The 13th Warrior (Movie Review)

I saw this film long before I ever read The  Beowulf Poem, so I did not know that this 1999 pseudo-historical movie was based on Beowulf. Based on the Michael Crichton novel Eaters of the Dead, the film went through several years of development, re-shoots, edits and even re-scoring before it was finally released. Once released it was panned by critics, and bombed in the box office.

The film is narrated by Ahmad ibn Fadlan (Antonio Banderas), a Muslim Arab who was punished into exile as an ambassador to the Northlands. While there, he is forced to become the 13^th Warrior on a quest to stop the malevolent Wendel from their non-stop slaughter of men.

So what did I think?

What I Didn’t Like

• It is unfortunate that Crichton decided to use a Muslim to frame/narrate the story rather than a Christian. He was basing his story on Beowulf and a Christian character would have better served as narrator since a Christian narrator is featured in The Poem.
• Ahmad ibn Fadlan’s “final prayer” scene best reflects a “Confiteor" prayer used in the Mass of the Roman Catholic Church, not in Muslim prayer. 
• Hrothgar’s name is pronounced with a weak “H” but I would have preferred a guttural!
• There is some really cheap CGI (SyFy Original movie quality) right in the beginning of the film. Almost every other effect is practical, so if feels out of place.

What I Liked

• Crichton changed the name of the cast of characters. Most notably, Beowulf is now Buliwyf (pronounced “bull-vi”). The author was going for a more historical feel, so this works well.
• Despite my previous comments, having a Theist Muslim’s perspective contrasting with the pagan beliefs of the Northmen works very well. It creates tension and intrigue.
• The music score is awesome.
• The detailed sets, locations and historical details are wonderful.
• The first third of the film deals heavily with languages. While this sounds rather dull, the filmmakers made this very dynamic.
• In the background of the second Wendel attack, one of the Northmen is seen lifting up and rolling a horse! The fight scenes feel fluid, gritty and “naturally awesome.”
• The final prayer before battle (see below) is a particularly strong and moving moment.

I actually really like this film. I suppose the characterization could have been stronger, but this is actually one of my favorite films. The story, the action, and the script are enjoyable and engaging.

The 13^th Warrior, unlike The Poem, has a happy ending. But, then again, this movie is really about Ahmad ibn Fadlan and features Beowulf.

With the strong religious themes, the film gives viewers quite a bit to talk about concerning the contrasting beliefs of the characters in the film which will most likely also contrast with the viewer’s beliefs.

Relevance: 9/10

Quality: 9.5/10 (I Loved It)

Note: Rated R for bloody battles and carnage

This review is a part of Beowulf Month over at my personal blog. Head over there for more geekery, theology and thoughts!)

(Spoilers Below!)