HB Mini: The 13th Warrior

[@HistoryBuffs]

Hey guys, glad you're enjoying the minis. Just to let you know that a big review is on its way and should hopefully be posted soon.

[@ScottKelly58]

History Buffs what film do you review? Oh and keep up the good work. Your one of only two channels I spend about a month constantly waiting for a video and you manage to satisfy me each time

[@OdanUrr87]

Please consider doing a review (mini or big) on the 2009 movie Mulan. Keep up the good work! =)

[@mrsirwesterwester]

could you do the Arn movies?

[@stardust6097]

Do a review on the Magnificent century.

[@leftofyou]

Love them!

[@Maxitco]

A scene that I love in this movie, rarely seen in movies today, is at the beginning when Antonio Banderas has set off with the Vikings and sitting around a camp fire during late evening, he watches and listens to the men talking amongst themselves in their native language, clip by clip you can hear a english word here and there as Antonio tries to understand whats being said. Then when one of the men insults his mother he replies in their language (noting before this scene that he did not understand their language) "my mother was, a pure woman" followed by a insult reply in kind. One of the men stands up and says "how did you learn our language"? and Antonio Banderas replies (I just love this) " I listened". Simple but great writing.

[@equilibrium9829]

Yeah, one of the best scenes. almost as good as the language transition in "the hunt for red octobre". but totally impossible, no one can learn a language just by listening.

[@matteomurtas264]

I totally agree with you. I saw this movie just once many years ago and that scene is the one that i remember better. The second is the one with the spit in the plate, oh god, felt sick about that

[@bobclover4634]

Equi librium Babies can

[@bobclover4634]

Saw this film as a child and that is the scene I always remember and something about Arabian horses being faster.

[@idunbeezasmart1]

Actually, that was one of the scenes that really pissed me off and only lend itself to my dislike of the film as a whole. There are many different, yet reasonable, ways he could've learned the language, but they went with the "Hi, I'm Antonio Banderas and my character is perfection and totally unbelievable!" approach.

[@2bteachable2]

The thing I love the most about The 13th Warrior is how well they portray the camaraderie that develops between the warriors after being in battle.

[@illiminatieoverlordgurglek140]

One of my all time favourite movies. It's extremely underrated in my opinion. It might not be too historically accurate, but man did they nail the atmosphere of the movie. It's just feels incredibly right and immersive. They languages they speak, the clothing, the little and large cultural differences that pop up. How it builds tension and picks up pace throughout the story at all the right moments is just masterful! It just does so many things right that other movies just don't quite get. *Spoilers* My favourite scenes are the one where the priestess calls out the 13 warriors for the quest. She actually speaks something that resembles a nordic/Scandinavian language. Speaking Frisian myself I would actually understand what she was saying without subtitles. And then there's the scene where one of the warriors is fascinated by Ahmad's ability to read and write. Which shows they're not just dumb brutes, but simply lack education. It also shows the Vikings have an interest in that kind of knowledge. The best thing is what he calls it. 'drawing sounds'. I always found that such a beautifully fitting way to describe the act of writing. And it fits seamlessly into the perspective of someone who isn't to familiar with reading and writing, but is in fact quite intelligent and observant. And the absolute nail-biter in the caves under the wendel 'village'! You can actually feel the claustrophobia and stress in that scene.

[@jynxvox]

Illiminatie overlord Gurglekoks my absolute favorite part of the movie is how they made it so Antonios character eventually learned the language of the Vikings just by listening and spending time with them. It's a short part but I've Never seen something like that done in a movie before. He starts to understand certain words and the language starts to have English and then he understands when someone insults him and he insults them back in their language. It's totally brilliant!

[@reverendmother8884]

That's my favorite part, too. :)

[@AKdsad100]

Love this movie, for so many reasons, most of them you have mentioned above. The other one is the mentioning of the Bulgars, my ancestors. We the Eastern Europeans have been left out of the popular culture, despite our important role in history...

[@Crappiere]

Glad im not alone in this. The movie at first glimpse seems kind of dumb. But more I saw it, more I liked it. It's not overly complicated but it is funny and it even makes sense. When Antonio figures out that bear lives in caves, my first reaction was that what a dumb writing. But then again, Antonio's character probably only heard of bears so it wasnt such a bad writing. And what i like about it the most is that it ends on a note that two cultures (one of them muslim) can enrich and respect each oher. 2 years after, everything changed and now i wish there were more movies like this...

[@liviuc.3062]

@@AKdsad100 I am pretty sure he is talking about the Volga Bulgars, and if you are related to them, it really makes you a badass :)

[@blondbraid7986]

I really like that this movie actually touches (albeit briefly) on the vikings travelling east to trade and exchange goods and knowledge with other cultures. There are so many other movies about the Vikings raiding and pillaging Britain, but hardly any about the ones going the opposite way and visiting Russia, Greece and the Byzantine Empire.

[@Vitalis94]

Recently, in December 2016, there was a Russian movie called "Viking" which was set in Early Medieval Russia. It is about exactly what you describe - Vikings in Russia. At least, on paper. It focuses on Vladimir the Great - Russian ruler who Christianized Russia. He was called Valdamarr by the Norsemen, while his own father, Sviatoslav, was originally called Sveinald. The movie focuses on the young Vladimir returning from Scandinavia after his father died, and shows how he battled his brothers for the throne. Having watched the movie, it's still pretty good, but they focused too much on Christianity. They downplay and downright riddicule paganism, they didn't show any acts of brutality by Vladimir - throughout the movie he hesitates and barely kills anyone. Which is bullshit, because he was far from being a pacifist. Maybe they didn't want to show a saint doing anything bad, I don't know... But overal, it's pretty good. As far as I recall, it is the only movie (besides some old, communist era Bulgarian movies) that shows the Byzantines on screen. I was very excited to see them, although they are only seen briefly at the end of the movie. But then, they speak Greek, while Norsemen speak Swedish/Old Norse? I thought that was great touch. I never watched the movie in the cinema, but I found it somewhere on the internet with English subtitles some 1 year ago, so I don't know if you will be ever able to watch it. It has it's downsides, but I do recommend it for anyone interested in early medieval Russia.

[@deanfirnatine7814]

History books/classes focus on the Danish and Norwegian Vikings who went West but rarely the Swedish Vikings or Rus who went East and united the people there

[@DominicanaChika]

The actor who plays Ahmad ibn Fadlan in the documentary has the best reactions 😂

[@tbeller80]

Permanent "what the hell is wrong with you?" face.

[@barryirlandi4217]

Nymeria but no beard!!

[@AIA1990]

Omar sharif

[@nunliski]

That's Omar fucking Sharif dude.

[@robdon3472]

@nunnies he's talking about the guy featured in the clips of that show Mankind: the Story of Us. Its for sure not Omar Sharif

[@annodomini7887]

Don’t care what you say this is a classic Hollywood adventure film, one of my favorites!!!

[@EddyGurge]

One of my favorite movies of all time.

[@g0atboy207]

Yeah, mine too. Like Jurassic Park I can watch this film at any given time over and over again and never get tired of it...and I did do that

[@atomicsquid9836]

That prayer they recite still sends a shiver down my spine when I hear it.

[@EddyGurge]

No doubt. I also love the way they did his acclimation to their language. It was so awesome to watch and hear.

[@g0atboy207]

@Atomic Squid Lo there do I see my father

[@yuureihaiku]

Atomic Squid especial before the final battle! This movie is one of my classics i can watch again and again.

[@robertcolbourne386]

One of the biggest bombs in the history of flim and one of my favorite movie, totally underrated !

[@TheGuyInTheCheapSeats]

Success is about timing. If it came out after Gladiator, it might have been huge.

[@Giarcnek]

Arabin: "I Can't lift this Sword" Viking: "Grow Stronger"

[@Taistelukalkkuna]

Must be real limp wrist, since sword weighs 3 lbs.

[@TheAmrthe2nd]

@@Taistelukalkkuna he was a diplomat and a poet after all

[@wreccen]

@@Taistelukalkkuna lift is one thing, use it to fight for hours is another

[@qassemshaeb5376]

@@Taistelukalkkuna he gave him a longsword. its heavier than the arabian swords.

[@elite_rock_god2292]

@@qassemshaeb5376 vikings did not have long swords. Long swords are a 13th century invention😋

[@GaoDaHoi]

This is a forgotten classic

[@Restless_Hermit80]

It was for you maybe.

[@Zeliek]

For me it's quite the opposite. A movie that wasn't good enough to be a "classic" but good enough to be unforgettable!

[@alaric_]

I have quite many movie fan-friends but as far as i know, i am the only who has watched this (couple of times, actually). If i ever start talking about this to movie to anyone, no-one knows about it. Yes, true movie nerds know about the movie but i think this went under the radar for majority of movie goers.

[@mohammedsalim7052]

@@Restless_Hermit80 No it's for every budy

[@jimlabos]

I've watched it 3 times and its that good that I enjoyed it each time. Wished they made more like these movies but alas we are cursed by all the woke crap coming from Hollywood and elsewhere these days. This movie has no message, no virtue signalling or cultural diversity agenda. Even though the main character is a muslim it is done with dignity without trying to show it is good or bad. It's an extremely well thought out journey and we get taken along for the ride.

[@khartog01]

This is my all time favorite movie. I read the book fairly recently and loved the added history. "I am not a warrior" "Very soon, you will be"

[@sarahgray430]

I was in my early teens when this movie came out, and along with The Hobbit it's what sparked my interest in Norse history and culture. It's also fairly unique in it's respectful representation of both Norse and Islamic culture, both of which are commonly represented in cartoonish and stereotypical fashion in Hollywood movies. I also think Antonio Banderas was and is still absolutely lovely, and a talented actor.

[@SheyD78]

The feels of this movie are what raise it above so many others. It might not be real history, but it does feel real. The fish out of water syndrome, the dealing with adversity, the enemy that seems mystical.......I won't talk more about that. The best part though without a doubt is the final speech before the last battle. So moving. I could imagine repeating it before a battle even in these times, just to pay respects before expecting to die. May the brave live forever!

[@williamfrederiksen5630]

"It's alright, Little Brother..there are MORE!" "Bot do not foretell me wife, or I'll get no sopper when Yi come home tonight!" "I don't sound like that."

[@ShingenNolaan]

Love it. The spin on Beowulfs tale here is awesome and it doesn't matter if it is accurate. I love every minute of it. The mood is great, actors are awesome and likeable, and the whole thing just oozes 'adventure'.

[@CapoeiraBoricuaAyala]

Absolutely great movie, criminally underrated.

[@kotkotlecik7310]

I've rewatched it recently and noticed something: the Vikings called Ahmad 'Arab' or 'Eban' and during one fight scene Buliwyf called him by his real name. I just love how Buliwyf wanted to learn to write and have his story told by Ahmad.

[@mrmonkeyinmybum]

Ya i really enjoyed this movie...it actually has one of the best "i understand your language now" transitions in movie history.

[@augpuppy]

THE best!

[@Elovesamvs]

It has one of the best death scenes in cinema.

[@Loosehead]

And two break-out stars who...didn't break out.

[@michaelminch5490]

He earned his place in Valhalla.

[@matthewbradfor6]

I get goosebumps just thinking about it.

[@devekut2]

I hope this movie gets more attention, despite its inaccuracies. It's always been a fave of mine.

[@eddefy22]

devekut2 agreed, to me better than 300

[@twebb6152]

I’ve watched this movie, literally a hundred times. It is fantastic!!! I wish it would come out on blue ray

[@HellkifasGamertag]

Really love this movie. I can watch it over and over again !

[@musicbcwalk]

Me and brother would watch the VHS over and over again too as kids

[@HistoryMarche]

Really fun movie, and an actual good review of it. Thumbs up

[@bliblablubb9590]

Merciful Father, I have squandered my days with plans of many things. This was not among them. But at this moment, I beg only to live the next few minutes well. For all we ought to have thought, and have not thought; all we ought to have said, and have not said; all we ought to have done, and have not done; I pray thee God for forgiveness. Across seas of monsters and forests of demons we traveled. Praise be to Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate. May His blessing be upon pagan men who loved other Gods, who shared their food, and shed their blood. That His servant, Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan, might become a man, and a useful servant of God.

[@albertthatcher8160]

THAT is how religion should be done.

[@selakery3297]

I've watched this movie when it first came out and I've seen it NUMEROUS times since and I still love it. It's one of my all time favorites. Each of the actors fit their part and played it to the nines. If you haven't seen it, I highly recomend it.

[@sethraelthebard5459]

The 13th Warrior is criminally underrated. Yes, it has almost nothing to do with real history, but it is still beautifully shot, impressively acted, and the story is entertaining and exciting to behold. It is an excellent gateway film to those looking for the inspiration to learn more about the Viking culture. Sometimes glorious while invariably savage and brutal, the Vikings left an indelible mark upon world history. They were some of the original long-distance voyagers who connected the world through exploration and trade.

[@AnimeWins]

Loved this movie as a young lad, I still think it's amazing now

[@SheyD78]

The pre-battle speech/poem they say at the end is one of the most atmospheric pieces of cinema I've ever seen. The feelings it stirs just capture the imagination of what it meant to be a warrior in those times. However far removed it might be from actual history, I'd have been ready to fight like they did after hearing it. Glad I'll never have to.

[@michaelstenger5411]

Great! And yes...I love how Crichton takes Ahmad ibn Fadlan’s life and weaves it into a historical story. So...what I remember hearing was the Crichton was discussing Beowulf with friends...about it being boring...and he said, “I can make that a fun story” (most likely not his actual quote).

[@michaelstenger5411]

I meant “fictional” story

[@2634josh]

I'm not so mini when a History Buffs vid pops in my notification

[@simonelof2129]

HAHA! He means he has an erection, and his willy is big!

[@dreconit6156]

hot

[@bloodwynn]

One of my favorite movies. :) I love Michael Crichton's book as well. It's quite interesting that these "Wendols" (at least in the book) are supposed to be Neanthertals that somehow survived extinction.

[@methatguy5996]

I can literally recite this movie word for word, one of my top 5 movies of all time.

[@willgold9989]

Bravo dude; you packed a lot into 5 minutes. One of my favorite movies!

[@michaelrenper796]

One of my most treasured classics. Its one of those few action movies who try (and succeed) to be historically authentic (as compared to accurate which would make it boring). Moreover it dares to pick a location and setting as well as a culture clash the normal audience is unfamiliar with, but nevertheless is authentic. If there were only more movies set in unusual locations and times. I saw much would like to see a TV series about the life of Harald II (Harald Hardrada).

[@nyboy76]

I just watched this movie a few days ago...I forgot how much I enjoy this movie. There are definitely mythical elements but realistic, there is no Grendel or Grendel's mother, but the symbolism and the life of Vikings feels authentic and enjoyable. So good and the book by Crichton is good to, both are well worth a perusal.

[@aenarion21]

You forgot to mention the brilliant score by Jerry Goldsmith. One of the best soundtracks of all time imho.

[@bul13ts]

Michael Giacchino didn't forget.

[@NikkiMKarLen]

Jerry Goldsmith is a God.

[@GumaroRVillamil]

Definitely. I actually bought the soundtrack CD several years ago. I had it in my iPod for who knows how long. I always play it when I need inspiration

[@AnthonyJstark-vz4so]

I workout to the soundtrack.

[@bpe-music]

Amen to that! Jerry Goldsmith was THE man!

[@shawnn7502]

I own this movie and was always a fan, though it is best viewed the first time when a sense of mystery pervades until about the mid-point. It is little more boring on second views. The best part is when Antonio prepares himself for battle at the end. It shows his conversion into the 13th warrior and pays respect to the warrior class. Great part.

[@mj101inf9]

"Lo, do I see the line of my people going back to the beginning." Awesome movie!

[@waltonsellers6941]

Great job, Nick! I realize that this review is a Mini, but your attention to detail is maximum. This channel is, by far, one of the crowning jewels of KZbin. Keep it up!!!!!!!

[@hawke3539]

Before I watch the video gotta say that I know this movie is terrible at history but i friggin love it none the less. One of my favourite movies of all time. No matter that the northmen wear plate, no matter the bear people, I friggin love it.

[@hawke3539]

I have to disagree. First of they are not wearing an early form of cuirass.. Beowulf is wearing a late medieval cuirass, with pauldrons and besagews both of which are late medieval equpment and Skeld is wearing a cuirass used by conquistadors and Weath wears a friggin small kilt wich first started to be used in the 18th century so yeah they really are out of place. Second..the russ are still pagan in this movie wich means that the year the movie takes place is before 988ad(Ibn Fadlan was sent from Baghdad in 921 so its somewhere around that time the movie takes place) wich is a couple of centuries removed from early curiass that first saw use in the 14th century...the Russ traded along the Volga river..they did not trade trough time and space.

[@larsstrohmeier2320]

same here - there are so many cringeworthy anacronisms splattered thoughout the movie - but i can forgive all that for the feels, the quips, possibly the greatest showdown and probably my alltime favourite soundtrack ;D

[@yuureihaiku]

Well it is a Hollywood movie and like most stuff out of Hollywood the details will aways be off ( they still have strange computer sounds when typing is displayed on a computer screen when almost everyone knows no such sounds are made by any computer ever) Still the story is great and that sound track is top notch.

[@chrisvanderwielen1530]

I think the costume designer went with armor pieces the audience would easily recognize being from different peoples, in order to convey them either being acquired via trade or conquest. More a prop to get a point across, without having to waste precious reel time explaining it. Otherwise, how do you get a Conquistador chest plate, a Gladiator helm and Gothic plate mail? Especially given they weren't even around at the time this movie was supposed to have taken place...

[@lionelhutz5137]

The only person who had the armour that was already invented around the early 10th century was Ibn Fadlan, his light chain mail. The others had armour that hadn't been invented yet.

[@davidfr924]

This story (or one very, very similar) was told to me (in Swedish) by my Swedish Grandfather many times. Yes, there were some changes, but for the most part, it was "dead on" to the story my Grandfather told almost every summer as we were camping. Beowulf's story was never told to me until I read about it in college. Keep up the great videos!!! You put a lot of effort into them and your followers appreciate it.

[@TheSirStrazzen]

Loved this movie so much when it came out in 1999. This was one of the last movies that depicted Arab / European cooperation & collaboration just prior to 9/11 a couple of years later. I was injured in a car crash / fire in early 99, and had lots of time to recover, watch movies and read books and truly enjoyed this one over and over again. Loved Dennis Stohie character ,t he blonde viking who always calls Antonios' character "Little Brother" as he was the one that I think really moved the movie along and helped hold it together. Little things made me smile too, like when they were approaching the coast in the Fog, the crier i think was shouting over and over again "Ooohh--Diiinn !" , as in a nod to Odin the All-Father, chief of the Norse gods. I always wanted a return / sequel to this movie since Antonio's character had the relations with the Viking girl, and thought maybe he "Hit the Mark'' and sired a Son or Daughter that would look like him maybe ; darker, olive skin, dark hair, etc... . Would have been fun for Akmed to come back a decade later and see the child as it walked up to him saying "Daddy?" Ah, well guess it will never happen. But, still a great movie all the way around. :-) TSS

[@master1588]

Dennis Stohie had the best lines: , "Well, grow stronger!" ; "Don't worry, little brother, there are MORE!""

[@tedclare5504]

TheSirStrazzen it's true he is shouting Odin from the ship, this was because they are looking for land and Odin has among his many names the title God of cargos, so Germanic peoples would often call his name from on board ship in say heavy fog or bad storms. He is also called Far wandering, Earth treader and journeys empower, which are all connected to his role as a God of travel.

[@samimas4343]

It won't be the last time. Media owned by elitists want to put christians and muslims at odds when they are not. It is prophisised by Muhammad pbuh that Romans (Europeans) and muslims will reunite to fight a common enemy (Based on current politics I assume either Russia, or the US). Then the antichrist and Christ will come out. Some Christians will be fooled and follow the jews to be the antichrist minions. Muslims with the remaining Christians will follow the real Christ peace be upon him who will finish the antichrist. Islam will relive its golden age stronger than ever before.

[@lionelhutz5137]

Dennis Storhøi: "The all-father wove the skein of your life long ago, go and hide in a hole if you wish but you won't live an instant longer, your fate is fixed. Fear profits man nothing"

[@dougmcconkey5126]

I would definitely watch that sequel lol

[@T3CH33]

It's a damn good version of Beowulf as well

[@piritskenyer]

I was waiting for you to do this for sooooooooo long

[@bfitz567]

How long??? :)

[@willemverheij3412]

A fun movie, and a great way to show different cultures interacting in a historic setting. Plenty of unhistoric things though, but this movie is a lot of fun and has such a great atmosphere. Especially Bulwyf is such a great character. A strong leader who won't lie down in bed waiting for death. I love them reciting that viking prayer again before the final battle. Also that battle with the Prince's lackey, which really was such a great battle of wits, but costly too as they said.

[@widgren87]

"when you die, can I give that to my daughter?" really like this movie historical accuracy may have been tossed out the proverbial window in regards to the titular 13 but a fun movie non the less

[@kmaassociates7999]

YES ! Thank You ! One of the very best of the few watch-worthy offerings out of the film industry in a very long time. I just wish it was a beginning to end historical rendering.

[@clpfox470]

he takes a sword and make it a knife lol

[@MrKillerbunny1981]

If you didn't write that reply i would have

[@nobodynotme4840]

"Can I give it to my daughter when your dead?"

[@TheFleahost]

He insisted!

[@crustymcgee6580]

One of my favorite movies of all time. Great escapist fare. Watching the final battle scene makes you glad to be human. Also loved the book it was based on, Michael Criton's 'Eaters of the Dead'.

[@sebastianczech5322]

When will you review the 1981 Wolfgang Petersen movie "Das Boot"`?

[@barrythatcher9349]

Definitely add my voice to a review of Das Boat. Which was an excellent adaption from the original book.

[@mattnerdy7236]

Hello HB mini, love this movie! Antonio is a great actor and this movie has alot of great scenes in it. The whole mystery thing they built up in the being of the move is what got me. I have this movie on DVD. I bet I have watched this movie 50 times over the years. I know it didn't have the box office success but in my mind it's one of the best movies I have ever seen. Thank you HB mini & have a great day.

[@ScottKelly58]

I'm a simple kind of guy. I see a history buffs video on my feed, I click, I watch, I like.

[@nowgoawayanddosomethinggoo8978]

People today: "Boo! Ritual strangling and stabbing is Barbaric! Savages! Savages!" People then: "Boo! Ritual strangling and stabbing isn't dying in battle! Poser! Poser!"

[@leslieshafer6343]

This is one of the few movies which is (at least in my opinion) better than the book it was based upon. The actors really brought the characters to life, whereas they are not anywhere near as delineated in the book. Also in the movie the main character has a facility for learning languages quickly, which is not the case in the novel, & this ability allows for a lot more character interaction.

[@lionheartfilms793]

I mean the 13th warrior in its time was the most historically accurate portrayal of Scandinavian culture that came out of the western world at that point. It was just so charming its dialogue has that almost Tarantino real life conversation feel. The casting was great. The costumes and props were amazing the action sequences were mostly well shot. There was that weird point in cinema from the mid to late 90's to early 2000's where Antonio Banderas and Clive Owen were the best actors on the planet despite neither one being formally recognized by the academy they were world renowned and made excellent albeit underated movies. To me this is Benderas' best character.

[@alphacause]

As always this is great commentary. Please do a commentary on the Starz series, "Spartacus", or do one on the history channel's recent series "Knightfall". Thanks.

[@EarlyCrowd]

Only good thing about Knightfall is the acting and even the great actors cant save the god awful dialogue.

[@g0atboy207]

I loved the Spartacus series. Probably may favourite series along with Band of Brothers. I also love the Knight Templar but Knightfall the series isn't that good?

[@alphacause]

G0atboy, Knightfall is actually not very good at all. Its storyline is dull, and it is acted poorly. However, I would like to know how much of it is historically accurate. That is why I suggested it.

[@g0atboy207]

Shame, in the history there is material for a great series. Plus knights are awesome

[@alphacause]

G0atboy, I agree. There is rich history and legend surrounding the Knights of Templar, and if Knightfall had a proper creative team it would have every potential to be a great historical drama, along with History Channel's biggest hit Vikings. Unfortunately, Knightfall does not have someone like Michael Hirst - the visionary screenwriter and producer of such historical hits as Vikings and The Tudors - at the helm. Hence, Knightfall looks painfully third rate.

[@jonathanlarsson4608]

One thing I am glad about when it comes to 13th Warrior is that the Viking actors are mainly Scandinavian and Nordic. The languages they speak in the beginning are different northern languages spoken with older dialects, such as Danish, Swedish and Norwegian.

[@ifonlyicouldstop]

One of my all time favourite films - somewhat of a guilty pleasure.

[@ifonlyicouldstop]

Only guilty in the sense that, despite being a movie that I consistently come back to time and again, it's not of the kind of quality that means I could stand over a claim that others should recognise it as "great". It's great to me. By comparison, I'd fight anyone who says that shawshank redemption isn't a great movie.

[@equilibrium9829]

13th warrior is not a masterpiece but neither a guilty pleasure. the movie "Dude where´s my car?" definitly is, atleast for me.

[@ifonlyicouldstop]

dude where's my car is a masterpiece or guilty pleasure?

[@ifonlyicouldstop]

I did use the word somewhat for a reason and I'll refer you to my comment above for the rationale.

[@equilibrium9829]

guilty pleasure

[@paulargier]

Great job Nick! The mini format works great for films like these that hint at historical accuracy, as far as premise goes. Look forward to more of these holding us over in between your diligent long form video essays. Thank you for your wonderful content!

[@The_Republic_of_Ireland]

Please do an episode on the Irish films Michael Collins and the wind that shakes the barley. Two amazing historic films

[@joshuawells835]

I agree, those are two great films about the Irish War for Independence and the following civil war between free state forces and more republican IRA.

[@The_Republic_of_Ireland]

Joshua Wells wind is the better film in my opinion

[@fenriz218]

Well, he's also got non-Irish viewers and should really pick something that everybody cares about.

[@The_Republic_of_Ireland]

fenriz218 just what are you insinuating there? Saying nobody cares bout the Irish?

[@joshuawells835]

He has a range of historical events and films, so he can chose what he does. If he wants to do Irish history, ok. If he wants to do something else, also ok. But to say don't even cover it because not many people care is a bad thing to say.

[@phenixz1981]

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. I saw it when it came out in theaters and I bought it as my first DVD when I got my first DVD player. Such a great film.

[@KurustheGreat]

"To avoid spoilers..." Movie has been out for nearly 20 years.

[@ozzwepay]

Another one of my favorite movies. Thanks Nick, keep 'em coming, I'll keep watching!

[@rejmons1]

Wendol? Sounds almost like the "Wenden". And Vikings from Denmark and Sweden had a lot of troubles with the Wendish (Slavic, Germans called them "Wenden") pirates from of the coalition of tribes called themself "Obodriti" who used to attack Normans. They were the mighty warriors! Prince Krutoj Grynowic or Grynov (son of Gryn) who ruled in Obodritia conquered and burned Hamburg to the ashes. Prince, Niklot even defeated the German-Danish Crusade in 1147. They used to live in today's Mecklenburg (north - east of Germany). But they were to agressive. Constant wars with all the neighbors exhausted their strength. In the end, they succumbed and they disappeared from the arena of history. So, maybe the screenwriters have hear about them?

[@neutralfellow9736]

"They used to live in today's Mecklenburg" - Not only that, but the German noble house of Mecklenburg are actually direct descendants of those Obortrites who converted to Christianity.

[@rejmons1]

Yes! That's right! The most powerful noble family from those areas, Hause von Schwerin at first had surname "de Cztwerin", and "cztweri" is the Slavic word menas "four" ("čtyři" in Czech Language, "cztery" in Polish Language, "cietyrie" in Rusian and Ukrainian). Their coat of arms presents a diamond. In Czech language - "čtyřúhelník", in Polish Language - "czworobok". This is my theory, but probably in Slavic Language from that country they used to name diamond - "cztweryn".

[@ChristnThms]

Wendol might also be vendo (v made a w sound), which is another monster of legend from the northern Europeans, and from the bits I've heard, very much like the guys in the movie.

[@rejmons1]

Maybe. You know, for me this discussion is something like a brain gym. And that's all, because I do not think so, they (screenwriters) even heard about Wenden or vendo. Even more, as I know American people, they for sure don't know almost nothing about Scandinavia. And this name "Wendol", they have found in a in Marvel's comic about the adventures of Thor.

[@patrichausammann]

Dear Tomasz Wójcik, it is only a very simple wordplay, which is solvable, with a bit historical background🤓. Christian Swensen realized the character changing. Châpeau! 🎩 WENDOL >> VVENDOL >>> CVENDOL >>>> CRENDOL >>>>> GRENDOL >>>>>> "Grendol" "Grendel" in German! 😉 And you even have not to be a "sharp seer" to comprehend this, isn't it? 😅 In this case, it is that simple, believe me! But there is much more behind it! But at the moment, I want to do more research to prove my thesis, which I think I already knew.😉 Greetings 🦅🌟🌞✨🕊 👩🏻‍💻 © by P. Hausammann 🦄🌛🏰 🌜🦁 "Dun an Duine" P.S.: This film was probably influenced and made by "humans". 🤣 Wordplay alert! 🤣

[@cheerfulpessimist952]

These mini reviews are great to hold us over until the next big review. Also a nice way to get introduced to some good historical movies. Keep up the great work, looking forward to the next one.

[@harrisonmcarthur7816]

Spoilers: Turns out the Wendel were actually Neanderthals who somehow survived the last Ice Age and were feeding on the local Danes.

[@devilmanscott]

Well, the film doesn't say Neanderthals, just humanoid cannibals, though you could argue it.

[@beardedbjorn5520]

They weren’t Neanderthals were they? I just thought that they were an extremely primitive tribe.

[@scotiej]

Zeliek In the book Eaters of the Dead they were hinted to be Neanderthals.

[@Kardia_of_Rhodes]

Darwinism is a bitch isn't it?

[@harrisonmcarthur7816]

Sorry, my mistake. But in my defense the original story of Beowulf the monster Grendel killed and ate the Spear-Danes in the kingdom of Denmark.

[@alexandramcginnis1362]

Thank you so much for not bashing the film while pointing out the fun and interesting history facts. I know this film by heart since it was pretty much my childhood ❤️

[@nestytrinidad1669]

For me, this was another re-adaptation of the theme from The 7 Samurai/Magnificent 7 : the brave few vs the evil many....

[@Ashalmawia]

yeah I was just thinking it's a bit like Seven Samurai. a group of warriors freely defending the innocent from invaders. though both stories have a small twist in different directions.

[@tiagofelicori6282]

Though the movie was a giant flop is quite entertaining in that it shows a more grounded view of the vikings ( I use the word to simplify things). And I highly recommend a reading of the book in wich it was based of. It's one of my favorites.

[@Rendezman562]

thank you for this, heck I loved this film. Such a guilty pleasure

[@traeyoungshair1023]

I love this movie. One of my favorites growing up.

[@sam.e.a6422]

You should review silence by martin Scorsese

[@orangecardman7905]

Sam.E.A Pretty accurate, boring AF, the end

[@karlkarlos3545]

OrangeCardMan boring if you have the attention span of a fruit fly.

[@archer1949]

Sam.E.A brilliant, beautiful film.

[@orangecardman7905]

Karl Karlos i have no problem with Long films, my gripe was that it could have Been condensed so easily. Did it really need 10 stepping on the Jesus Plate Scenes? I Im pretty sure some could have been cut with no Information lost.

[@TWHueyGuitar]

I'd like to see that too. Especially since there are many scenes in it directly inspired by Andrei Tarovsky's Andrei Rublev.

[@bellepanacek1400]

Love your reviews! Hi i studied american history at a university in philadelphia 1968 to 73. Your research is really impressive. Keep up the great work!

[@AbatedFawn]

Please do Barry Lyndon!

[@jasonmather5071]

LOVE IT Man! Keep it up! I always look forward to your uploads! Being a huge history history buff and always critiquing movies, you do a great job.

[@isbee56]

Bridge too far please its one of my favourite war films and i want to see how it stacks up. Please

[@donfelipe7510]

I'm sure he's done that one ages ago

[@taun856]

I don't think he has.

[@donfelipe7510]

Taun Well a Bridge too far was as faithful a historical movie as you could make for the time. Many of the men still alive from the real event acted as advisors I believe and Richard Attenborough wanted to do the best job he could

[@Roman_Militairy_Equipment]

Yes finally! These movies are my childhood, this is why i love this channel!

[@jaspermervin5204]

I've always been curious since a was an extra in this movie playing a Wendal, I was the guy in the bear skin.

[@gypsyoutlaw2954]

Awww...I was hoping you would cover all the crazy different armor the Vikings had (: They used quite the mashup. Great videos as always thank you for the hard work!

[@austinpharris6270]

Gettysburg from 1993

[@GorinRedspear]

can't do a mini about that. It should be a 3 hour epic describing second by second why it is an awesome movie (if you can tear your eyes off the facial hair)

[@robertnett9793]

The fact you give spoiler-warnings for a 19 year old film, really shows your appreciation for the past, good Sir :D

[@livetoriga]

Wait, are you implying that the book this is based on didn't also give a fictional historical account of Beowulf? That was the whole point of Michael Crichton's book.

[@Kokuyous3ki]

I'm at the first 10 seconds and already liking the vid, just because you are talking about the 13th Warrior. I don't care if you hated it or liked it even - I just love it so much that I like everything it touches :)

[@jimstanley_49]

Ooooohh. I was hoping you'd talk a bit about the setting. The bulk of the movie is not history, but it is a period piece. Did they generally get the sets and costumes right? That sort of thing.

[@havcola6983]

Short answer: No. Long Answer: Hell no! It's clear that they just took some things they thought were somewhat European and tried to make them "viking-y". They're wearing plate armor when they at most should have cloth and chain-mail shirts. Markings are a modern hodgepodge of norse, celtic and the likes. Two people wear kilts that won't be around for 700 years. Helmet game is crazy and includes everything from 3rd century gladiator helmets to what looks like a conquistador helmet. Wierdly, they sort of went he other way with the sets and show a less-advanced society than there would have been. A lot of viking lands at the time were fairly well-cultivated but the village they show is looks like some stone-age huts in the middle of an uncultivated wilderness, built around a longhouse that would maybe be acceptable for a small-to-medium farm. I guess Hrothgar might just be the shittiest king of the shittiest little kingdom ever. There's also a lot more people than there should have been, but you see that in pretty much every Hollywood film. And I know you asked about historical sets and costumes, but I have one pet peeve that keeps popping up about viking mentality: The fatalistic klingon belief system shown in the film. It's a commonly held trope ("Die in battle, go to Valhalla!") that is generally regarded as a misrepresentation. Think of it more as something nice that was said about people who had died in raids rather than something people died to achieve. "Don't cry, Erik is at a farm upstate, drinking with the gods and having parties all the time with all the cool heroes you heard about when you were little.". Finally, even the "historical" parts are based on a source widely regarded as mostly being a kind of "look at these crazy barbarians" narrative that was hip in the middle-eastern court at the time of writing.

[@gordonwallin2368]

This was a great fun movie; I used it in my Social Studies Class for years. And I loved the book too, one of his earliest. Nice review. Cheers from the West Coast of Canada.

[@jeremiahjacobson8456]

I can't remember if I picked this up from the book or a review of the movie but what do you think of the idea that the Wendel were supposed to represent a tribe of Neaderthals that had some how survived to the 10th century?

[@PABeaulieu]

It is not mentioned in the movie, but it is in Michael Chrichton novel.

[@tylerdurden3722]

I always assumed so. Being "cavemen".

[@AJ82778]

This is one of the very few movies I will drop everything for. Takes me back to old D&D days.

[@barbarianscum492]

Ya but what about Seven years in Tebet? :)

[@traceytaggart1740]

Barbarian Scum yeah and pair it with Kundun since those two films about the Dalai Llama came out at about the same time.

[@Kardia_of_Rhodes]

May as well throw "The Last Emperor" in there too.

[@traceytaggart1740]

Teutonicus Maximus c’mon Pu Yi had no connection to the Dalai Llama

[@JG-id5vi]

The last emporer is also good and similar.

[@chunliangzhang2506]

Jonathan Sinned According to Tibetan Buddhism Qing emperors were incarnation of one of top four disciples of Buddha and Dalai Lama is another one. But the Qing emperor has the seniority.

[@tomservo5347]

I could imagine their immune systems were incredibly robust sharing water like that, along with the copious amounts of mead they drank. Mead is fermented honey, and honey has incredible immune/healing properties.

[@jackhansgen]

Dunkirk?

[@karlkarlos3545]

I can think of at least 50 movies I would rather have discussed than Dunkirk.

[@martijnjager7491]

stalingrad

[@karlkarlos3545]

I can think of at least 50 WWII movies I would rather have discussed than Dunkirk.

[@julien8629]

Great new format and great content, as always.

[@rexmundi3108]

The Vikings raided in space AND time: their chief wears armor from 400 years after the Viking age.

[@maxpalombella11]

This is one of my absolutely favourite films. Thanks for giving it a butchers Nick.

[@5chr4pn3ll]

Vikings in full plate armour, more leather than a BDSM exhibit and the usual "everyone is covered in dirt" -_- Historical accuracy is out the window. Fun movie that has some great moments, but it sort of peters out half way in. I bet it could have been amazing with a bit more budget and more time shooting.

[@hazzmati]

Also one of the vikings wears a 16th century conquistador helmet xD

[@donfelipe7510]

Probably reused costume, did you spot the guy with a Roman gladiator style helmet too?

[@PABeaulieu]

At least there are not horns on their helmets! By the way, look carefully at the Wendols riding on horses. you can see they wear boots and even use stirrups!

[@donfelipe7510]

Pretty sure they use some stock sound effects too, the horns the Wendol use sound a lot like the German Tribes in Gladiator. I bet it's probably called "Barbarian Hoard #7" :-)

[@rodrigozarza7225]

Don't forget about those gigantic two-handed swords ridiculously sheathed on their backs! Talking about dumb impractical warrior cliches.

[@Crasho327]

This is one of my all time favorites. It really bothers me that it's typically on the biggest bombs lists of movies because it's so well done and full of tension and levity. I also think it's Banderas' best performance. Thanks for covering at least part of it and praising it. One other thing is that McTiernan was the master of showing languages because he didn't shy away from using the actual languages unlike most films that use accents to show the differences like in The Hunt for Red October when they begin with Russian and switch to English.

[@AndrewArndts]

awe shucks man, I was hoping you would rip apart the "armor" used... really roman gladiator helm... Regardless good vid.

[@awickedtribe]

Vikings were scavengers and were known to wear armor and use weapons from other cultures, and other times. There is nothing to 'rip apart' as it is consist with the Viking culture.

[@robchuk4136]

I've always heard people talk about The 13th Warrior, but I've never seen it. Very cool. I'll have to seek this movie out, now. Bite-sized 'Buffs. I like it!

[@Ligierthegreensun]

Meh. You pilloried apocalypto for being completely historically inaccurate; I don’t see why these types of movies, that also don’t claim to follow historical accuracy, yet use historical contexts to tell stories get a pass. Seems like a double standard.

[@jforozco12]

i watched this movie a thousand times, thanks for the reminder dude, you and your channel are both awesome :D