The Scythian (2018), also known as “The Last Warrior”, is a Russian historical action film directed by Rustam Mosafir. Set in the early medieval period, the movie blends elements of adventure, action, and fantasy, while exploring themes of survival, honor, and cultural conflict in a brutal, ancient world.

Plot Summary:

The film takes place during the early Middle Ages, a time of great upheaval as various tribes and civilizations clash for power and survival. The Scythians, once mighty and feared warriors, have been nearly wiped out, their remnants living as mercenaries and bandits. The story follows Lutobor (Aleksei Faddeev), a skilled warrior in service to the prince of a Slavic kingdom. When his family is kidnapped by a group of Scythian marauders, Lutobor embarks on a dangerous journey to rescue them.

Lutobor is forced to team up with Martan (Aleksandr Kuznetsov), a captured Scythian assassin who knows the kidnappers’ whereabouts. Despite their mutual hatred and distrust, they must rely on each other to survive the perilous journey, which takes them through hostile lands filled with ancient magic, ruthless enemies, and unforgiving landscapes. As they fight their way through various threats, Lutobor and Martan form an uneasy alliance.

The film builds toward a climactic confrontation between Lutobor and the Scythian leaders, revealing deeper motivations behind the kidnapping and uncovering the brutal reality of the changing world they live in.

Characters:

• Lutobor (Aleksei Faddeev): The protagonist, a loyal warrior who is thrust into a violent quest to save his family. He embodies the ideals of loyalty, strength, and determination, willing to go to any lengths to protect his loved ones.
• Martan (Aleksandr Kuznetsov): A Scythian assassin and one of the last remnants of his dying culture. His skills as a warrior are unmatched, but his motivations are ambiguous, making him an unpredictable ally.
• The Scythian Tribe: Representing a once-great warrior civilization, the Scythians are now fragmented and reduced to living as mercenaries and raiders, a shadow of their former glory.

Themes:

• Cultural Decline: The Scythians’ fall from power mirrors the collapse of ancient civilizations in the face of rising empires, symbolizing the end of an era. The film explores the loss of identity and pride as cultures fade into history.
• Survival and Brotherhood: Lutobor and Martan’s reluctant partnership is a key element, demonstrating how survival often forces individuals to put aside differences and work together.
• Honor and Revenge: Both main characters are driven by codes of honor, though these codes are often in conflict. Lutobor seeks to uphold his values, while Martan is a product of his tribe’s fading warrior ethos.

Visual Style and Action:

The Scythian is noted for its gritty and immersive visual style. The film’s medieval setting is portrayed with a raw and realistic approach, featuring harsh landscapes, dark forests, and dilapidated strongholds. The costume design and set pieces evoke the ancient world, adding to the film’s authenticity.

The action sequences are intense and visceral, characterized by brutal hand-to-hand combat, bloody sword fights, and gritty battle choreography. The film avoids the glossy Hollywood style, opting for a more grounded and realistic depiction of violence, which adds to the film’s tension and drama.

Reception:

The film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. Praise was given for its visuals, historical atmosphere, and action sequences, while some criticism was aimed at the pacing and plot development. The dynamic between Lutobor and Martan was seen as a highlight, with strong performances from both lead actors. However, some viewers felt that the film’s story lacked depth and coherence in certain areas.

Conclusion:

The Scythian is a dark and violent depiction of a transitional period in history, where old cultures are clashing with new powers. Its exploration of survival and shifting alliances, combined with its raw action and intense performances, makes it an engaging watch for fans of historical epics and gritty adventure films. Despite some narrative weaknesses, the film succeeds in creating a vivid and brutal portrait of a forgotten era.