Inspired by the novel by James Fenimore Cooper, The Last of The Mohicans movie depicts the conflicts between French, British colonists, and native Indian tribes. The story is told from two perspectives, which are from the westerners and the natives. People living in the frontier, Indian or not, suffer from the war risen by the European kingdoms. Nathaniel, or Hawkeye, is the adopted son of an elder Mohican, Chingachgook. Along with his sibling, Uncas, the three of them are the only Mohicans left, and only Chingachgook and Uncas can carry on the Mohican bloodline.
On their way to the west, they encounter an attack raised by Magua, who belongs to Huron. He is devoted to avenging Grey Hair, Colonel Edmund Munroe, who killed his people and his kids. The Mohicans come in time to rescue the Munroe sisters, Cora Munroe and Alice Munroe. Accompanied by Major Duncan Howard, a garrison, the girls are on their way to seek their father. Cameron’s farm is found destroyed and people killed result in the war party. In the night, looking at the stars, Hawkeye shares his past and the Mohican creation story of the Sun, Moon, and stars. He and Cora grow closer to each other after they arrive at the fort, but the war is ongoing and they have to face enmity and hatred.
In the background of the enchanting new world, America, where everyone lets out their true desire, Cora relentlessly fell in love with someone she barely knows, whom she thinks is with great dignity. Compared to her little sister Alice, Cora is more mature and quickly prepares herself to suit the new environment. Alice, on the other hand, an ordinary schoolgirl, cannot bear the extremely savage way of living in America, the loss of her dear father and her lover, chooses to jump off the cliff, following her honorable lover. Through the sacrifice of Uncas, the strength and persistence of the Mohicans are fully shown. Though romantic, it is clearly not the best way to settle a fight on a sharp cliff. Magua won’t even have to fight Uncas if he chooses to threaten the latter with the safety of Alice. Yet, faith and respect are both shown by Uncas and Magua in the one-to-one fight. To respect the decision of Huron Sachem, Uncas chooses to face Magua on his own without gunpowder and help from his father and brother, to win his woman back. His body was defeated, but the noble spirit of his will continue to stay in people’s hearts. Similarly, even though the Mohicans have become history, their sparkling feats will long exist in time.
What is the role of Native Americans during European colonization? As the antagonist of the film, Magua is actually a victim of the times, a miniature of oppressedIndians. He suffers from European governance, which deprived him of his people and family. He turns to assist another European sovereignty to revenge and goes on to massacre other innocent people. What he went through sure is worth sympathy, but it is an unstoppable vicious circle, leading the Indians to internecine wars.
The last of the Mohicans is absolutely an epic that keeps me haunted after seeing the movie. The magnificent scenery of America is bewitching, captivating, and admirable, drawing the audience's eyes to the power of nature, the rural, and the unfound lands
