Crichton's take on Beowulf is excellent

Rating: Null/10 (6 December 1999)

Having read Crichton's EATERS OF THE DEAD years ago and found his approach to the Old English poem BEOWULF ingenious, "The 13th Warrior" did not disappoint. Excellent acting, great research and design, and superb filmcraft made this a cinematic experience par excellence.
If I had not had an extensive knowledge of BEOWULF beforehand, I don't know if I would have dismissed this film as another bloodbath on celluloid. However, knowing the poem already quite well, I was thrilled to see Crichton's take so convincingly put on the big screen. Crichton interprets the "mythic" Beowulf (Buliwyf in the film) in realistic or even legitimately historic terms...how BEOWULF might REALLY have happened. Watching this kind of interpretation unfold in cinematic terms--with all its agreements and interpretive digressions from the original--was a rare treat.
Every teacher of BEOWULF should take their classes to the movie theatre to watch this film. As a foundation for discussion, it would prove invaluable--not only in terms of the storytelling art, but also in thematic terms, that is, the nature of heroism and more.
The only bit I missed from the original story was the scop character (storyteller) of the king, whose singing was supposed to have provoked GRENDEL to attack the feast hall in the first place. Unless I totally missed the little fella, the film left him out completely. As I remember from the book, Crichton didn't leave him out.
I will see this movie again and again.