Pocahontas (movie) facts for kids

Pocahontas is a popular animated musical romantic drama film from 1995. It was made by Walt Disney Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. This movie is the 33rd film in the Walt Disney Animated Classics series. It came out during a special time for Disney called the Disney Renaissance. The movie earned a lot of money, making over $346 million around the world. A second movie, Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World, was released straight to video in 1998.

The Story of Pocahontas

The movie begins in 1607. We meet Pocahontas, a young Native American woman. She loves adventure and exploring with her friend, Nacoma, and her animal pals. When Pocahontas returns to her village, her father, Chief Powhatan, tells her something important. She is expected to marry Kocoum, a brave warrior from their tribe. Pocahontas isn't happy about this. She thinks Kocoum is too serious.

Seeking Wisdom

Pocahontas decides to visit Grandmother Willow. Grandmother Willow is a wise, talking willow tree. She gives advice and shares wisdom with Pocahontas. Grandmother Willow warns Pocahontas that British ships are coming. Meanwhile, Governor Ratcliffe and his crew land in the United States, which they call the New World. They name their new settlement Jamestown. Ratcliffe quickly orders his men to start digging for gold.

A New Friendship

An explorer named John Smith goes off to explore the new land. He soon meets Pocahontas. They are both very curious about each other. Smith tries to explain how his people live. Pocahontas feels upset when Smith calls her people "savages." He says this because they don't have modern buildings or a king.

Pocahontas then shares her own wisdom with Smith. She shows him that family, life, and nature are far more important. These things are more valuable than having a king or grand buildings. This is shown in the song "Colors of The Wind."

Conflict and Courage

Pocahontas and Smith soon fall in love. Chief Powhatan warns his daughter to stay away from the British. He is worried about their weapons. Later, Kocoum sees Pocahontas and Smith kissing. Kocoum attacks Smith. Thomas, a British soldier, sees the fight and shoots Kocoum. This event causes a big battle between the Native Americans and the British settlers.

The Native Americans capture John Smith. They plan to execute him. Pocahontas bravely steps in and saves Smith from being killed. As everyone watches, Governor Ratcliffe tries to shoot Chief Powhatan. But Smith quickly steps in front of the Chief and gets hurt instead. Because of his injury, Smith must go back to London for treatment. Pocahontas stays behind, saying goodbye to him.

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