Film Analysis of The New World - Essay Example

There was an antagonistic interaction between the English people and the natives in Virginia. On an armed exploration around the colony, John Smith was captured by the natives and brought to the leader where he was sentenced to die. The chief’s daughter spared John Smith’s life on the chief’s command that he would live with them. This is the way to observe him know the plan of the colony. The chief also asked him to command the colony to leave in the spring. When they did not leave, the natives attacked the colony.

The story presented a view of the events that occurred during the time when the United States is in the early stage of colonization by the English people. This is significant in determining the different issues that occurred during that time. One is the differences in culture. The English people have the main objective of colonizing the land due to their need to find a place where they can have a new beginning, a simpler and less complicated life. Thus, even in the beginning then, they have the motive of staying in the land. On the other hand, the natives who are innocent in nature and without a sense of ownership and envy welcomed the English people on the premise that they would leave after some period of time. But when it did not happen, the conflict occurred.

The story is historically significant on the basis that it presented it showed the scenario in a land that is colonized. One observation is that the native people in the colony would be dispersed or negatively affected. The culture, the social structure, and the stability of the native people are commonly disrupted. This is due to the effect of the colonizers. There are two cases of colonization. One is when the colonizers impose their way of life through force and violence on the native people. Another is through friendship that can ultimately alter the way of life of the native, for example by bringing with them new technology. But one way or the other, the way of life of the native people would never be the same.
Another historical significance of the story is the view on the start of the history of the greatest colony in the world which is the United States. With the event of colonization of the English people of this ‘new world,’ one of the most powerful and influential nations in the world had been born.

In general, the film presented a good historical presentation of the early period of colonization in the United States. One criticism though is it had focused more on the relationship of the two characters from different cultures, John Smith and the daughter of the chief. There is a lesson to their story though, that the differences in culture between the two groups are very evident that it can lead to riots and conflicts when not handled properly.

Misunderstanding between two groups between two cultural groups is inevitable specifically when both have their own strong beliefs, language, culture and traditions to uphold. Respect for every group’s individuality is a lesson that can be learned in the story. This lesson is even important in the present time when most conflicts and wars are rooted in the differences and disrespect of each group’s beliefs and culture. Read More