The Navigator: A Medieval Odyssey

Visionary director Vincent Ward's Palme d'Or nominated fantasy following Griffin (Hamish McFarlane), a young 14th Century boy with acute psychic powers. During the period of the Black Death plague in Cumbria, north of England, Griffin believes that he can rescue his fellow villagers by leading them into an abandoned mine. The fugitives tunnel their way through the darkness and emerge on the other side. They've traveled to a bustling New Zealand metropolis, and forward in time to 1988. The phenomenon is seen from the point of view of the "aliens" to whom every modern convenience and invention is a miracle comparable to the Resurrection.

Ward describing the film: "What I wanted to do was to look at the 20th century through medieval eyes... It's as if the dreams of our contemporary world - our technological monsters of destruction - could be forseen in the nightmares of medieval man."

A character in a remote location with a spiritual connection to his surroundings, would become a re-occurring idea throughout his work. Cementing Ward's reputation, The Navigator - especially notable for its stunning visuals - won six AFI awards and received a five minute standing ovation when it screened at Cannes.

Less