Underrated... Why?????????!!!!

Rating: 9/10 (11 October 2002)

I had read Michael Crichton's "Eaters of the Dead" based on the chronicles of an Arab called Ibn Fadhlan around 1100 AD. Despite the overwhelming critics, the film IS a very good adaptation of the novel. Also, the novel itself, happens to be an adaptation of the Beowulf Saga, with some nice insights in the lifestyle and beliefs of the ancient Norsemen. There is a very nice musical soundtrack, and beautiful, fitting scenery throughout the movie. Maybe the accents, and dressing of the Vikings strike as unrealistic, but this is not the first time such a thing happens, not is it a reason to blame the film (remind you of "Gladiator"). The brave, laughing spirit of the valiant Norsemen, kept me awed throughout the film, with a very remarkable show of bravery by their leader Buliwyf in the end. The film hasn't changed many things from Michael Crichton's novel, and I would suggest reading the novel first before bursting into negative comments about it. Neither did I find the film "empty" in dialogue, nor did I get the feeling that I didn't grasp some part of the scenario. There is action throughout the film, nice battle scenes, and an adventurous spirit with a touch of the Norse valor in more than a few occasions. An overall good film, that may have been better, only if it had been longer, and maybe given us more depth into the characters of the 12 brave Norsemen who were chosen to face such monstrous opponents that remind us of Grendel from the Beowulf Saga.