Heroic stuff

Rating: 9/10 (1 October 1999)

Perhaps one special feature about the movie which I seldom come across in other Hollywood-produced movies is the fact that it gives a good light about Islam, and in a rather casual and a-matter-of-fact way too. Being a Muslim myself, when I realised that Banderas was a Muslim in the story, and being the main character too, I was bracing myself for some inaccurate and bias portrayal of the religion. Well, apart from some forgiveable inaccuracies, it did not materialise at all.
The highest point in the movie for me is the final battle between the warriors and the baddies towards the end of the movie. It is moving to see Banderas's character praying to God for victory before the final battle. Makes me realise how much human these days forget to do the same whilst in the same seemingly hopeless position. And Buliwyf too. As he went into the battleground, probably half dead from poisoning, I felt like running into the screen and join the battle with him. Pure heroic stuff.