The New World 2005 Reviews

Bottom-Line:  Unconventionally told, and slow and plodding at times, The New World is nonetheless a movie well worth watching if only to see the performance of Q'orianka Kitcher. — The story of fabled Pocahontas her real name was Mataoaka), the Indian princess from Virginia, has been the subject of many a story cartoon and otherwise and none of them seemed to get it right.  The latest attempt 2005's The New World manages to tell the story, but does so in an unconventional manner.  From the opening frames one gets the sense that this movie starting Colin Farrell, and… read full review »

When I settled in to watch this film with my hubby, I really had high hopes for it.  I love movies with beautiful cinematography and historic storytelling.  Unfortunately, The New World offers nothing but cinematography.  There's practically no story being told; what little is offered is disjointed and confusing. — The New World stars Colin Farrell, Christopher Plummer, Christian Bale (whose talents are completely wasted in this film) and introduces us to Q'Orianka Kilcher, who makes a lyrically lovely Pocahontas  Like poetry, the movie gives us glimpses into… read full review »

You know you're in trouble when the 'making of' docs are far more engrossing/entertaining than the film eventually made. But they DO explain why the film is so slow moving and narratively dull. Apparently, Malick improvises his shots and storyline as he goes along, thinking "Oh, maybe this will be interesting". Here's an idea - why not start with a SCRIPT next time - really, I fell asleep twice during this, as there is virtually no story being told - just a lot of pretty pictures with a lot of pseudo-poetic gibberish done in voiceover. Yes, the cinematography is terrific and the film is… read full review »