http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0446013/
Directed by Marcus Nispel, who I’m unfamiliar with, Pathfinder is a fictional account of the Viking "conquest" of North America, starring Karl Urban, who played Eomer in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings, Russell Means (Last of the Mohicans) and Moon Bloodgood (8 Below).
I thought Pathfinder was a good film, not to long and a good story line; it had the potential of being another boring edition to the swords & sandals genre (or should that be swords & moccasins). However it is quite violent, some parts of it are more horror-film than action, it’s not a kids movie that’s for sure.
If you're Scandinavian you mightn't appreciate the portrayal of the Viking characters as almost sub-human monsters. Indeed in the beginning the Vikings are more like Orc type creatures, or pre-SS bloodthirsty war criminals; I was a little uncomfortable myself for a fleeting second with seeing the white characters portrayed as sadistic barbarians, however I don't suppose the Viking's were cuddly teddy bears? Indeed if you were to ask a 10th century Irish Monk about the Norsemen, he'd most likely not give them a glowing endorsement. Anyway if you take it for what it is then it shouldn't cause too much discomfort.
It is clear to see the influence of other films in Pathfinder, Last of the Mohicans, Lord of the Rings, Beowulf & Grendel; or maybe that’s just my opinion? However it manages to remain original.
It starts off with the discovery of a Viking long ship or "dragon boat" by a Native woman, filled with the remains of its unwilling passengers, however amongst the wreckage is a young Viking boy. His “adopted” family, who they name “Ghost”, I suppose because of his pale appearance and is seemingly turning up from “nowhere”, raises him.
15 years later he is grown and seemingly a full part of "the tribe", however he is prevented by the Pathfinder, played by Russell Means, in becoming a warrior because he doesn't know his true identity.
When the Vikings return, his entire village is wiped out, yet he escapes and an ensuing running battle turns into a short guerilla war. Largely fought on his own, but with the help of his adopted people.
My main criticisms of course are its portrayal of the Viking or White characters as monster-like creatures, but also it shows the Native inhabitants as innocent and helpless indigenous folk, whose savior turns out to be the one good White man. They're minor criticisms for what is otherwise a good movie, not a fantastic movie, but one I'd recommend none the less.
I'd give it a 4/5 rating.
Directed by Marcus Nispel, who I’m unfamiliar with, Pathfinder is a fictional account of the Viking "conquest" of North America, starring Karl Urban, who played Eomer in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings, Russell Means (Last of the Mohicans) and Moon Bloodgood (8 Below).
I thought Pathfinder was a good film, not to long and a good story line; it had the potential of being another boring edition to the swords & sandals genre (or should that be swords & moccasins). However it is quite violent, some parts of it are more horror-film than action, it’s not a kids movie that’s for sure.
If you're Scandinavian you mightn't appreciate the portrayal of the Viking characters as almost sub-human monsters. Indeed in the beginning the Vikings are more like Orc type creatures, or pre-SS bloodthirsty war criminals; I was a little uncomfortable myself for a fleeting second with seeing the white characters portrayed as sadistic barbarians, however I don't suppose the Viking's were cuddly teddy bears? Indeed if you were to ask a 10th century Irish Monk about the Norsemen, he'd most likely not give them a glowing endorsement. Anyway if you take it for what it is then it shouldn't cause too much discomfort.
It is clear to see the influence of other films in Pathfinder, Last of the Mohicans, Lord of the Rings, Beowulf & Grendel; or maybe that’s just my opinion? However it manages to remain original.
It starts off with the discovery of a Viking long ship or "dragon boat" by a Native woman, filled with the remains of its unwilling passengers, however amongst the wreckage is a young Viking boy. His “adopted” family, who they name “Ghost”, I suppose because of his pale appearance and is seemingly turning up from “nowhere”, raises him.
15 years later he is grown and seemingly a full part of "the tribe", however he is prevented by the Pathfinder, played by Russell Means, in becoming a warrior because he doesn't know his true identity.
When the Vikings return, his entire village is wiped out, yet he escapes and an ensuing running battle turns into a short guerilla war. Largely fought on his own, but with the help of his adopted people.
My main criticisms of course are its portrayal of the Viking or White characters as monster-like creatures, but also it shows the Native inhabitants as innocent and helpless indigenous folk, whose savior turns out to be the one good White man. They're minor criticisms for what is otherwise a good movie, not a fantastic movie, but one I'd recommend none the less.
I'd give it a 4/5 rating.
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