Watch The Navigator: A Mediaeval Odyssey

The Navigator: A Mediaeval Odyssey is a 1988 film directed by Vincent Ward. This avant-garde film tells the story of a group of townspeople from the 14th century who decide to build a large cross-shaped structure to deter the black plague, which is devastating their village. The protagonist of the film is a young boy named Griffin, played by Bruce Lyons, who is seen having prophetic dreams and is believed to have a supernatural ability to predict the future. Griffin's dreams are interpreted as messages from God, and he is convinced that the only way to save his town from the plague is by building the cross.

Griffin's father, Connor (Chris Haywood), initially dismisses his son's visions, but after the plague takes the life of his other son, he finally decides to take drastic action. The men of the village form a group to build the cross, but after Connor falls from the structure and is seriously injured, they are forced to stop construction.

In a desperate attempt to save their town, Griffin leads a small group of villagers on a pilgrimage to a holy site that he has seen in his dreams. The group believes that by going to this site, they can ask for God's help in stopping the plague. However, they soon discover that the journey will be much harder than they anticipated.

The group consists of Griffin's best friend, a mute boy named Ulf (Hamish Gough), as well as two adult villagers, a blacksmith named Des (Marshall Napier) and his wife, Catherine (Pamela Matheson). As they travel through forests and across rivers, they encounter many dangers and obstacles.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its unusual blend of medieval and modern elements. Although the story is set in the 14th century, the characters seem to have some knowledge of modern technology, such as airplanes and television screens. This creates a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere that is both eerie and captivating.

The film is shot in a distinctive style, with stark contrasts between light and dark and a muted color palette. The camera often focuses on small details, such as the patterns of the stones on a castle wall or the intricate design of a lock. This attention to detail adds to the film's otherworldly feel.

Another notable aspect of The Navigator is its sound design. The film has a haunting musical score composed by Davood Tabrizi, as well as a number of eerie sound effects that add to the unsettling atmosphere. The sound of the characters' footsteps echoes loudly, and the rustling of leaves seems almost deafening.

Overall, The Navigator: A Mediaeval Odyssey is a stunning and unconventional film that combines elements of fantasy, historical fiction, and science fiction. It is a story about faith, courage, and the power of the human imagination. While it may not be a film for everyone, those who appreciate experimental cinema are sure to find it fascinating.