The Most Historically Accurate War Movie No One Talks About is Now on Netflix

Summary

• Last of the Mohicans is one of the most historically accurate war films ever made, but it doesn't get the credit it deserves.
• Native Americans were thrust into a power struggle between warring European powers.
• It's available on Netflix now.

When it comes to movies, part of the joy is suspending your disbelief and just going along for the ride. But when it comes to films set in the midst of real historical events, even if the storylines are fictional, it's nice to know how authentic they are to the time and circumstances in which they're set.

Nobody minds a bit of artistic licence, but if an AK-46 appeared in a film about the First World War, you'd want to know what the hell the director was playing at.

Last of the Mohicans setting was authentic

Setting is crucial in period films. It's as important as costumes and realistic dialogue in drawing us in and making us believe in what we're seeing. In this respect, the 1992 film Last of the Mohicans did an excellent job.

One of the most striking aspects of the whole film was its commitment to the authenticity of the 18th century landscape. The forests of that time were not yet cultivated by man and existed in their raw, natural form. Untamed and menacing, they were traversed by narrow paths that the props teams did an excellent job of recreating.

If you thought this was done to make it more foreboding, think again. This was exactly what that part of America looked like at the time.

Native Americans caught in a European power struggle

Britain and France fought for seven years for the right to occupy North America. While it would be wrong to deny that the Native Americans had their own disputes, they didn't ask to be pawns in a battle for their land.

This was an age of empire building, with powerful European nations setting out to conquer the world, regardless of the consequences. The politics and ambitions that led to some atrocious behaviour in the name of growing those empires are expressed in The Last of the Mohicans, as is the way they affected the Native Americans.

Getting to the heart of the action

Last of the Mohicans is very accurate in its depiction of the battles, the siege of Fort William Henry and the Huron tribe attack on the British. It features real historical figures and an authentic account of the negotiation and surrender of Fort William Henry.

While the main story is fictional and strays from the truth, it's set against a backdrop of real events. Its depiction of the way wars were fought at the time is one of the film's most notable historical accuracies. This was a new kind of enemy for Europeans, who had to adapt their tactics accordingly.

Stream it now on Netflix

With a cast that includes Daniel Day-Lewis and Col. Meaney, it should come as no surprise that Last of the Mohicans won multiple BAFTAs and an Oscar. But it wasn't just the casting of famous actors that made people sit up and take notice.

Russell Means was a prominent member of the American Indian Movement who was cast as Chingachgook, a fictional Native American. Means went on to star in other films and his role in Last of the Mohicans was seen as something of a breakthrough for him and the industry.

Few Native Americans have followed in his footsteps as an actor, but this film (made over 20 years ago) was at least a step in the right direction.

Last of the Mohicans is now available to stream on Netflix.