The 13th Warrior
released 1999
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“The 13th Warrior” is an American, action, mystery, fantasy, historical fiction film based on the novel called “Eaters Of The Dead” by Michael Chrichton. The story was inspired by the epic poem Beowulf, (An Epic poem about the legendary Geatish hero and one of the oldest surviving pieces of English litterature). It was produced by John McTiernan, Michael Chrichton, Andrew G. Vajna, Ethan Dubrow and Ned Dowd and was directed by Michael Chrichton and John McTiernan. It stars a very large and talented cast who include Antonio Banderas, Omar Sharif, Diane Venora, Denis Storhøi, Vladimir Kulich, Sven Wollter, Anders T. Andersen, Richard Bremmer, Tony Curran, Mischa Hausserman, Neil Maffin, Asbjørn `bear´Riis, Clive Russell, John DeSantis, Erick Avari, Daniel Southern, Maria Bonnevie, Mina E. Mina, Suzanne Bertish, Susan Willis, Yolande Bavan, Tarik Batal, Akesh Gill, Kaaren de Zilva, Layla Alizada, Sven-Ole Thorsen and Al Hachlaf. Writing credits for the screenplay go to, of course Michael Chrichton, but also William Wisher and Warren Lewis. Even though this was not a box office smash when it came out, it still is a very good movie with fine talent and a great story.

The 13th Warrior IMDb webpage

 The story is about Ahmad ibn fadlan, played by Antonion Banderas, who is exiled after having fallen in love with the Sultan´s woman. He is exiled in a viking community to northern Europé where life is hard and he has none of the refinements he is used to. The weather is brutal and much of what they know is pure superstition. Ahmad is at first surprised and offended by so many of their customs but as he grasps the language and they all must confront a deadly threat together his appreciation for them grows. This is the story of two cultures colliding as much as a man winning his spurs within a group. At first they make fun of his smaller horse and sword but later admire how fast he learns their language and his ability to write. He looks down at their ignorance and disgusting sanitary practices but later admires them as the fight an enemy known as the Wendol.

The Wendol is an ancient enemy that ravages towns in the north and eats people. It´s described as coming down the mountain on a fire worm and for those that kill any of the Wendol raiders their corpses disappear, or are taken away, after the raid. This adds to their mystique and impression of invulnerability. The townspeople are terrified of this enemy and believe it to be a supernatural force. Ahmad is an educated man who although is terrified also views the Wendol with suspicion.

This is a really good story that is as much a mystery unraveling as an action film. It´s a beautiful film with a story that is hard to categorize as fantasy because it could very well have happened. The threat the characters face is a frightening and gruesome one. It´s only when they learn more about their enemy that they figure out a way to stop it. They must confront their fears and superstitions to beat the Wendol and it´s the odd man out, Ahmad, who helps them.

I highly recommend this film. It´s a good watch.

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