Watch This Is America, Charlie Brown: The Mayflower Voyagers

This is America, Charlie Brown: The Mayflower Voyagers is an animated movie that takes the audience back in time to the early 17th century when a group of English settlers embarked on a perilous journey across the Atlantic Ocean to start a new life in America. The movie is part of the popular Peanuts franchise and features the lovable characters created by Charles M. Schulz. It was released in 1988 and directed by Sam Jaimes.

The movie begins with the Peanuts gang gathering around a campfire to listen to a story about the Mayflower, the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America. Snoopy, of course, steals the spotlight with his impressive storytelling skills. The scene then shifts to 1620, where we see the passengers and crew of the Mayflower setting sail from Plymouth, England.

The main focuses of the movie are the experiences of the passengers on the ship as they navigate treacherous waters, endure harsh conditions, and grapple with illness and boredom. The movie portrays the Pilgrims as resourceful and persevering, but also vulnerable and human. There are moments of suspense and drama as the voyage encounters storms and navigational challenges.

One aspect of the movie that stands out is its attention to historical accuracy. Schulz and the movie's producers consulted with historians to ensure that the movie was as faithful as possible to the true events and conditions of the Mayflower voyage. The characters wear period-appropriate clothing and speak in a slightly archaic dialect. The movie also includes some interesting details about the Pilgrims' journey, such as their reliance on a device called a cross-staff to measure latitude.

Another noteworthy aspect of the movie is its portrayal of the Wampanoag Indians, the Native American tribe that had a significant impact on the Pilgrims' survival in America. The movie shows the Pilgrims encountering the Wampanoags and negotiating a peace treaty with them, but it avoids the simplistic and stereotypical depictions that are often found in historical fiction. The Wampanoags are shown as complex and nuanced characters with their own culture and motivations, rather than as faceless enemies or noble savages.

The movie also includes several moments of levity and humor, which are typical of the Peanuts franchise. Snoopy and Woodstock provide some comic relief with their antics, and there are some amusing interactions between the human characters as well. However, the movie never loses sight of the serious themes of survival and cultural exchange that underlie the story.

Overall, This Is America, Charlie Brown: The Mayflower Voyagers is an engaging and informative movie that brings a key moment in American history to life. Its combination of historical accuracy, dramatic tension, and comic relief makes it a great choice for kids and adults who want to learn more about the Pilgrims and the early days of America.