Comments on: Animation Addicts Podcast #168: ‘Pocahontas’ – It’s the Magical Leaves

By: Esther

Esther — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 19:09:00 +0000

Like Chelsea I remember liking this film when it came out but thinking, “Not as good as Lion King”. The Disney Adventures magazine still had a pretty sweet cover story about the movie! And like Morgan, I also have watched episodes of “The Crown” (and “Turn: Washington’s Spies) and accept that there will be “artistic liberties” when you’re recreating parts of history.The vibrant colors make it one of the most beautiful Disney movies to me and the soundtrack is beautiful. But like others, the film feels “preachy” at times and basing it on a sensitive part of American history that people aren’t proud of doesn’t help either. For better or for worse, Disney strayed from the fairy-tale formula and the Disney Renaissance started to putter downwards after “The Lion King”.

Maybe you two can answer this question for your next Nerdy Couch Discussion: why do you think “Pocahontas” gets more criticism for not being historically accurate while I don’t hear much backlash about “Anastasia”? I have two suggestions: One, “Pocahontas” is based on a American-Western saga so the facts hit closer to home as opposed to the Russian revolution. Two, “Anastasia” feels more like a fairy tale with Rasputin’s magic constantly interfering with Anastasia’s quest. “Pocahontas” looks more realistic with a bit of tree/nature magic thrown in so we expected it to take itself more seriously. “Anastasia” has that advantage where audiences can accept from the start that it’s a fictional film loosely inspired by real-life events.

By: Evan David

Evan David — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 19:44:00 +0000

Guys, I’ve gotta say… I enjoy the sequel way more than the original. Dead serious.

By: Sol Carlos

Sol Carlos — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 05:19:00 +0000

yes chelsea! Russel Crowe was a terrible Javert!

By: racy1285

racy1285 — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 07:59:00 +0000

If Disney was historically accurate with the costume the movie would have been rated R. The costume is the least of the Films problems.

By: Ellie

Ellie — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 00:47:00 +0000

I know it’s fiction, but the media has the power to shape how real people and events are perceived in the real world. The real John Smith was a murderous perverted creep who terrorized Pocahontas’ tribe. Pocahontas hated the real John Smith. I know it isn’t the 90s anymore, but Disney continues to use Pocahontas’ character to sell toys today. (Relevant video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqMcrfHRYDQ) Also P. T. Barnum purchased and exhibited of a blind and almost completely paralyzed slave woman, worked her for 10 to 12 hours a day, hosted a live autopsy of her body in a New York Saloon and after her death. That’s why people were upset, it would be like making a musical about Anne Frank’s tragedy or some crap.

By: Chelsea Warner

Chelsea Warner — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 03:15:00 +0000

I was obsessed with Flit when this movie first came out. I have a Christmas ornament of him that is still hanging on the wall in my bedroom. Other than that I don’t really remember being into this movie that much as a kid. I think it’s the worst Disney movie of the ‘90’s. It wasn’t so much bad as it was bland and uninteresting.

By: Eli Sanza

Eli Sanza — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 01:24:00 +0000

You guys are absolutely right. The reason why Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame don’t work as well as the others is because they didn’t have a clear enough vision for what kind of movies they wanted to be. I’m with Morgan on the gargoyles.

By: Eli Sanza

Eli Sanza — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 01:13:00 +0000

Pocahontas was the least interesting of all the Disney Renaissance films. Characters were all weak. Seriously can’t think of a single character I really liked. It was watchable enough not to be terrible (So are most animated Disney films) and the music was the best part of the movie, so that helped, but it was extremely average, especially when compared to Mermaid, Beast, Aladdin and Lion King.