It is the year 1757, and the famous French and Indian War rages on between the two nations in this 'new world'. As history states, both the French and British acquire help from the natives of the land, the Indians. History, unfortunately, does not go into great detail after this, but James Fenimore Cooper's novel The Last of the Mohicans does. Telling the story of the remaining survivors of the Mohican tribe, this classic story has been recreated over 12 times. The 1992 film version, directed by Michael Mann, contains all the aspects of a fairytale, and is molded into a film that has amazed audiences for more then a decade.
The Mohican tribe is small and dwindling fast. It's only survivors are Uncas (Eric Schweig) and his father, Chingachgook (Russell Means). Traveling with them is Chingachgook's adopted white son, Hawkeye (Daniel Day-Lewis). One day when traveling, the three encounter a party attacked by an opposing tribe, the Hurons, led by the antagonist of the film, Magua (Wes Studi). Of course, since the Mohicans are the heroes of the film, they are obligated to save the damsels in distress, Alice (Jodhi May) and Cora (Madeleine Stowe) Munro. Once again, in order to fulfill their requirements for heroes, the tribe of three escort the two lost ladies (and Duncan Heyward (Steven Waddington), a British soldier) to their final destination.
Alice and Cora are the daughters of the famous Edmund Munro (Maurice Roëves), the head of Fort William Henry. Both stern and fair, 'Grey Hair' (as Magua calls him) is constantly giving and taking back promises. However, Munro's message to his daughters (do not come to Fort William Henry!) 'mysteriously' did not arrive (in addition to the mysterious dead messengers). As the film unfolds, the war rages on, romance is in the air, and the travelers find themselves thrown into a plot of revenge, planed by none other then Magua.
One of the amazing things about this film, is the ability it has to present each scene with a beautiful layout, showing an artistic view of Lake George in the 1700s. Of course, there is much Mise-en-Scene in the artistic view too. For example, Magua, a very dark character, is constantly shown in shadows, hinting that he has both a dark past and dark intentions. This, in contrast to a good character, is quite different from Cora. Director Michael Mann uses techniques to emphasize the difference between these two characters; Cora is wearing a white dress, while Magua is . . . not. The Mise-en-Scene is also used to show how 'pure' and innocent Cora is, as she is placed against a white cloth. The background creates an illusion of a 'heavenly quality', while Duncan, who is placed against the dark background of the forest, does not have the same innocence. (Of course, Magua does not have this quality either.)
The main reoccurring theme from this film is the idea of promises and of survival. Constantly repeated, Hawkeye says to Cora "You stay alive, no matter what occurs! I will find you". While this also implies that the travelers run into trouble quite often, it also shows Hawkeye's dedication for Cora, and his determination to find and save her. Lucky for us, Hawkeye is a hero, and saves Cora from this danger. Magua . . . does not. The other theme that is constantly repeated in The Last of the Mohicans is the concept of promises. In the beginning of the film, the local villagers are promised that they may return from battle (remember, they are in a war) to defend their homes and families from the "savages". Munro does not keep this promise, and threatens any abandonment with beheading. A promise is broken later in the film, but this time it is Magua that breaks the promise. During a parley, the French and British negotiate terms of surrender, which the French General later wants to back out on. (Realizing the British may not honor the terms of parley, and he may fight the same soldiers again.) However, he cannot brake the terms of parley. (Let me say that again with more emphasis) HE cannot brake the terms of parley, but Magua . . . can. Once again showing his 'dark side', Magua breaks the promise of peace, eat (literally) eats the heart of Munro.
The Mise-en-Scene and Magua may be entertaining, but easily the most remembered part of the film is the end. With a beautiful landscape behind him, Chingachgook remarks at how sad it is that he is the LAST OF THE MOHICANS. It is a very sad scene, which ends in the complete opposite way of how the film begins. However, in the director's cut, Chingachgook continues on to say that the Mohicans will not be the only ones to die out. The frontier will push all of the Indians out, with nowhere to go, and, eventually, all of the frontier will die, leaving only ". . . my white son and his woman and their children". While both speeches are important, the original ending leaves more of an impact (mainly because the last words are the title), which is probably why the second speech cut in the first place (or, it could have been because the film was over 3 hours long).
The Last of the Mohicans is a film that will be viewed for generations, adored by its themes, artistic views, and of Magua. Although some of Daniel Day-Lewis' quotes are funny and out of place, the film has a serious mood, of which the war greatly emphasizes. With a perfect fairytale story, this film is not for children (Eat his heart out Magua!), but contains a classic hero, a beautiful damsel, and an awesome Magua. The ideas and characters of the film will live on forever, (As will the places, because they are real places. I've been to Fort William Henry before.) and the amazing artistic views will be praised for years to come.
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