Fast-paced Cross-Cultural Adventure

Rating: 9/10 (28 December 2004)

I really enjoyed this film. It is an excellent depiction of medieval Arab, Islamic and Viking history. My only complaint is that the film was too short and the action sequences ended too quickly.
Ahmed is nicely portrayed by Antonio Banderas with a believable Arabian accent. Tony Curran gives a strong and humorous performance. The actors' abilities were just as beautiful as the landscape. I don't know where this film was made, but the haunting scenery was scary.
Each character is deeply developed. With a flick of an eyelid, or a tightening of the lips, the emotions come across clearly and expressively.
Most films these days like to portray "bad-guy-is-Muslim" kind of attitudes which are frankly easy and redundant. This story had a completely different premise. The dialogues were thoughtfully scripted, with open-minded approaches to both cultures. I appreciated this film, and I think many people who enjoyed "Gladiator" will also like this film. I hope there will be another adventure with Ahmed Ibn Falad and that red-flaming haired Tony Curran! 9/10.