The New World refers to the story of when our ancestors first landed in America, but for this film it's more about a love story and one special lady in particular, Pocahontas.

Set in Virginia in 1607, the story begins with the English ships reaching the banks of the New World while the Native Americans, or "naturals" as they're called, watch these foreign visitors anxiously.

Colin Farrell plays the strapping Captain John Smith, who arrives oddly enough in chains, and is almost hanged for mutiny.

Fortunately for the audience, Smith is allowed to live, or else there would be no movie.

Although these two worlds meet peacefully at first, there is foreshadowing from the start that conflict is inevitable. We all know the story; it's like acting surprised at the end of Titanic.

While Smith and his men are off exploring, he is captured and taken to the native village. There he meets the chief who wants Smith dead because he knows what will happen if the "white man" stays.

At one point he even says, "They only want a bit of swampland now, but then they'll want more." At this point, a group of guys snicker in the back of the theater, a sad realization of how things actually went down in our country's history.

Luckily for Smith, the chief's favorite daughter and the focus of this story, Pocahontas, begs for his life. Smith cheats death once again and lives among the natives.

Of course, he instantly falls in love with the lithe-like and mysterious Pocahontas, played by newcomer Q'Orianka Kilcher.

For the audience's benefit, Pocahontas and Smith learn to communicate quickly, but the movie has a lot of parts where dialogue isn't subtitled leaving the audience members to fend for themselves.

There is definitely undeniable chemistry between Farrell and Kilcher. The camera absolutely loves her and thank goodness they didn't just stick some tan young Hollywood starlet in a loincloth. Unlike in the past, they used a lot of actual Native American actors for this movie.

I don't know where this film was shot but the cinematography overall is beyond breathtaking.

It makes you long for what America used to look like.

The pace of the film is pretty slow and there's also little dialogue. The plot moves along through the music and voiceovers by Farrell and Kilcher. It gets a little trying at times as most of the voiceovers are very poetic, but it fits with the tone of the film.

If you're looking for action, I wouldn't hold your breath.

There's only one battle scene and it's not very graphic.

Both Smith and Pocahontas end up outcasts because of their relationship. It's all very Shakespearean-like with these star-crossed lovers.

Later in the film, John Rolfe, played by Christian Bale, is introduced as another love interest after Smith is shipped back to England.

This is where the movie really loses its steam and their relationship is very forced.

This movie shouldn't even be called The New World for it leaves its historical context and focuses mostly on Pocahontas and the evolution of her life. But most of all, it's about love.

Grade: B-