 |
he
first Disney animated feature based on historical fact, "Pocahontas
" tells the story of the meeting of the English settlers in Jamestown
with the local tribe of Powhatan Indians. The adventurous young Indian
woman Pocahontas, along with her constant companions, Meeko, a raccoon,
and Flit, a hummingbird, visits Grandmother Willow, a counseling tree
spirit, because she is uncertain about the path her life should take.
She soon meets the brave English captain John Smith, and while she opens
his eyes to an understanding and respect for the world around him, the
two fall in love. The other English settlers, led by Governor Ratcliffe,
are intent on finding gold in the New World and become convinced the Indians
are hiding the precious substance from them. Thomas, an inexperienced
settler, kills the Indian brave Kocoum, but Smith lets the Indians think
he is responsible, so he is condemned to death. In begging her father,
Chief Powhatan, to spare Smith's life, Pocahontas finds that her path
in life is to be instrumental in establishing the early peace between
the Jamestown settlers and her tribe. Smith, however, is severely wounded
by an enraged Ratcliffe and must return to England. Pocahontas and he
part, each knowing their lives are richer for the love they share. |