The Last of The Mohicans

video, The Last of The Mohicans (1992) film

I understood the historical side of things better on my second viewing, and consequently enjoyed it more. I never got into the book, and perhaps I had certain expectations when I first saw it, but when you're not expecting much you tend to notice the good things more. The officer's brave sacrifice and Hawkeye's merciful parting shot were probably the best moment, but the slow-motion attack on the bitter Magua and his men on the cliff path was also a high, though the ending has little joy thanks to the tragedy.

It seems quite strange that this was rated 15, as there's nothing to really give it that. A film made now would probably show Magua actually cutting Munro wide open and eating his heart, or much more vicious battle scenes than were depicted here. Yes, it was violent, but more in a 'Lord of The Rings' way, and there was very little swearing and no romantically induced acrobatics. There is the occasional bit of blood or torture, but even the burning to death of one character is only shocking thanks to his reaction rather than any visual aid.

The landscape is well presented, and the lush forests and waterfalls invite you in, before you realise the scores of indians waiting there. The music had a strong theme, perhaps overused, and the majority of scenes were well-directed, though there with few flourishes. It made me want to have another read of the book to see if I could identify better with it, so it succeeded on enough levels to be a good film. Still didn't spot Colm Meaney though!

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