life in England.
• Captain Newport (Christopher Plummer): The leader of the English expedition to Virginia, focused on establishing a successful colony for the crown.
• Powhatan (August Schellenberg): The wise and powerful chief of the Powhatan tribe, struggling to protect his people from the encroaching English settlers.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Pocahontas: “Mother, now I know where you live.” – Pocahontas says this in the last lines of the movie, reflecting on finding peace and understanding after death.
• John Rolfe: “ ‘Tis enough, she said, that you our child, should live.” – John Rolfe says as reading letter and Rebecca(Pocahontas), saying on deathbed when reminding him that all must die
• John Smith: “What we had here was no dream, but the only truth.” – John Smith says during his reunion with Pocahontas in England, expressing his regret over choosing ambition over their love.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $12,712,093
• Worldwide Gross: $49,334,775

💥 The New World Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie when it first came out and being completely swept away by the visuals. The way Terrence Malick captured the beauty of the Virginia landscape was just breathtaking. Q’orianka Kilcher’s performance as Pocahontas was so captivating, and I really felt her connection to the land. While some might find it slow, I loved the meditative pace and how it allowed me to really immerse myself in the story. The scene where Pocahontas first encounters the English ships gave me chills.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Terrence Malick’s distinctive filmmaking style”
  • “Viewers interested in historical dramas with a focus on character and atmosphere”
  • “Those who appreciate visually stunning cinematography”
  • “Anyone interested in the story of Pocahontas and the Jamestown settlement”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief battle violence”
  • “Themes of cultural clash and displacement”
  • “Some scenes of hardship and death”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Terrence Malick’s ‘The New World’ is a mesmerizing and visually stunning film that captures the clash of cultures with a poetic grace. The performances are subtle and powerful, particularly Q’orianka Kilcher as Pocahontas, who embodies the spirit of the land.
• Rolling Stone: “Malick’s epic is an ambitious and visually arresting take on the Pocahontas story. While the pacing may be slow for some, the film’s beauty and depth make it a rewarding experience. Colin Farrell delivers a strong performance as Captain Smith.
• Variety: “‘The New World’ is a visually captivating but narratively challenging film. Malick’s artistic vision is undeniable, but the film’s length and lack of traditional storytelling may alienate some viewers. Q’Orianka Kilcher is a standout.

Audience Reactions

The breathtaking cinematography made it a truly immersive experience.: Viewers often praised the film’s visual beauty, capturing the essence of the New World.

Q’orianka Kilcher’s performance was praised for her authentic portrayal of Pocahontas.: Many viewers found Kilcher’s portrayal of Pocahontas to be nuanced and captivating.

Overall Consensus: Visually stunning and artistically ambitious, though divisive due to its slow pace and unconventional storytelling.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Much of James Horner’s score was cut from the final film, leading to his disappointment with director Terrence Malick.”
• “The filmmakers aimed for historical accuracy in depicting Native American life, although some details, such as the size of corn crops, were not entirely precise.”
• “Q’orianka Kilcher, who played Pocahontas, was only 14 years old during filming, adding to the character’s portrayal of youthful innocence.”

🖥️ How to Watch The New World?

The New World is available to rent or buy on several platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for potential broadcast availability. Some streaming services may offer a free trial before purchase.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The New World, you might like these similar films:

• The Mission (1986): Explores the clash of cultures and the impact of European colonization on indigenous populations in South America.
• Dances with Wolves (1990): Features a soldier’s immersion in Native American culture, similar to John Smith’s experience.
• The Last of the Mohicans (1992): Set during a colonial conflict, it portrays the interaction between Europeans and Native Americans with themes of love and cultural clashes.
• Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972): Explores the clash of cultures and the impact of European exploration on indigenous populations in South America, displaying the destruction that it caused.

🛒 The New World Related Products

• The New World (The Extended Cut) [Blu-ray]: A stunning extended edition of the film, offering a deeper immersion into Terrence Malick’s vision.
• The Art of The New World: A Behind-the-Scenes Look: A hardcover book with exclusive photos and interviews on the making of the film.
• Pocahontas (Disney) [Blu-ray]: For viewers that would also enjoy a light hearted animated telling of Pocahontas’ journey. Disney’s Blu-Ray offers stunningly vibrant colors that are optimized on newer televisions.
• Native American Inspired Jewelry Set: A beautiful set of handcrafted jewelry inspired by Native American designs, featuring natural materials.

🎧 Soundtrack

The New World features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Vorspiel to Das Rheingold” – performed by Richard Wagner
• “Main Title” – performed by James Horner
• “Love Theme From The New World” – performed by James Horner

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The New World: A Beautiful Mess

Wondering why ‘The New World’ left you with mixed feelings? This review unpacks the film’s stunning visuals and thought-provoking themes, giving you a fresh perspective on its artistic merits.

✨ Rate