The Thirteenth Warrior

I was channel surfing the other night, trying to find something to watch. This time of year, it’s virtually impossible. I was about to give up looking when I came across The 13th Warrior. I hadn’t watched it in years, so I’d forgotten what a good movie it was, even though it was considered an expensive box office flop.

It is a 1999 American historical adventure based on a Michal Crichton’s novel Eaters of the Dead. It was directed by John McTiernan, with uncredited reshoots done by Crichton.

The story is told from the viewpoint of Ahmad (Antonio Banderas), who is recruited to be the 13th Warrior, accompanying a group of Norsemen traveling to aid Hrothgar, whose lands in the far north are under attack by an evil so frightening that no one speaks its name. It shows how he learns to adapt and become friends with the Norsemen, and to recognize that they are intelligent, brave, and honorable.

The cinematography, by Peter Menzies, is excellent. The surreal fog, the dazzling sunsets, and the soaring mountains all add to the mystique. Jerry Goldsmith’s soundtrack was excellent. If you like Michael Crichton films, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.