Thursday, January 31, 2008

the last of the mohicans

“Great Spirit and the Maker of all Life, a warrior goes to you swift and straight as an arrow shot into the sun. Welcome him, and let him take his place at the council fire of my people. He is Uncas, my son. Tell him to be patient and ask Death for speed, for they are all there but one, I, Chingachgook, the last of the Mohicans.”


Yep! The Last of the Mohicans! The best film ever made, as far as I’m concerned. I don’t have any idea how many times I’ve seen this movie, but one thing is for sure, it never fails to entertain me. This is one hell of a malupit film from Michael Mann. I don’t even mind watching it again. The film is as good as the book!
Ang pinakamalupit of all is the ultimate pursuit and clash on the mountain ledge. From the scene where Capt. Duncan sacrifices his life for Cora, subsequently, being burned by the Hurons instead of her, the film simply staggers you all the way. The Hurons, with their war captain Magua, leave taking with them Alice, Cora’s sister. Then, Chingachgook, chief of the wiped out Mohicans, also the adoptive father to the Hawkeye, and his son Uncas run after the Hurons along the high fringes of a mountain.

For roughly 10 minutes, no dialogues can be heard as all actors trudge along a narrow trail on the face of the mountain while a violin plays repeatedly at the background. The chase up the mountain ends when Uncas catches up with the Hurons and engages to combat by himself. Uncas was defeated by Magua as he gives Alice a final nostalgic look before he was pushed off the mountain. Alice, upon assessing that she’d rather die than be with Magua, approaches the edge of the cliff and plunged to her death.


Chingachgook and Hawkeye finally catches up but was quite late, then Chingachgook revenges his son’s death with mighty blows that overcome Magua – a totally gut wrenching final fight scene to end the wicked Huron chief. Whew! Ang lupet talaga!