First, let me come clean about something: I didn't want to like this movie. It seemed like everyone who watched it came away either extremely impressed or depressed. I am firmly in the camp of the former.
The visuals are breathtaking, stark, vivid. The 3D is an excellent touch. For long moments I would forget where I was and would be completely immersed in the film.
The story is excellent. I've heard a lot of gripes about it being another Pocahontas. In defense of the film, let me say there are only so many themes to choose from; it's the telling of the tale that sets it apart from other movies of its kind.