Excellent, hugely underrated movie by John McTiernan, Antonio Banderas is great as an Arab ambassador exiled to Europe, and coerced into joining a band of Norsemen (Vikings) on an adventure.
'The 13th Warrior' is not just an action film in the traditional sense, but a well rounded, brilliantly acted adaptation of the book by Michael Crichton, the movie also features some beautiful cinematography and intense battle scenes.
One of my favourite scenes is when Antonio’s character; Ahmad Ibn Fadlan, learns the Viking language by listening (the transition from Norse speak to English is cleverly filmed). I’d defiantly recommend this movie to anyone who likes historical action adventure on an epic scale.
Posted by rocksteadyflamethrower (Member # 1065) on :
Kash, the Rewind wingman! Where have you been lately? We've missed you.
I can't profess to having seen the movie, but it's good to know that you're still breathing!
Sincerely,
John Kilduff
Posted by Brode (Member # 3732) on :
I've seen this. We watch either this or Zorro when we need an Antonio fix. His response in the campfire scene creates rolls of laughter.
"I .... listened!"
Posted by Some kind of NOMSter (Member # 2688) on :
I love this movie. Particularly enjoy the final battle when Buliwyf comes out and does the
"Lo, there do I see my father"
speech in which the rest of the warriors, including Banderas join in before kicking some serious ***.
One of the first DVD's I purchased once I realised it was time to move on from VHS and still one of my favourites.
Good choice...
Noms Posted by Some kind of NOMSter (Member # 2688) on :
...and before anyone completes the speech in order to obtain my crown of geekness, yes I do know it...it goes:
"Lo there do I see my father Lo there do I see my mother, my sisters and my brothers Lo they do call to me They bid me take my place among them In the halls of Valhalla Where the brave may live... Forever"
Noms Posted by Kash (Member # 297) on :
Good to know some of you have seen this (John, did you get my message?)
I bet they'll be a Criterion Edition someday soon, for the DVD (any region) has no extras at all.
Just discovered that Ahmed Ibn Fadlan (Antonio's chracter) was actually a real person. In 921 C.E. the Caliph sent his emissary Ahmed Ibn Fadlan with an embassy to the Viking Kingdom in Middle Volga. Ahmed Ibn Fadlan documented his journey/adventures in an important historical text called the 'Risala'. Mike took that story and combined it with 'Beuwolf' to come up with the '13th Warrior'.
Posted by NOMS. Aahh. Saviour of the universe (Member # 2688) on :
Looking forward to the Beowulf movie that is apparently on its way...
Noms Posted by raggedyman (Member # 4065) on :
I remember going to see this at a free screening back in 99 - not bad, the plot was straight outta the MAGNIFICENT SEVEN. I think the best thing about it was the Jerry Goldsmith soundtrack. the Michael Crichton book is a good read.
Posted by Riptide (Member # 457) on :
I have yet to see the whole movie, but I actually worked with a guy who played a bald warrior in the movie, he was a stuntman/actor that did bit parts in other movies.
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