Religions introduced as positive Vikings welcoming

Rating: 8/10 (5 August 2013)

I am not a Viking expert, but I can imagine there must have been one on the set in terms of continuity, and for those Viking obsessers who will watch this film! The Vikings were not analysed in this film with a magnifying glass, but rather, more a curious approach of intelligence and humanity was injected into their demeanor. Warriors, yes, brutal, yes - and also curious, with a person from Baghdad who prayed to Muhammad. There wasn't any stereotype of 'terrorists profiling' of Antonio's character who was referred as 'little brother' by his new Viking friends. This film was made before 911, and he was welcomed by the vikings as the 13th warrior to become a brother with them on their protective journey to defeat the unknown. I enjoyed the language scenes and the character's learning curve of it,the training scenes and preparations, and the cunning nature of the Vikings, also the playful teasing of each other. It makes me wonder if there ever was a scroll written of this story hidden away somewhere in a historical library in Baghdad. Great movie!!! I would have given this movie 9 out of 10, if the enemies were given more in depth of who they were.