Pathfinder (2007)

Directed by: Marcus Nispel | 107 minutes | action, drama, thriller, war, adventure | Actors: Karl Urban, Moon Bloodgood, Russell Means, Clancy Brown, Jay Tavare, Nathaniel Arcand, Ralf Möller, Kevin Loring, Wayne Charles Baker, Michelle Thrush, Nicole Muñoz, Burkely Duffield, Ray G. Thunderchild, Duane Howard, Brandon Oakes

Well before Columbus first set foot on American soil in 1492, the continent was visited by the Vikings in the eighth and ninth centuries. The lack of good food grounds in their own country, the thirst for adventure and the prospect of wealth and loot drove these Scandinavians to the other side of the Atlantic.

‘Pathfinder’ focuses mainly on the encounter that took place between the Vikings and the Native American population. However, don’t expect a factually well-researched history lesson. In this film, the Vikings are mainly purebred barbarians and marauders who mercilessly slaughter every Indian – woman or child, young or old – and in most cases also behead them. Not a politically correct or too nuanced film. However, this does not seem to have been the intention of the makers.

‘Pathfinder’ is clearly intended as a solid, uncompromising action film in which there is little room for much depth, ingenious plot twists and artistic frills. Keeping these caveats in mind, ‘Pathfinder’ isn’t even a bad movie. The battles are beautifully, raw and uncompromisingly portrayed and the Vikings look dark and menacing – in keeping with their actions. Things like costuming and the creation of realistic looking weaponry have clearly been given a lot of attention. The often beautiful images of the overwhelming landscape and the dark way in which most battles between Native Americans and Vikings are portrayed also enhance the atmosphere. Not surprisingly, things like acting and intelligent dialogues only come second.

‘Pathfinder’ is certainly not a brain teaser or an intellectually sound piece of work, but with the brain at zero, there is still an action film that is still worth watching, especially because of the pace, the costuming and a number of beautifully portrayed strokes.