In this 1992 version of "The Last of the Mohicans", Day-Lewis plays a long-haired version of the Deerslayer--a white man raised by Mohican tribesmen. He and his adopted father and brother are reluctantly pulled into the battle between the Brits and French during the French-Indian War (also called the Seven Years War). This is because the Brits have no idea what they were doing in the war and so it's up to these three men to save the day...or at least rescue a couple women from certain death.

It is interesting to note that when the film began, it did NOT say it was based on the original James Fenimore Cooper story but on the 1936 version of "The Last of the Mohicans" (which starred Randolph Scott). Much as I hate to admit it, the original story is very difficult reading and the decision to 'spice it up' by changing the story around (such as killing off folks who survived in the original story) worked well--making for an exciting story. It also helped that the film was made on location in the Blueridge Mountains of North Carolina--providing nice scenery you couldn't get in the more stagy (but exceptional) 1936 version. And, to top it off, the musical score was quite rousing and complimented the story well. All in all, a very well done and enjoyable film.

I genuinely mean that when I say that Last of the Mohicans is spellbinding and that there is a lot to admire from it.

Firstly, Michael Mann's direction is brilliant. Mann is a more than competent director seen with the likes of Manhunter and Heat, and while everything you expect in a Michael Mann film is here(not a bad thing, quite the contrary) it is all done in a professional way.

The story is a sprawling one, but again that is not a bad thing in itself. Because while it is sprawling in nature, it is also a compelling story lifted by its sweeping action sequences(notably the climax),the love story that is kept in the background but remains prominent and emphatic characters.

The pace helps too, as while the film clocks in at just under two hours, Last of the Mohicans flies by with no scene feeling too rushed. I also appreciated that the quieter and more subtler moments, as seen with Russell Means' character, didn't drag.

That's not all. The cinematography is splendid and the settings are stunning that gives the film its epic, sweeping feel. Trevor Jones' score is outstanding, and probably his best since The Dark Crystal.

Last of the Mohicans has fine acting. Daniel Day-Lewis is a commanding lead, and Madeline Stowe is both alluring and convincing, likewise with Jodhi May. Russell Means is suitably composed, wise and well-meaning, but for me Wes Studi's marvellous and quite malevolent performance is the standout.

All in all, a spellbinding film. 9/10 Bethany Cox

THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS, based on an old novel by James Fenimore Cooper, is a mildly diverting historical adventure romp that benefits from a big budget, some splendid visuals and an exploration of a lesser known part of America's history. Unfortunately, I found I didn't enjoy it as much as I'd hoped, mainly thanks to the director's attempts at po-faced grandeur and the overlong running time that makes some parts feel repetitive despite the engaging characters.

On the plus side we have a typically winning performance from Daniel Day-Lewis as the noble hero and a frightening Wes Studi (GERONIMO: AN American LEGEND) playing the vicious enemy. Madeleine Stowe looks fine in period gear, and the beautiful scenics are played to the hilt. There are a handful of great action sequences thrown in along the way, and the climax is as gripping as they come. But at other times the worthiness becomes dull, and this doesn't have the same kind of quality as something like THERE WILL BE BLOOD or even the star's GANGS OF NEW YORK.