Great Movie!

Rating: Null/10 (29 October 2004)

I first saw the movie several years ago, then purchased the DVD. It was in my notebook computer when the computer was stolen. I purchased the DVD a second time... and again, the computer, while with that DVD in it, was stolen! Now for the 3rd time, yet again, I have purchased the DVD, but this time, I am strictly using my DVD player to watch it. This goes to show how much I really like this movie... I would call it a classic, but others would digress. The acting of Antonio Banderas as a foreigner adapting to the strange customs of the "North-Men" is indeed commendable. And the sheer force of personality by Buliwyf, the leader of the vikings, and the savoir faire of the Blonde translator gentleman are worth watching. The action is pretty intense too... not a smash and burn senseless movie, the 13th warrior builds on the suspense. The Bear-warriors are very skillfully portrayed as an ancient evil, and it is done without exaggeration and mindless violence. The ancient Viking cultural aspects are also quite wonderfully presented. But what really sets this movie apart is the attention to detail... the banter between the warriors and the rough camaraderie they share, the way the slightly obese warrior with the steel armor winces when he makes a noise while crawling through the enemy caves, and other several such finer details which the Director has skillfully woven in to the story to give it an authentic feel. I would rate the movie 5 out of 5 in my books. If I didn't, I wouldn't be buying the DVD a 3rd time!