By DEBORAH NICOL

war (wôr) A motion picture depicting an actual, historical or contemporary, state of open, armed, and often prolonged conflict between nations, states, people, or parties

The Last of the Mohicans [Fox]

In the heat and confusion of the war between the French and British on the soil of the American colonies, a passion ignites between two unlikely lovers just as their two cultures attempt to occupy the same land. Based on the third Leatherstocking Tale of the same name by James Fenimore Cooper, adopted son of a Mohican and daughter of a British colonel find each other amidst a land being torn apart. Michael Mann's film displays Native Americans as both noble peace-keepers amongst the Mohicans, and war-hungry savages amongst the Huron. The scope of the film is matched only by the scope of the cinematography, highlighted at the cliff scene filmed in Chimney Rock Park, North Carolina, and throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains (please note that this film must be watched in anamorphic widescreen format!). Despite the magnificent views and the powerful performances (Daniel Day-Lewis, Madeline Stowe, Wes Studi), the film earned an Oscar only in the category of Sound. DVD extras include never-before-seen additional footage. - DN

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