The Last of the Mohicans




 The Last of the Mohicans is a movie which was directed by Michael Mann. It is a 1992 film set in the 18th century specifically 1757 during the Indian and  French war. This film primarily focuses on the Mohicans who are the last surviving tribe of the Native Americans. The film starts with the french army attacking Fort William Henry which was controlled by the British. Uncas, his father Chingachook and half brother Hawkeye also know as Nathaniel Poe lived in peace with the British. The film revolves around Uncas, the remaining leader of the Mohican tribe,his adopted brother Hawkeye and the two Munro sisters Cora and Alice as well as the villain Magua.

The first encounter between Uncas, Cora and  her sister Alice  was when the two sisters together with Major Duncan were  on their way to visit their father at Fort William Henry. On their way, they encountered  an attack by a group led by Magua who belonged to the Huron tribe and was an ally of the french army.  Magua was also part of the people responsible for escorting the ladies but he betrayed them.He was sent into exile by Commander Munro the father of Alice and Cora. Magua’s village was destroyed by Commander Munro and his soldiers.His children were killed and his wife who thought he was dead remarried someone else. This was his reason for seeking revenge against Commander Munro. It was also his reason for wanting to kidnap Alice and Cora.  However,  his plan failed as Alice and Cora  were saved by Uncas  and  Hawkeye. Hawkeye on the other hand was an ally to the British army and sought to protect Commander Munro and his daughters.

The girls were able to reunite with their father  though that did not last for long.The Hurons were allies of the french and attacked lots of soldiers as the British tried to withdraw their troops from Fort William Henry. Magua killed Commander Munro by taking out his heart. Whilst killing him, he promised general Munro that he will wipe his children from the surface of the earth. Alice and Cora were captured again and taken to a Huron village. Cora was to be burnt alive to atone for the deeds her father committed in Magua’s village.  Hawkeye, who was in love with Cora, helped to save her from death. Alice on the other hand was to marry Magua even though Magua had stated earlier on that he planned on killing both daughters of General Munro. Magua leaves the village with Alice  but once again, the Mohicans rescue them . Magua  on the other hand was able to flee again. Uncas  was killed by Magua as he tried to save Alice. Alice in order not to marry Magua jumped over a cliff.Magua was however killed by Uncas' Father  Chingachook. The final part of the movie sees the burial of Uncas and Cora  and Uncas was described as the last warrior who was from the Mohican tribe.

The last Mohicans highlights the interracial relationship that existed between the only two members of the Mohican tribe that is Uncas and his half brother Hawkeye.  Uncas was able to form a great relationship with  his adopted half-brother Hawkeye who was a white man. They were able to work together during a war which led in the saving of many captives including Alice and Cora. It also highlights love being found between Hawkeye and Cora as well as Uncas and Alice even in the midst of raging battles and trials that they faced. Though such love seemed to be impossible due to the issue of social differences and race.

From the movie, I would view American Indians from two lenses. The first is through the representation of Magua. American Indians are seen or depicted as being savage,uncivilized and heartless. Magua is depicted as one who is bent on killing a number of people just to achieve his aim or have his revenge.  On the other hand, there is the other portrayal which is depicted by the character Uncas. Uncas unlike Magua is depicted as brave, resilient and passionate and will fight to the end for the people he loves. One can infer that perhaps Hawkeye and Uncas are not "savages or uncivilised" because of their interactions and relationship with the British colonialists. Thus, "civilisation" has influenced their behavior. There is also a depiction of American Indians having a deep connection to nature. The movie also portrayed how the native settlers were able to coexist with their colonialists.


I enjoyed this movie as it displayed the bravery of the American Indians, the British, Mohicans and the Hurons as they fought and defended what they believed in. Though Magua was portrayed as a villain, he had reason for his revenge due to the crimes committed against his people on their own land. I found interesting the development of love between Hawkeye and Cora as well as Uncas and Alice in the midst of all they went through. I found it more fascinating that Alice was willing to die than to be married to Magua. This was an interesting and great movie.

Reference:

1. Michael,Mann. Dir. The Last of the Mohicans. Pef. Daniel-Day-Lewis. 1992. Morgan Creek Pictures.



 

Comments

  1. Tama'ita'i Samoa Journey18 October 2020 at 21:38

    I read two times in trying to understand the movie. I really enjoy reading and following the story. This is on my must watch list. In my understanding, Magua's intention is to revenge the death of his people and he was doing the best he can to achieve his goal which is to destroy commander Munro and his family. I think the representation of bravery in this movie is similar to Pocahontas, the American Indians always fight for what they believe in.

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  2. OrionGate21 October 2020 at 22:26

    Very great review ! I truly enjoyed reading it. the portrait of native American's as uncivilized people is indeed the result of films propaganda. It is heartbreaking to see how cinematographic representation can fake the perception of a culture value and identity. it even feels like falsification of the truth is the inevitable goals of films. Thank very much for this film revue!

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  3. DLV3 November 2020 at 11:40

    Love and war, life and death seems to be dominant themes in your review. A fitting contrast to the historical and contemporary struggles of Native Americans. They can't return to the old way of life, but neither do they feel comfortable assimilating to the dominant culture of today.

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