The Last of the Mohicans (1992)
Three trappers protect a British Colonel's daughters as British and French troops do battle in colonial America, with aid from various native American war parties.
Based on the novel by James Fenimore Cooper. Director Michael Mann's film is part love story and part thrilling spectacle, a film that is completely captivating from beginning to end as we are placed in a beautifully shot world of misty forests, thunderous waterfalls and shudder inducing precipices and it's all complemented by a wonderful score by Trevor Jones and Randy Edelman that is both exhilarating and gorgeous to listen to.
The close combat is brilliantly staged putting us right in the midst of French cannon fire and savage attacks by Huron war parties led by the warlike Magua as portrayed by the excellent yet truly frightening, Wes Studi. The film isn't just about war though, the romance is powerful and you really feel the determination as Daniel Day-Lewis' Hawkeye declares 'I will find you' as he has to leave Madeleine Stowe in the hands of Magua and the Huron raiders.
The ending is mesmerizing in it's swift portrayal of lethal vengeance in a scene which makes the spine tingle and is a superb resolution to what is a breathtaking, pulse pounding experience.
The Definitive Directors Cut Blu-ray created by Michael Mann is a lesson in both natural lighting and natural ambiance and sound.
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