The Last of the Mohicans (1992)

Director: Michael Mann

Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Madeleine Stowe, Russell Means, Steven Waddinton

In war-torn Colonial America, in the midst of a bloody battle between British, the French and Native American allies, Cora Munro, the aristocratic daughter of a British Colonel and her party are captured by a group of Huron warriors. Fortunately, a group of three Mohican trappers, including Hawkeye, a rugged frontiersman and the adopted son of the Mohicans comes to their rescue.

‘The Last of the Mohicans’ is set in 1757. England and France are at war for possession of the Continent. En route to Fort Henry William, British Major Duncan Heyward (Steven Waddington) and his regiment are ambushed by their Mohawk guide, Magua – who secretly helps the French.

Mohican Trappers Chingachgook, his son Uncas, and white adopted son Hawkeye/Nathaniël (Daniel Day-Lewis) come to their rescue. With most of the soldiers killed, the Mohicans guide Duncan, and Colonel Munro’s daughters, Cora (Madeline Stowe) and Alice (Jodhi May) to the Fort.

The journey is filled with danger, action and adventure. The love interest between Hawkeye and Cora was inevitable, but beautiful and well set-up. ‘The Last of the Mohicans’ is a fantastic production, with breathtaking nature scenery, and a stunning, hauntingly beautiful score. It is a love story. It is a story of courage. It is a story of vengeance.

‘The Last of the Mohicans’ boasts excellent performances, a great script and in general a top-notch production. The fighting sequences are fantastic. Daniel Day-Lewis delivers yet another unforgettable performance!

‘The Last of the Mohicans’ was a critical and commercial success. At the box office, it earned $143 million on a $40 million budget. It received 24 award nominations, winning 7 including the Oscar for Best Sound. It also won awards for Best Cinematography, Best Makeup, Best Film Music, Best British Actor.

Would I watch it again? Yes.