The original Beowulf

Rating: Null/10 (14 April 2003)

First off, ignore the other comment on this movie- someone watches but does not see. The story does not belong to Michael Chrichton- he merely summated the translation of the original story "Eaters of the Dead", which was written in the 10th century by the character that Banderas plays, based on his experiences and true to the last promise he makes Beowulf. So in essence, it is a true story. Banderas's character is an arabian, exiled from the court of the king and indeed his home country for an affair with royalty. Seeking to foster good relations with the savage norsemen who are viking (Norse for pillaging) on the borders of the Arabic world, Banderas agrees to acompany them on a quest to assist an old friend of Beowolf, who is beseiged in his village by the "Eaters of the Dead"- Half human half beast creatures which feast on dead human flesh. In essence he is told he must become the 13th companion on the quest for it to succeed, and his chances of survivng a refusal to join the quest are slimmer than fighting a supernatural enemy!
Without providing any spoilers, Banderas puts in a good performance, as do all the supporting actors, providing a plausible depiction of what actually happened and illustrating the primitive, barbaric way of the Norsemen, their outlook on life and the clash between the viking and arab cultures.