Common Sense Media Review
Bloody actioner pits Vikings vs. Native Americans.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Pathfinder
What's the Story?
Set around 1000 A.D., PATHFINDER unfurls the legend of Ghost, an orphaned Viking rescued by the Wampanoag chief's wife and destined to save his newfound "family." First identified as an enemy by the native North Americans, he matures into a robust wannabe brave (played by Karl Urban) determined to prove himself. He gets his chance when the Vikings destroy his village and kill his adoptive family. Intent on revenge, ghost turns to another tribe -- led by the venerable Pathfinder (Russell Means) -- for both support and doubt. The old shaman's daughter, Starfire (Moon Bloodgood), has a crush on the white boy and proves to be as capable a fighter as any of her fellow tribesmen. In the bloody battle, Ghost confronts his father's old warmongering partner, Gunnar (Clancy Brown). In the end, a successor for Pathfinder is in place and a white hero anointed.
Is It Any Good?
Boasting a prettified brutality that rivals that of 300, PATHFINDER also explores a similarly basic theme: manly men pursuing revenge at any cost. Ghost's story includes the usual touchstones for an outsider: he's mistrusted at first, then he transforms into an excellent warrior who is obsessed with proving that he's one of the tribe. The main battle goes on for most of the movie, and after lots of cacophonous violence (blood sprays, eye-pluckings, impalings, and more), the movie ends neatly, with a muted lesson on the costs of vengeance.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the role of violence in the movie. Is it appropriate for the story that's being told? Which parts, if any, are gratuitous? How accurate do you think it is? Families can also discuss the enduring mythology of the white hero. How is it significant that Ghost is white instead of Native American? How does he struggle with his double heritage? What does he learn about vengeance?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 12, 2007
- On DVD or streaming : July 31, 2007
- Cast : Karl Urban , Moon Bloodgood , Russell Means
- Director : Marcus Nispel
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Indigenous Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong brutal violence throughout.
- Last updated : September 21, 2019
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