Based on the real John Smith. Farrell portrays his adventurous spirit and leadership role. However, the central romantic relationship with Pocahontas is highly disputed by historians and likely fictionalized or exaggerated.

Based on the real Pocahontas (whose actual name was Matoaka). Kilcher's portrayal captures her youth (cast at 14, close to Pocahontas's age at the time) and role as an intermediary. The romantic focus and specific interactions are debated/fictionalized.

Based on the real Captain Newport who commanded the ships that brought the settlers to Jamestown in 1607 and made subsequent voyages. Plummer portrays his leadership role accurately.

Based on the real John Rolfe who married Pocahontas. Bale portrays him as a more reserved figure compared to Smith. Their marriage and trip to England are historical facts.

Based on the real paramount chief of the Powhatan Confederacy. Schellenberg portrays him as a powerful, wary leader interacting with the English settlers, reflecting his historical position.

Based on the real Wingfield, the colony's initial leader who was later deposed (partly due to Smith's actions), reflecting historical conflict within the settlement's leadership.

The film accurately depicts the arrival of the three ships (Susan Constant, Godspeed, Discovery) and the establishment of the Jamestown settlement by the Virginia Company.

John Smith was indeed accused of plotting mutiny during the voyage and was imprisoned, only being released upon arrival due to orders from the Virginia Company naming him to the council.

Portrays the initial mix of curiosity, trade, tension, and misunderstanding between the settlers and the local Powhatan tribes, reflecting historical accounts of early contact.

John Smith was captured by Powhatan warriors while exploring the Chickahominy River in December 1607.

The film depicts the famous scene based on Smith's own account. Many historians doubt the literal truth of this event, suggesting it might have been a misunderstanding of an adoption ritual or an embellishment by Smith.

This central element of the film is widely considered historically inaccurate. Pocahontas was a child (likely 10-12) when she knew Smith (around 27). Their relationship was likely one of curiosity and diplomacy, not romance.

The film visually suggests the severe hardship, starvation, and death that plagued Jamestown during this period, although it occurs slightly earlier contextually in the film (around Smith's leadership 1608-09) than the main event.

The film shows Smith leaving under orders from the King. Historically, Smith left Jamestown in 1609 due to a severe gunpowder injury (an explosion) and returned to England.

Pocahontas was likely told Smith had died after his 1609 departure, influencing her later interactions with the English and her reaction upon meeting him again in England.

Pocahontas was captured by the English under Captain Samuel Argall and held as a high-value hostage in or near Jamestown.

During her captivity, Pocahontas converted to Christianity (taking the name Rebecca) and married the tobacco planter John Rolfe in 1614, which brought a period of peace.

Pocahontas, John Rolfe, and their son Thomas traveled to England in 1616 as part of a publicity effort by the Virginia Company.

Pocahontas was presented at the court of King James I and Queen Anne, where she was treated as visiting royalty.

Pocahontas and John Smith did have a reunion in England before her death. Accounts suggest it was somewhat formal and possibly strained, differing from the film's more emotionally charged depiction.

Pocahontas became ill and died in Gravesend, England, as she was preparing to return to Virginia. She was likely around 21 years old.

Filmed largely on location in Virginia near the actual Jamestown sites, capturing the forests, rivers, and coastal environment encountered by the settlers with praised naturalism.

Extensive research informed the reconstruction of Powhatan dwellings (longhouses called yehakin), village layout, and daily life, aiming for high authenticity.

The film accurately portrays the triangular James Fort based on archaeological findings, showing its construction stages and the harsh, rudimentary conditions within.

Malick made significant efforts to portray Powhatan culture authentically, including body paint, hairstyles, clothing (or lack thereof), ceremonies, and social structures, advised by historians and linguists.

Linguist Blair Rudes was hired to reconstruct the Virginia Algonquian (Powhatan) language, which is spoken extensively by the Native American actors in the film, adding significant authenticity.

Replicas of the original ships were used, providing accurate visual representations of the vessels that brought the settlers to Virginia.

Costumes for the English settlers and later scenes at the English court accurately reflect the styles (Jacobean era) of the early 1600s. Pocahontas's English attire is based on her portrait.

Effectively conveys the disease, starvation ("Starving Time"), internal conflict, and difficult relations with Native Americans that characterized the early years of the Jamestown settlement.