Once Upon A Disney #33: Pocahontas

Listen with your heart, you will understand... that this month's Disney classic is a bonafide gem. Let's paddle downstream and dive into the delight that is: 

Pocahontas (1995)

 

Maybe she's born with it... maybe it's flying leaves

Pocahontas — or 'Pokey' as I affectionately call it — was not a staple of my childhood, for some reason or other. Perhaps, like The Hunchback of Notre Dame which follows it, this film was a little too serious for a mini Sophie of short attention span (and even shorter temper). Or perhaps it's due to the lukewarm critical reviews it received. However, since discovering it in my teens, I reappraised this underrated classic and it has since become one of my favourites. 

From its opening moments, Pocahontas lays claim to its purpose — retelling (with a generous dramatic license) the clash of two very different historical cultures. Cleverly, this is done through subverting established Disney tropes to lift the lid on diverse new stories. Opening with an old-fashioned illustration of London, 'Virginia Company' is a traditional, British militarian call-to-arms. With an angular, flat coloured animation style reminiscent of previous story-book classic, Sleeping Beauty, the wooden ship sets sail and we're in familiar territory. 

Captain Hook really let himself go

The noble voyage from London to Virginia soon takes a tumultuous turn, though. Our strapping (and inexplicably American) hero John Smith proves his mettle by saving a flailing crewmate who falls overboard. We also establish that this crew of adventurers — headed up by the gold-digger Governor Ratcliffe — is a little ignorant, to say the least. They are intent on plundering and pillaging their 'New World' and killing any 'savages' that get in their way. Subtle screenplay all around.

This undermining of the white western hero lays the groundwork for the big subversion that underpins the story. As Ratcliffe's ship reaches its destination and the clouds part, the real magic happens — we see things from the other side of the sails. From stormy greys to soul-soothing pinks and blues, 'Steady As the Beating Drum' introduces us to the Powhatan tribe, whose way of life could not be more different than the British. The most iconic elements of Pocahontas are the natural, painterly aesthetic of the landscape, and the serene yet soaring score, and here they are perfectly showcased. As the tribe glides through streams and harvests corn, summoning the spirits of their ancestors, a breath of fresh air is injected into the Disney canon. 

Pink sky at night, Powhatan's delight

Indeed, Pocahontas is best appreciated for its atmosphere and moments of pure natural beauty, rather than the necessarily the plausibility of its story. For a tale loosely based on reality, it takes a lot of liberties. Pocahontas herself has been given a major upgrade from historical records, presented here like a supermodel crossed with an athlete, who can magically speak English because — y'know — true love. Similarly, John Smith's chiseled good looks, paired with Mel Gibson's Hollywood voice, is supposed to set him apart from British rabble but doesn't make for very believable viewing.

'I'd like to see it in gold' 

Whilst I agree with critics who find the historical retelling a tad problematic — i.e. it makes it look like both sides were at fault which is a little generous to old Blighty — I do think it balances silliness and serious themes well. 'Just Around the Riverbend' and 'Colours of the Wind' create lyrical, abstract moments of beauty, furthering the story while delivering poignant messages on the importance of nature, fresh perspectives, and spirituality. Pocahontas and John Smith's first meeting at the waterfall has an almost balletic quality, using silence to breathtaking effect. 

On the other side of the coin, there is plenty of slapstick and a healthy smattering of gags. 'Mine, Mine, Mine' is an unapologetic tongue-in-cheek commentary of British Imperialist greed, set to a rousing waltz. Grandmother Willow is of great value as the wise yet slightly inappropriate elderly relative. Governor Ratcliffe's assistant Wiggins has some classic one-liners ('I like gruel') while the rivalry between spoilt pug Percy and ravenous Raccoon Meeko makes for some funny moments for the kids. 

My method of sharing

As the story builds to a climax, however, the humour is cast aside. Ironically, this kicks off with the death of Pocahontas' rejected suitor Kocoum at the hands of one of Ratcliffe's soldiers — a match that she dubbed 'too serious' to entertain. Well, Pokey, things are about to get a lot more serious now (#JusticeForKocoum). Pocahontas and John Smiths' star-crossed love is put to the test with the two sides prepare for battle in sinister musical style with 'Savages.'  While some of the lyrics hit you like a sledgehammer ('They're different from us, therefore they must be evil') this song represents a peak in the unbridled theatricality of the film. As each character interjects melodiously over another, you can imagine the events playing out on a Broadway stage. 

These Disney World night-time shows have got intense

The speedy resolution to the fighting, followed by John Smith's wounded departure to London, feel a little anti-climactic after the heady conflict that builds throughout the film. If they had kept 'If I Never Knew You', the love song between Pocahontas and John Smith, in the movie, perhaps their parting would be more emotional. Instead of shedding a tear, I did find myself quietly pleased that Pocahontas decided to stay with her people rather than follow her man. However, Pocahontas stays in my memory as an ethereal, glittering, at times meditative retelling of a historical tale — rose-tinted, but in the best possible way.  

Villain Rating: 8/10. While Governor Ratcliffe hasn't quite made it into the Disney villain hall of fame, he does have a lot of the essential ingredients. Disdain for the common man? Check. Blatantly greedy, valuing gold over human life? Check. Sidekick? Check (both human, and dog). Very camp villain song? Check. Even more outrageously camp outfit and hairstyle? Double-check. Ratcliffe definitely hams up the villain role with the best of them. 

Best Song: Although 'Colours of the Wind' is a stone-cold classic, my personal favourite is the free-flowing and effortlessly energising 'Just Around the Riverbend.' It encapsulates everything about Pocahontas' personality and quest, the verses rippling with potential and the chorus soaring above the surface of the water, as she contemplates her future choices in the only way she knows how — rowing down an unpredictable stream. Yet, despite the excitement, the song still maintains a level of grace and calmness that underpins the whole of Menken's blissful score. 

This is why Meeko is my spirit animal

Disney Detail: I didn't spot any Disney Easter Eggs in this one, but the opening does pay homage to the storybook introductions of previous Disney Princess films. 

Why It's A Classic: It may have divided opinion, but Pocahontas delivers on the essential Disney formula. The rich, sparkling, Broadway-worthy score and musical numbers from Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz; the vibrant and painterly animation that transports you to a new world; an iconic and strong heroine with sweet sidekicks; and a surprising but satisfying ever after.