"The 13th Warrior", a loose adaptation of Michael Crichton's "Beowulf" inspired "Eaters of the Dead", follows Arab emissary Ahmedd Ibn Fahdlan into the realm of the feared Norsemen and into an epic battle against a mythical monstrosity.

Anyone who likes action and cool characters.

Herger The Joyous played to near perfection by Dennis Storhoi. He is perhaps the most likable and best realized character in the whole film. I also liked the fact that John McTiernan depended on unknown actors to play the norse warriors. Also, Omar Shariff is positively brilliant in his cameo as Melchisidek, Ahmed's translator and friend.

The editing. You could tell that there was so much more to this movie than made it to the screen. Leaves me anxious for an unedited Director's Cut.

Again and Again.

Pleased yet wanting for more.

Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan (Antonio Banderas), Herger The Joyous (Dennis Storhoi), Bulwyf (Valdimir Kulich), Edgtho The Silent (Daniel Southern), Weath The Musician (Tony Curran), Melchisidek (Omar Shariff), Queen Weilew (Diane Venora), King Hrothgar (Sven Wollter)

There aren't enough films that portray Norsemen as something other than bloodthirsty Vikings.

Some people might view it as too choppy. You really have to be a fan of the book to enjoy this film.

I'm a little miffed about the reviews for this film. First of all, most reviewers call the warriors Vikings. They are not Vikings. They are Norsemen. Vikings and Norsemen are not one in the same. Anyone who knows Norse history will understand this. Secondly, they say that Ahmed was banished for lying with the wife of a powerful merchant. He was not banished. He was given the job of emissary to the Northlands because of his indiscretions. A job which he despises. He is a poet and a storyteller, not a politician or a warrior. Thirdly, the reason the film was cut to "bare bones" as I heard it put was because some of themes were feared to be over the heads of the potential audience. The revelation that the Wendal(Grendel) are cro-magnons and not monsters who'd have had most people in the audience scratching their heads. At least those who didn't know the numerous theories regarding Cro-Magnons and modern man.

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Created Oct 20, 2003 at 5:21pm • Submit your own review...