The New World (2005)

Terrence Malick's The New World depicts the founding of the Jamestown settlement in Virginia in 1607 and the first encounters between English colonists and the Powhatan people. Its central historical figures include Captain John Smith and Pocahontas. [Criterion Collection film page](https://www.criterion.com/films/28713-the-new-world)

The story follows Pocahontas, played by Q'orianka Kilcher, and her relationships with Captain John Smith, played by Colin Farrell, and John Rolfe, played by Christian Bale. The film moves from the early Jamestown encounter to Pocahontas's later marriage to Rolfe. [Criterion Collection film page](https://www.criterion.com/films/28713-the-new-world)

The film exists in multiple edits, including a 135-minute theatrical cut, a 150-minute first cut, and a 172-minute extended cut. The 2005 film was written and directed by Terrence Malick, and the longer versions add material not included in theaters. [Criterion Collection film page](https://www.criterion.com/films/28713-the-new-world)

The New World is a 2005 live-action historical drama directed by Terrence Malick, while Disney's Pocahontas from 1995 is an animated musical. Both use Pocahontas, John Smith, and the Jamestown-era encounter, but they have different tones, formats, and historical treatments.