4 1/2 BLOODY SCALPS OUT OF 7
In The Last of the Mohicans Daniel Day-Lewis plays Hawkeye, a strapping example of what a white man can be when raised by Indians of the mid 1700 frontier. We follow him and his adopted father and brother, through a large array of magnificent scenery while they aid whiney Scottish girls (with no Scottish accents) and a British soldier who has a bad case of little man syndrome.
The historical aspect was alright, just another movie about the British being pathetic losers at war without the help of Americans. However, what I wasn’t expecting was the film to turn into an adventure romance. Hawkeye and Cora Munro, played by Madeleine Stowe, erupt with fiery hot passion so it’s good that they decided to take overly long hugs while standing near waterfalls. In all reality their relationship and interactions were fascinating, but dry. The other romantic factor subtly thrown about between Hawkeye’s adopted brother, Uncas, and Cora’s little sister, was much more powerfully displayed then the main characters were.
Through the movie as stated before gorgeous woodlands and rivers painted the background. The scenes had interesting locations, but the shots were pretty straight forward. During the viewing, I was surprised to see Daniel Day-Lewis be a little dull. To me Magua, performed by Wes Studi, was much more interesting of a character. He was the vengeful antagonist sworn to kill the “Grey Hair” and his seed, Cora and sister. Studi who gave a few quips when arguing for the death of whiteys, can be seen later perfecting his art of phrases in Mystery Men as The Sphinx.
Even with this impressive villain, the movie didn’t start picking up until the high speed canoe chase. Wacky sounding as it is, this is where the show gets good. Hiding in fear, jumping from waterfalls, rushing to save, arguing for lives, and fighting to the death is just a few of the quick paced actions that go on after the chase. Astonishing unfolding events occur resulting in an ending that surprised me and with a reveal of information, even though logic would have it appear obvious. You find out the true last Mohican, and I’ll be damned if I give away the smallest hint--Chingachgook.
-Dr. Nooch
