"The New World" is the fourth best feature film the great director Terrence Malick has ever made. Granted, in 30-plus years he's made only four movies, but while the ranking underscores that Malick's latest is certainly not his most ingenious, it still has moments that soar like few other American films of recent decades. Filmed in Virginia, "The New World" is the nine-year-long tale of the settling of Jamestown in the 17th century, of the love story of English explorer John Smith and Native American princess Pocohontas, of discovery and hope, often good intentions and some not-always-so-good results. 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."
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