Pathfinder (DVD, 2007, Unrated)

I'm a traditional type, so when I see movies with a premise like this (Viking raiders plundering the new world centuries before it was actually 'discovered') I'm aware that it will take a flight of fancy in order to immerse myself in the story.

My biggest beef is with the movie's pacing; when you see the previews you get the sense that this is an action piece, but if so- its a little light on the action. I don't know, maybe I just expected too much.

There are some inconsistencies which probably should not matter as it is a movie, but it bothered me nonetheless. For instance, how does a young Viking lad, left behind by his steading and adopted by the indigenous tribes (Native Americans), manage to use a sword which he has not handled since he was a child, using techniques similar to what the returning invaders used? He fought well armed and armored warriors using only this sword (which looked SIMILAR to a Viking blade) - you could attribute it to dumb luck until you realize that he's decimated a number of them singlehandedly and you're sitting there like, what the hell?

There is a lot of mystique tied to the Native Peoples and I know the director was shooting for that but what he ended up with was a stoic lead man who was sort of pigeonholed into this character. If you're a fan of Karl Urban (Lord of the Rings, Doom, Bourne Supremacy) then you'll want to watch this movie- he does have screen presence, they just didn't develop his character- in a way that I would've found to be equitable.

I did like how the Natives spoke in English (you as the viewer are led to understand that what you're hearing is the translation of their language) and the raiders spoke...something else. I'm no linguist but it sounded like a cross between German and some other language for which I'm not familiar, but it was an interesting little bit nonetheless.

So, in wrapping up- this was a decent movie, with a fantasy element that is supposedly rooted in history somewhat (it is purported by this movie that the basis comes from a legend that Viking raiders had plundered and settled in Newfoundland circa 1000AD which would make it almost 500 years before Christopher Columbus stumbled upon it) - but it does nothing for the movie. Worth watching? You bet. In my library? Check. Watch it again? MAYBE.

A couple of weeks ago, browsing the cable channels.. I'd clicked on Pathfinder (Vikings brutalizing Indians) which didn't really appeal to me at the time but once I started watching I could not look away.
Should be rated XXX for violence and graphic depiction of slaughter, however, it was amazingly filmed and the story line, even though fictional, probably had more than enough basic truth to it.
Synopsis, a lone surviving Nordic boy is rescued from a wrecked Viking ship by a native American woman and raised by the tribe. His adulthood is troubled by visions of his past and his destiny among the natives unfolds as the next wave of violent marauders return to destroy their people and way of life.
The filming and costumes were amazing.
(Frank Frazetta fans gather round)
More detail than any of the mainstream films and the dark lighting through much of it set the tone of dread and on the reverse, enhanced the beauty of the landscape.
Warning of graphic.. and I mean- GRAPHIC- violence, but to truly depict this type of carnage with the use of historically brutal weapons I don't know how a serious director could veer to the lighter side if they wanted to create the dark art that Pathfinder became at the final cut.
proud to have it in my collection- but will only break it out for the pirates and ne'er do wells that would appreciate it.

In Short:

Pathfinder Unrated Edition: The film portrays a conflict between two races, the Vikings and the Natives. The Vikings seem to fit the large sword wielding tyrants of land and sea, even if it was a little hollywoodish, it was still great too see the costumes and the superb Icelandic language spoken on screen. The Native Indians(First Nation's People)on the other hand were a bit too waterdowned considering they were the massive warriors of the North so-to-speak and seemed to be the less dominiant race throughout the film, something not so appealing to history, nor to myself; however, the movie can keep one entertained throughout the film, as it is constantly moving forward and can still be an entertaining watch the second time around. 3.5/5 - this rating is only 'general' based and should not be compared to films throughout the 20th/21st century as this rating would inevitably fall short due to many short comings; nevertheless, it is entertaining.
Jonathan Andrews

Being a fan of Viking culture and history, I eagerly awaited the opportunity to watch this movie. Although there was plenty of action and the fight scenes were good, the overall setting was dark and a little hard to watch even on a state of the art television. Also, the characters were rather one-dimensional with the native Americans too good and the Vikings too evil.

This is one of those films, that many are taking too seriously. Pathfinder is a fun popcorn action flick, no more no less. I can't believe how some people were expecting a history lesson from this. What you see is what you get, ninety nine minutes of pure violent action.

Karl Urban is great as Ghost and the excellent Russell Means, also provides major support as the wise Pathfinder.

Leave your brain at the door, sit back, relax and have fun. If you want a history lesson watch something else. If you want to be entertained for an hour and a half, watch Pathfinder.