A highly underrated gem

Rating: Null/10 (12 August 2004)

I don't understand what people find wrong with this film. First off, it's certainly not in the same genre as Gladiator, Braveheart or The Two Towers. The 13th Warrior is simply entertainment at its best. It's a straightforward, nitty-gritty action film. And those who complain about the first half of the film being boring are completely missing the point of it. This film left a lasting impression in my mind simply because everything was so well-built up from the outset. When Omar Sharif's character translates for Antonio Banderas' character in the Northmen's encampment, it shows how alienated the latter is from these strange men. However, his ability to understand their language shows how talented and adaptable he is- it is a form of fleshing out his character. And the first half of the film really immerses one in the world displayed on screen.
As for the latter half of the film, I found it immensely entertaining. I won't forget the man who chooses to be left behind when the Northmen escape the cannibals' lair. There is a lot of fun to be found here, such as a fight between two of the Northmen, one older and one younger, which is a prime example of how quality sound editing can really make or break a one-on-one battle- a flaw that doomed Troy's Achilles-Hector fight scene.
I don't understand why people criticize this film's minute details as if it was a historical epic. This is a movie that really takes you away into a different place, and for that it deserves a 9 out of 10.