Films About Colonial America
Films about Colonial America explore the period of early European settlement in the New World, often focusing on the challenges, conflicts, and cultural exchanges between colonists and indigenous peoples. These films can delve into historical events, personal stories, and legendary figures from the 17th and 18th centuries, highlighting themes of survival, exploration, and the complex relationships that shaped the foundation of modern America.
Notable Films About Colonial America
“The New World”, 2005
Director: Terrence Malick
Directed by Terrence Malick, this historical drama tells the story of the founding of the Jamestown, Virginia settlement and the relationship between Pocahontas and John Smith.
Starring: Colin Farrell, Christian Bale, Q'Orianka Kilcher, Christopher Plummer, Wes Studi, David Thewlis, Noah Taylor, Ben Chaplin, Jonathan Pryce, August Schellenberg;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 135 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “The New World” on the website imdb.com
“The Crucible”, 1996
Director: Nicholas Hytner
Based on Arthur Miller's play, this film, directed by Nicholas Hytner, dramatizes the Salem witch trials of 1692 and the hysteria and injustices that accompanied them.
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Winona Ryder, Paul Scofield, Joan Allen, Bruce Davison, Rob Campbell, Jeffrey Jones, Peter Vaughan, Karron Graves, Charlayne Woodard;
Production year: 1996;
Genre: drama, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 124 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “The Crucible” on the website imdb.com
“Pocahontas”, 1995
Director: Mike Gabriel, Eric Goldberg
An animated musical film by Disney, it presents a fictionalized account of the life of the Native American woman Pocahontas and her encounter with Englishman John Smith.
Starring: Mel Gibson, Christian Bale, Judy Kuhn, Joe Baker, Irene Bedard, Billy Connolly, James Apaumut Fall, Linda Hunt, John Kassir, Danny Mann;
Production year: 1995;
Genre: animation, musical, drama, melodrama, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 81 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Pocahontas” on the website imdb.com
“Last of the Mohicans”, 1977
Director: James L. Conway
Directed by Michael Mann and based on James Fenimore Cooper's novel, this film follows the story of Hawkeye, a white man adopted by the Mohican tribe, during the French and Indian War.
Starring: Steve Forrest, Ned Romero, Andrew Prine, Don Shanks, Michele Marsh, Jane Actman, Robert Tessier, Robert Easton, Whit Bissell, Dehl Berti;
Production year: 1977;
Genre: action, adventure, war;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,2;
More information about the film “Last of the Mohicans” on the website imdb.com
“The Scarlet Letter”, 1995
Director: Roland Joffé
An adaptation of Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic novel, directed by Roland Joffé, it tells the story of Hester Prynne, a woman shunned by her Puritan community after bearing an illegitimate child.
Starring: Demi Moore, Gary Oldman, Robert Duvall, Lisa Joliffe-Andoh, Edward Hardwicke, Robert Prosky, Roy Dotrice, Joan Plowright, Malcolm Storry, James Bearden;
Production year: 1995;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 135 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,3;
More information about the film “The Scarlet Letter” on the website imdb.com
“The Witch”, 1916
Director: Frank Powell
A horror film directed by Robert Eggers, set in 1630s New England, it follows a Puritan family encountering dark forces beyond their isolated farm.
Starring: Nance O'Neil, Alfred Hickman, Frank Russell, Macey Harlam, Ada Neville, Jane Miller, Sadie Gross, Stuart Holmes, Harry Kendall, Robert Wayne;
Production year: 1916;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 50 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 0;
These films provide various perspectives on Colonial America, from historical dramas to animated retellings, showcasing the era's rich and often tumultuous history.
In conclusion, films about Colonial America offer a unique lens through which to explore the complexities and contradictions of early American history. These cinematic narratives not only bring to life the struggles and triumphs of settlers, indigenous peoples, and slaves but also provide critical insights into the formation of American identity. From epic dramas like “The New World” and “Pocahontas” that romanticize the encounter between European settlers and Native Americans, to stark depictions of colonial strife and resilience in films such as “The Crucible” and “The Patriot,” these stories reflect the enduring legacy of colonialism. They challenge audiences to reconsider the myths and realities of America's origins, highlighting themes of survival, conflict, and cultural exchange. Ultimately, films about Colonial America serve as powerful tools for reflection and education, reminding us of the foundational moments that continue to shape contemporary society.
