My Favourite Movies: The Last of the Mohicans

I saw this film many years ago (back in ’92 when it came out) and loved it instantly. The opening scene of the misty mountains and the outstanding soundtrack totally entranced me in the first few moments. I settled down in my seat and lost myself in the film. At the end of the movie I walked out of the cinema with a deep smile on my face. This is what cinema was made for.

Set at the time of the Anglo-French conflict in the New World and told through the experiences of the adopted Hawkeye (played superbly by Daniel Day-Lewis) this historic epic pushed all the right buttons. It was an action adventure film in time of war, it was a tale of revenge and it was a love story. I loved the setting and the effort taken to make it apparently historically accurate. I loved the character of Hawkeye and his masterful use of the flintlock rifle. I loved the costumes and the cultural details of the Native Americans. I just loved the movie – and, not incidentally, fell in love with Madeleine Stowe too. As soon as she picked up a pistol after her military escort had been ambushed I knew she was the woman for me (it always annoys me how characters don’t pick up fallen weapons in danger zones).

My favourite scene in the whole movie was after the fort had been taken by the French and the British army was allowed to leave. Ambushed by a large Mohawk contingent Stowe (and sister) where about to be killed when Daniel Day-Lewis springs into action running across a field strewn with fighting men in order to save her. Even though I’ve seen this film a fair few times now it still makes my palms sweat and my heart race. But then I guess I’m just an old romantic.

Anyway – it’s a great film and if you haven’t seen it you’re missing a treat. Go get some popcorn and some ice-cream and unhook the phone for a few hours. No matter what is going on in your life this film will make you feel better. Enjoy.