Review of The Last of the Mohicans (1992) by Matthew D — 26 Aug 2018

A bloody recreation of warfare.

Michael Mann directed some of the coolest shots I have ever seen in a movie within his 1992 masterpiece The Last of the Mohicans. From a sudden betrayal and ambush to an endless assault on a fort, this film keeps on giving the audience more spectacle. To tender moments under the stars or a waterfall, then a two pronged sneak attack, then a full out sprinting combat sequence so thrilling you will hold your breath while watching. The Last of the Mohicans is gorgeous, brisk, thoughtful, and visceral at all times. For all its grand battles, it never breaks its realism.

Daniel Day-Lewis is incredible as the British orphan taken in by Native American Mohican tribesmen. He pulls off multiple accents, tender romance, fierce combat, intense running, and gripping drama. The Last of the Mohicans features yet another brilliant performance from Day-Lewis.

Notably, Wes Studi portrays a monstrous villain as the Huron Magua. He voices at least three separate language fluently, while playing a complexly motivated man on a mission. His intimidating presence is known in every fight. Studi impressed down to his last moment on screen. I think this may be my favorite role of his to date.

Lastly, Trevor Jones composed a truly epic score. The romantic scenes are accompanied by Jones' sweet symphony, while the violence is bathed in the blood of his rousing score. This is how you compose a score to fit every emotional cue in a movie. The Last of the Mohicans score resonates just as deeply as the film's story. I love it.

In short, Michael Mann proves his innovative and in your face style with every frame of The Last of the Mohicans. This film probably should have won Best Picture alongside Malcolm X or Chaplin. It is that good.