Pocahontas : Story


The extraordinary life and indomitable spirit of a truly remarkable Native American heroine is celebrated through the artistry and storytelling magic of animation in Walt Disney Pictures' 33rd full-length animated feature, "Pocahontas. " The first animated feature from the studio ever to be inspired by a real-life figure, this exciting and ambitious musical adventure combines historical fact with popular folklore and legend to present the compelling tale of a brave, compassionate and dynamic young Woman who "listens with her heart" to help her choose which path to follow. Disney's telling of the Pocahontas story takes a romantic and entertaining view of her legendary encounter with the adventurous English sea captain, John Smith, to provide a timeless, universal and uniquely satisfying motion picture experience. The film's release coincides with the 400th anniversary of Pocahontas' birth. Featuring breathtaking animation, stylish art direction and an equally impressive song score from the team of Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, "Pocahontas" boldly explores new areas of the animation spectrum and demonstrates the unique power of this art form to blend great dramatic storytelling with elements of fantasy, comedy and music.

"Pocahontas" is set in 1607, just as a new age of exploration has begun. A group of British adventurers led by the greedy governor of the Virginia Company, John Ratcliffe, and including a fearless soldier named John Smith, have set sail for the New World aboard The Susan Constant, seeking gold and other treasures. Meanwhile, in Virginia, a beautiful young Native American woman named Pocahontas, the daughter of Chief Powhatan, ponders her path in life and dreams about what lies "just around the riverbend. " Should she marry Kocoum, the stern warrior her father has chosen for her, or does destiny have something else planned for her? She turns to her forest friends -- Meeko, a mischievous raccoon, a feisty hummingbird named Flit and Grandmother Willow, a 400-year-old mystical spirit residing in an ancient tree -- for friendship and advice. Upon their arrival, the British settlers begin digging up the countryside in a frenzied and naive quest for gold. Charged with protecting the colony, John Smith scouts the area and meets Pocahontas. Despite their initial apprehensions and conflicts, they are attracted to one another and she introduces him to a world unlike any he has ever known. Pocahontas teaches him that every rock, tree and creature has a living spirit and explains how the Indians are able to "paint with all the colors of the wind. " As their friendship blossoms, relations between the British and the Indians continue to deteriorate with fear and hatred mounting daily. When Smith is captured by Powhatan and set to be executed, Pocahontas bravely places her own life on the line by declaring that he must kill her first. Smith reciprocates the sacrifice by saving Powhatan's life from a British bullet, but is wounded in the process. In a powerful and moving finale, he and Pocahontas must part, knowing that their spirits will be forever joined on a path that never ends.