A hi-tech alien in 8th century Norway, hmmm... what to expect? But it becomes quickly evident that Kainan (the alien) is going to survive not by virtue of any sci-fi gadgets (his "ray gun" is lost in the first few minutes) but through old-fashioned courage, fighting skills, quick wits and a noble spirit. The movie centres a great deal on how this Outlander earns respect, acceptance and affection with this ancient people.
John Hurt convinces as Rothgar, King of the tribe, as does Sophia Myles as Freya, the movie's only significant female. Though physically attractive, as Rothgar's son Wulfric (Jack Huston) observes, she is not in any sense "soft". She looks robust (but still feminine), fights likes a man, punches out Kainan in one scene, and displays an independence doubtless uncharacteristic of the women of her time.
If Kainan displays any unearthly qualities it would have to be in his selflessness, devotion to common sense and rationality. Of course he wants to survive, but there is no sense of resentment to the harsh treatment he initially receives. He's obviously a rival for Wulfric, but is happy to save the guy's life, while risking his own.
The Morwen monster adds colour and distinctiveness to the movie but in many respects is its weakest point. How would the Morwen have stowed aboard Kainan's ship, apparently remaining docile for the long voyage to Earth and not broken out and decimated the crew long before? This creature (and it might be a Mommy Morwen, because it has at least one smaller sidekick which is never explained) is able to withstand 1000+°C fire, even though Kainan and his people destroyed the Morwens on their home planet with fire (again silly as it takes millennia to develop that top foot of soil and ecosystem). In the final scene, the big Morwen is destroyed apparently by falling over a waterfall (doubtful?) plus some sword injuries - Kainan seems sure of it (or maybe it wasn't dead, but being kept for a sequel??).
The movie has a small amount of gore - the worst is Gunnar losing his head by a flick of the Morwen's tail as it whips by - no sex (just a rather modest kiss), a good deal of swordplay and displays of male testosterone. Special effects are good though the Morwen looks perhaps too much out-of-this world, complete with flashing LEDs.
When Kainan first landed, he activated a homing beacon. Finally a ship hoves into sight, but he destroys the beacon and the ship recedes. This again seems far fetched: after coming a gazillion miles, you'd turn back at the last few just because the beacon stopped? Anyway he's made his decision, after earning the right to be King, with Freya as his Queen, he would rather stay with this ancient tribe on a pre-tech world than return to his own - again a decision somewhat hard to understand without adequate explanation, he gave no hint of being an outcast with no other choice. In one of the final scenes, Kainan again visits his sunken ship and exposes the casket containing his dead wife - presumably this is meant to help explain his decision to stay.
Despite these flaws, the movie has some solid drama, strong characters, entertains well and is an enjoyable way to kill a couple of hours.
John Hurt convinces as Rothgar, King of the tribe, as does Sophia Myles as Freya, the movie's only significant female. Though physically attractive, as Rothgar's son Wulfric (Jack Huston) observes, she is not in any sense "soft". She looks robust (but still feminine), fights likes a man, punches out Kainan in one scene, and displays an independence doubtless uncharacteristic of the women of her time.
If Kainan displays any unearthly qualities it would have to be in his selflessness, devotion to common sense and rationality. Of course he wants to survive, but there is no sense of resentment to the harsh treatment he initially receives. He's obviously a rival for Wulfric, but is happy to save the guy's life, while risking his own.
The Morwen monster adds colour and distinctiveness to the movie but in many respects is its weakest point. How would the Morwen have stowed aboard Kainan's ship, apparently remaining docile for the long voyage to Earth and not broken out and decimated the crew long before? This creature (and it might be a Mommy Morwen, because it has at least one smaller sidekick which is never explained) is able to withstand 1000+°C fire, even though Kainan and his people destroyed the Morwens on their home planet with fire (again silly as it takes millennia to develop that top foot of soil and ecosystem). In the final scene, the big Morwen is destroyed apparently by falling over a waterfall (doubtful?) plus some sword injuries - Kainan seems sure of it (or maybe it wasn't dead, but being kept for a sequel??).
The movie has a small amount of gore - the worst is Gunnar losing his head by a flick of the Morwen's tail as it whips by - no sex (just a rather modest kiss), a good deal of swordplay and displays of male testosterone. Special effects are good though the Morwen looks perhaps too much out-of-this world, complete with flashing LEDs.
When Kainan first landed, he activated a homing beacon. Finally a ship hoves into sight, but he destroys the beacon and the ship recedes. This again seems far fetched: after coming a gazillion miles, you'd turn back at the last few just because the beacon stopped? Anyway he's made his decision, after earning the right to be King, with Freya as his Queen, he would rather stay with this ancient tribe on a pre-tech world than return to his own - again a decision somewhat hard to understand without adequate explanation, he gave no hint of being an outcast with no other choice. In one of the final scenes, Kainan again visits his sunken ship and exposes the casket containing his dead wife - presumably this is meant to help explain his decision to stay.
Despite these flaws, the movie has some solid drama, strong characters, entertains well and is an enjoyable way to kill a couple of hours.