I think the Vikings would like it...

Rating: Null/10 (2 March 2004)

At times, "13th Warrior" reminds me of *Beowulf* and at others, "Erik the Viking," but I think that the Vikings themselves would have found it at least a good story if nothing else.
I know nothing about Michael Crichton's book, but I'm assuming that Antonio Banderas' character "Ahmed Ibn Fadhlan" was actually based on the Arab Ibn Fadhlan, who in the 920s encountered a band of Vikings on the Volga in modern Russia and wrote of his experiences with them, which this film (and I'm assuming Crichton's book) merely dramatizes and adds monsters too. And quite well, imho. Although, it really underplayed that funeral scene when the girl is sacrificed. His description of that recorded for history was much more eye-brow raising than the scene in the movie, if you can believe it. However, the movie's portrayal of his disgust at their hygiene was on par with what is written. I'm also glad that they mentioned that the oracle was called the "Angel of Death" which is the same words that Ibn Fadhlan used to describe a similar woman in his writings. The first time I saw this film, I had little interest in Viking culture, however, now I've taken several classes on the subject and am enjoying it immensely. And I've seen the movie at least half a dozen times since then and notice new things each time.
Academics aside, I loved the Vikings in this film. So like them! They were down right cuddly! Although like someone else who commented, I had a hard time catching their names. Upon paying *very* close attention, I've figured out who my favorite one was - "Herger the Joyous" played by Dennis Storhoi. That would be the one who could speak Greek and challenged that guy who was like a foot taller and 100 lbs heavier to a fight (I also loved the wergeld payment there - I'm a nerd. I know). He amused me greatly.