Better known for his complex crime films, Michael Mann got the chance to direct this adaptation of the historical novel and delivered in spades. Hawkeye (Daniel Day-Lewis), a white frontiersman living with the last two remaining members of the Mohican tribe in upstate New York, finds himself drawn into the French and Indian War due to circumstances and love. Don’t let the cliche premise turn you off, though. Beautiful cinematography? Check. A great lead performance from Day-Lewis? Check. Intense action set pieces? Check. Awesome movie? Double check.

The Last of the Mohicans
1992
dir. Michael Mann
112 min

Part of the ongoing series: Man Meets Wilderness
Double feature w/ The New World