The Last of The Mohicans

[Coffeecakes]

Just saw the old videotape and am surprised that I could still love this movie as much as I did when I was a kid.

I always was curious to see the scenes that were cut between the characters of Alice and Uncas. Apparently there was at least a kissing scene, glances between the two at different times, and a scene where his father warns him to not be interested in the her since she is a white woman when Uncas mentions that he likes her. They were the couple that I was interested in, not Cora and Hawkeye.

Are there any plans to finally release the theatrical version on dvd with the deleted scenes between Uncas and Alice?

[Karen]

I love this movie. It's nothing like the book and things happen awfully fast (we spoke three times and are madly in love? Okay!), but somehow it just grips my attention.

To be shallow for a moment, DDL was amazingly hot; masculine without being mindlessly macho. Hawkeye/Cora at the fort is one of my favourite movie kisses, but Uncas/Alice managed to be surprisingly touching despite the fact that they never had a conversation (it's all in the glances). I'm not convinced that Alice (without the deleted scenes) paid much attention to him before he arrived to rescue her. Still, the final confrontation is just beautiful, wonderful wordless performances by Schweig and May. I've read what I think is the original script where they make out under the waterfall and read a story that May's mother was very protective when they filmed the scene, but somehow this feels like a forgotten movie, if that makes sense. Even in the age of big DVD releases, I'm doubtful that we'll ever get a version with decent extras.

Wes Studi made a very memorable villain. He had a great presence and didn't even need to be doing much to dominate the screen.

[Coffeecakes]

I agree KarenK. Hell I was only a kid when I saw this movie, yet I managed to see the romance between Alice and Uncas from a mile away, and was wondering why the hell they didn't touch on it more. Apparently they did, but that some studio head or someone from production felt that they were stealing Cora and Hawkeye's thunder. They might just have if there is practically nothing shown, yet there is lots of talk about them whenever this movie is mentioned.

On another shallow note, Uncas was freakin smokin. So was the actor that played Duncan(messed up nose and all).

I agree that Wes Studi kicked all kinds of ass. The way he could express so much through his eyes was fabulous. Especially in the end when Alice throws herself off the cliff.

[Karen]

coffeecakes said:

Apparently they did, but that some studio head or someone from production felt that they were stealing Cora and Hawkeye's thunder. They might just have if there is practically nothing shown, yet there is lots of talk about them whenever this movie is mentioned.

I've also heard the story that they wanted to focus on Hawkeye/Cora, and agree that despite that Uncas/Alice ended up having an impact. In discussions they often come across as the second lead couple even though they had minimal screentime. So many people have expressed regret that their scenes were cut!

On another shallow note, Uncas was freakin smokin. So was the actor that played Duncan(messed up nose and all).

He's gorgeous, especially the first time he really looks at Alice. Duncan could be a bit of an ass but I believed that he really loved Cora and would be willing to make such a sacrifice for her.

I agree that Wes Studi kicked all kinds of ass. The way he could express so much through his eyes was fabulous. Especially in the end when Alice throws herself off the cliff.

That's one of my favourites. I don't think he changed his mind about wanting revenge and would have eventually killed Alice, but for a brief moment her determination seemed to leave him genuinely impressed and touched. That made him more human. His last conversation with the French general is another good scene. I would have given Studi a Supporting Nom.

Speaking of Oscar, I checked IMDB and was surprised to learn that Best Sound is the only thing LOTM was nominated for (and won). I thought of it as the kind of movie that could get Cinematography and Score noms even without major critical love - apparently not.

[india7]

I absolutely love this movie - just one of the most gorgeous films ever. The heartbreaking end of Alice and Uncas, and the horrifying sacrifice that Duncan makes for Cora - just an incredible movie!

[Ella]

I'm glad i'm not the only one to notice the Alice/Uncas love. I love this movie. And yes Wes Studi did steal the movie, but the whole cast was great. It's a very underrated movie.

[BarbR]

I am so glad to see this movie at the top of the list!


I have the DVD, and there are some deleted scenes, but no more between Alice and Uncas.

"Stay alive. I will find you." One of the BEST movie lines, ever. Sooo romantic.

And the music. When Hawkeye is pulling Cora through the fort, and the people are milling around, caring for the injured or trying to relax or rest. And during the battles, and the ending.

Every one of the actors were excellent, even the supporting parts.

The sorrow when they realized their friend's family had been murdered, and the argument about burying the bodies.

When Duncan sacrifices himself, so Cora and Hawkeye can get away, he totally redeemed himself. He must have really loved Cora.

I cry in the same places every time.

Love this violent, romantic movie, every minute of it.

[may2]

The one Oscar Mohicans won got he loudest ovation of the night. Wes Studi should have gotten a supporting nomination.

[Baby Fish Mouth]

karenk said:

Still, the final confrontation is just beautiful, wonderful wordless performances by Schweig and May.

I agree. Alice is so hauntingly beautiful as she looks out over the cliff. The slo-mo and the music...everything about that scene is perfect.

Daniel Day-Lewis and Madeleine Stowe had wonderful chemistry, although at times they looked so much alike that it was a little funny. Similar hairdos and all.

I'm not sure I'd even want to see additional scenes of Alice and Uncas. Their unspoken romance is what makes the movie, IMO.

[tamaradixon]

I'm going to order this on DVD today. Thanks for the reminders of how wonderful this film is. Love it.