Tonight with the Family: We often forget about the 29-year-old Disney release, but it has some great features

The year is 1607. An English ship from the Virginia Company sails for what the colonists call the New World. Some, including Governor John Ratcliffe, intend to take advantage of this unknown land to collect mountains of gold. Others, like Captain John Smith, hope to have a fabulous adventure there.

Across the ocean, while explorers sail in her direction, young Pocahontas, the daughter of a Powhatan tribal chief, tries to escape the marriage her father arranged for her to the warrior Kokum. Swimming in rushing wild torrents and running free through forests, she sets out to listen to her heart and find out what that mysterious arrow that never stops spinning in her dreams means.

Disney stuck between two monuments

The first animated classic from Enchanted Studios to focus on a historical character, Pocahontas is set to be the next ‘Big Disney’ of the ’90s.

When it was released in cinemas in 1995, it did not perform as well as its directors had hoped and suffered from being stuck between two other monuments: The Lion King, which no one saw, and which was originally imagined as. “Little Project” and Toy Story, the first feature film from Pixar’s new studio, literally took the audience’s breath away around the world.

Remarkable features

Pocahontas still deserves our full attention, because if she may not reach the perfection of her contemporaries, she still hides undeniable qualities. Its animation stands out, first of all, for its extraordinary use of lighting and color, but also, of course, for the character of Pocahontas, masterfully created by the brilliant Glen Keane (who also worked on Ariel or the Beast).

Then (and once again), let’s celebrate the impeccable original soundtrack, signed by Alan Menken, the musical wizard who owes much of his success to Disney in the 90s, we especially remember the film’s magnificent and memorable title song. air of the wind.

So if you’ve never seen Pocahontas before, or if you’ve forgotten a bit, don’t hesitate to (re)discover it with your family on Disney+.

What will you like…

• The power and effectiveness of the opening sequence and conclusion, which are among the best scenes in the film.

• Cute and funny supporting characters: Percy the dog, Meiko the raccoon, and especially Fleet the hummingbird!

What could be bothering them…

• The villain of the film and especially his violent ambitions towards the people of Powhatan.

• The character of Granny Leaf is certainly kind to Pocahontas, but whose special design might impress the youngest viewers.

(Re)discover all the hidden details of ‘Pocahontas’…