Epic Hollywood Film Set In The French And Indian War
Nathaniel (Daniel Day-Lewis) falls in love with Cora (Madeleine Stowe), while serving as a guide for the British army during the French and Indian War. On the plus side, the cinematography is gorgeous and the story maintains a reasonable degree of historical accuracy, at least by Hollywood standards. But this is also "epic filmaking" at it's most melodramatic and overwrought. For example, there is tons of slow-motion camera work, usually of DDL running through the wilderness or making some impossibly accurate rifle shot.

In addition, the characters lack nuance, with Nathaniel depicted as a hero of near mythic proportions and Magua (Wes Studi) as the evil, treacherous Huron villan. To the film's credit, the British were shown to have a few "bad guys" as well, including Cora's father Colonel Munro. Also the Huron's chief castigates Magua for his vengeful excesses and going against the "Huron Way". So at least the entire tribe is not shown to be villanous.

If you like epic Hollywood film making, full of romance, action and melodrama, then you will likely appreciate this movie, as it is well made for a film of this type. But for folks like me, who prefer a simpler and more realistic style of film making, it will only be of moderate interest.

Lost its Soul
What a disappointment!

Sadly, when the director, Michael Mann, decided to cut the Clannad song, "No Matter Where You Go, I'll Find You," (not to mention the best one liners) from the 'Expanded' version, he ruined it.

If the visuals are the heart of the film, it is still stunning. It looks good in HD. But without the ethereal, hauntingly beautiful music in the background of Hawkeye's tracking scenes, the sense of desperation and despair - the soul of the film - is simply gone. When I first saw this film I didn't stop hunting until I found the song on a Clannad album.

If I hadn't received this as a gift, (the only thing I've actually asked for in years), I'd be demanding my money back.

I can't see myself going out and buying a multi region DVD player and the British region version, but I would buy it if Mr. Mann comes to his senses and re-releases an 'Original - Classic' version on DVD for the USA.

The director's expanded edition dissapointment
I bought this movie a while back on DVD glad to see when it came out. Excited I put it in as soon as I got it. Probably the biggest disappointment I've had in a long time. It was no where near as good as the VHS. Much of the dialogue is removed, including the before mentioned conversation between hawkeye and cora and several others. Some scenes and dialogue were added, but mostly deletes. The sound track does not align with the scenes very well. It is obviously bent and stretched to accomodate the new stuff. Overall I give it two stars only because it was a good movie before it was re-arranged. I would highly recommend anyone buy the VHS and we can all hope that the company will release the original version on DVD soon.

Hauntingly beautiful and with a great soundtrack... (and much better then the novel)
It distorted somewhat (for the better) the original novel (which is a "classic" but quite difficult to read due to the contrived prose).
The exteriors are one of the best ever in a production of adventure&action films and the cast is PERFECT.

It is a savage land which makes for a sad and cruel "natural" story, after all it is untamed territory and the characters live dangerously.

The soundtrack is a must and contribute to the atmosphere like a close fitting glove.

One of my favorite period films. The action sequences are well directed and the use of weapons seems REAL.

Highly recommended as a very good film.

ADB

Epic Saga
The Last of the Mohicans is epic in scope, music, cinematography, action and running... lots and lots of running... sometimes it's exhausting to watch Hawkeye, Uncas and Chingachook run so much, but, regardless of that, the film is glorious in all the visuals. And Daniel Day Lewis has never/will never be as gorgeous as in this film; it's one of those epic romances, too: "I will find you... do whatever you must to survive... I will find you" says Hawkeye to his lady love behind a cascade of water. Wonderful film - thoughtful, sad ending.