An Entertaining Sword Flick

Rating: Null/10 (24 January 2000)

When the movie was initially released in the theaters I hesitated to go since I had read some negative reviews about the film, but after having seen The 13th Warrior on video I should have seen it on the big screen. Not knowing much about the plot of the film other than that it was to deal with warriors in battle with "eaters of the dead", I found myself absorbed in it within half an hour. In the tradition of films such as Conan the Barbarian and Excalibur, this film has as much sword wielding to be worthy of such films. There are a few scenes in the film which are left unanswered, but it doesn't take away from the overall effect of the film. The Nordic warriors had a very rugged and original look, as well as the misty landscape which makes the movie visually scenic. Antonio Banderas character as the sole Arabian and 13th Warrior gives the film a different and fresh perspective than if it were all 13 Nordic warriors. The plot is not intristic but it is good enough to keep the film flowing. If your one of those who value plot more than anything watch The Usual Suspects, but if your looking for a decent plot with substantial fight scenes that keep you glued to your chair, this is a very entertaining movie.