So, I'm Flipping Through The Channels...

Last Saturday night, as I was flipping through channels, I came across the FX Network and they were showing Michael Mann’s “The Last of The Mohicans”, a film from 1992, starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Madeline Stowe. Despite the fact that the film was shown in pan and scan and with commercials and I started watching halfway through the film, the power of the film was not lost on me. I immediately became riveted and lost myself in this extremely powerful film. It is also one of the most romantic films I have ever seen. The DVD of the film, which I own, contains some additional minutes of footage, a widescreen transfer and is simply one of the most beautiful films I have ever seen.

During the French and Indian War, Nathaniel (Daniel Day-Lewis), his adopted father, Chingachgook (Russell Means) and his adopted brother, Uncas (Eric Schweig), find themselves the protectors of two daughters of the British Colonel. The daughters, Cora (Madeline Stowe) and Alice (Jodhi May), soon become orphans and the prize Magua (Wes Studi) is looking for. Magua wants to take the women to his tribe and present them as an offering to his chief. However, in a very short time, Nathaniel has become romantically attached to Cora and vows that that will not happen.

“The Last Of The Mohicans” was a film I truly discovered after watching Mann’s later film “Heat” for about the fifth time. It was my love of “Heat” that made me take a second, closer look at “Mohicans”. “Mohicans” is both one of the best action films and one of the best romances ever made.

Trying desperately to avoid a war, Nathaniel and his father and brother are trying to create a truce. This truce is shattered when Magua, sensing he has the approval of the French, attacks the retreating British soldiers. The Mohicans realize what is happening and save the Colonel’s daughters. As Nathaniel and Cora bond, their relationship becomes very believable. The bonding is accelerated by Cora and Alice’s dire situation and their need for help. Not content to let the female characters become victims, Mann has them fight back, to the best of their ability. In the end, they need the help of Nathaniel and his fellow Mohicans, or they will die. As Nathaniel, Chingachgook and Uncas lead them to safety, Magua and his larger group follow and provide much peril. During this journey, Nathaniel and Cora develop a love for each other. This love is deepened by each person’s understanding that they need each other, desperately, to survive.

The journey these characters take is through the wilderness in upstate New York. Accompanying them is Heyward (Steven Waddington), a British officer who helped them get away. It soon becomes apparent that he also has feelings for Cora and is jealous of the growing attraction between them. This, however, does not detract from his feelings for her or his need to help the sisters.

The film has a very fast pace, always moving, as the characters race ahead of their pursuers through rivers, fields, under waterfalls and more. Mann ensures that we never lose interest because he rarely allows the characters to stop and breath. It is a testament to the director’s skill that we are able to empathize with these characters, let alone get to know them, as they move quickly ahead of Magua. The natural scenery provides a breathtaking backdrop to the constant action. So often we watch films in which the director has had difficulty concentrating on one aspect of the tale, let alone create a film in which every aspect is of the best quality. Mann has done this many times. “Heat” is filled with impressive action sequences, characters with three-dimensional backgrounds and impressive production detail. “Mohicans” is the same, but of a different period and time.

Daniel Day-Lewis and Madeline Stowe are both very good looking, but in the film, they are easily two of the most attractive people I have ever seen. A large part of this is due to the chemistry they generate. Again, I don’t recall a single scene of actual sex, I believe the furthest they go is to kiss or hold hands. Their affection is told through their looks, their feelings and more. At one point, the Mohicans have to leave the British people for Magua to capture, for them to survive. Nathaniel tells Cora that she must stay alive, no matter what, because he will find her. I have seen few scenes in movies that are as romantic. The actors are very skilled at creating these physical interpretations of the characters, interpretations that then create the emotional and inner aspects of the characters.

There is also a budding relationship between Uncas and Alice, which is also very moving. Neither character says more than a handful of words throughout the entire film, but we can sense their romantic involvement.

The finale is also extremely moving. Each time I watch it, I feel emotionally devastated. I have to credit this to my emotional bond with the characters. Again, a testament to the director and actors. These people have crafted a thrilling tale with fully realized characters who we actually care about.

“The Last Of The Mohicans” is a powerful film that doesn’t lose its impact on a television, with commercials. However, I would implore you to watch it the first time on DVD. Rent or buy the Director’s Version DVD and watch the widescreen print of the film. This will ensure that you experience the grandeur and the power of the film as closely as was originally intended.