WTF Happened to THE 13TH WARRIOR (1999)?

Back in the nineties, John McTiernan was perhaps the most well-regarded action director in Hollywood. He had an unmatched string of hits that included Predator, Die Hard, Die Hard With a Vengeance, The Hunt for Red October and more. At the same time, Michael Crichton was a household name thanks to a little book and film you might have heard of called Jurassic Park. Putting the two of them together to adapt Crichton’s Eaters of the Dead must have seemed like a sure-fire hit to Disney, especially with Antonio Banderas, then hot off The Mask of Zorro to play the swashbuckling lead. Alas, this Viking tale was cursed from the get-go, with bad test screenings resulting in Crichton, who was also a director (Westworld, Runaway), taking over the film and re-shooting/re-working it into what was eventually released as The 13th Warrior. It’s a crazy “only in Hollywood” tale made even more remarkable because even in its compromised form, the movie is pretty damn good. We dig into the story in this week’s WTF Happened to this Movie!
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[@billyrattlesticks6949]

I don't care what the critics say, this film is fucking awesome, I've watched it several times and it gets better with each viewing, I've never gotten the hate for it, it's well made, decently paced, has a great cast, brilliant score, is gorgeous to look at and it's quite scary and brutal in parts, especially when they enter the cannibal tribes lair at the end. And hell yeah, I'd pay to watch the McTiernan cut if it came out, it would be awesome to an alternate version of it, see how it compares.

[@davidpowell6098]

Absolutely agree. Well said.

[@rybald1973]

Same and I still watch it every now and then

[@kl7985]

A-fucking-men!

[@OSheaShenanigans]

Agree 100%

[@robwalsh9843]

Reminds me of Soldier with Kurt Russel from the same era. Crapped on by the critics and slouched at the box office, but it's actually an effective Bladerunner spinoff and action movie. What separates the 90's from today is that a lot of box office flops gained cult followings, while box office flops today are forgotten instantly.

[@Graftanker98]

I love this movie, I never understood why it flopped. This movie still holds up today.

[@Myrth1]

I assume that '98 is the year of birth. So a simple story: I saw this movie during 2nd week after premiere. I was THE ONLY PERSON in the audience. That's how non-existing marketing was. And I ended up watching it solely because the cinema had a poster with Antonio Banderas and I thought "hey, Zorro was fun, if silly, so this could be fun too" I ritualistically watch this movie every year the day before my birthday ever since.

[@mcmaldek]

It happens. But it's still making money so the whole concept of it and other films "losing money" is kind of bizarre, because it didn't make a profit over the weekend? No it probably made hundereds of millions by now.

[@mr.graves2867]

This movie is criminally underrated, it's a brilliant movie that has a great story and cast behind it I can't see how people can't enjoy it.

[@palmerswei1572]

Disney should never involved. Let it be pure adult movie.

[@stevenflynntheghost4845]

Damn straight

[@TheGosslings]

Seriously. It’s amazing.

[@AK-dd9od]

I think those so called "critics" didn't have the intellect to understand what the film was about. Thankfully, general audiences were more intelligent. It is a great film, and arguably a masterpiece.

[@RedJohnO22]

@@AK-dd9od They couldn't get it up...Soo they nutter those who can 😏

[@KareemHarper]

I love this film. The entire cast was amazing. To hell with the haters.

[@Noland55]

"The13th Warrior" is a gem of a movie. It should have been longer to develop some of the themes.

[@alexsolomon7991]

Great movie. and that scene where he reveals to the Vikings he's learned thier language is PRICELESS. (and not a bad way to film him learning over several weeks/months of travel)

[@syedamjadali3587]

Yesss!! I really enjoyed that scene.

[@nemoexnihilus2620]

A very underrated movie. No matter what critics said, The 13th Warrior is awesome. One of my all times favorites movies

[@ragingjaguarknight86]

😎👍

[@CallmeOzymandias]

Me too. It's practically a classic in my household.

[@Matthias-sl6jr]

Guy who plays buliwyf also good as the beast from season 4 of Angel kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZCXfJSQl82litU

[@Lmaluko]

This film holds a special place in my heart, it was the first film i ever watched on a cinema. I went in knowing nothing about it, hadn't even seen a trailer. It was an experience, finding out the enemy were human was quite the twist for me, the atmosphere of the movie is great, the cave mission is a high, and the death of the king is very impactful.

[@jimmyb79]

Casting Antonio Banderas is not “problematic”. He’s great in the role.

[@redbarchetta8782]

And there is a Muslim history to Spain.

[@Fellipe2k5]

Today everything is problematic 🤣🤣

[@kiooo9]

Yeah when you're from Spain. You actually have more Middle Eastern blood than actual Spanish blood in the reason because of that is. When Muslims would take over an area they would force mix marriage is upon people so that way they could make it easier to control people in that region. And since Spain was controlled by Muslim rule for a large. Of time I can't remember the exact amount of time but it was a long amount of time. Over seventy to eighty percent of people who live in Spain even to this day have either 50% Arabic blood or 30% are there. And even some may have even more Middle Eastern DNA in fact being 100% real Spanish is actually the minority in Spain. And there's actually even political areas in Spain where certain groups of people want to make their own country because they consider themselves to be the real Spanish people. So Antonia actually makes a perfect choice. And half of these sjw people don't even want to acknowledge the real history of our planet. Very very sad

[@panathatube]

"A Spanish actor cast as an Arabian poet" what a load of politically correct garbage!! I'm Greek so am i to demand ancient Greeks to be played only by Greeks? Why not Spartans to be played only by people of Sparta? An actor is exactly this; he acts. He or she should be able to play any role if it fits. So Hamlet should be played only by Danish actors? Robert de Niro isn't an Irishman you know and Ethan Hawke is certainly no Scandinavian but he was terrific in the Northman! PS acclaimed Egyptian actor Omar Sharif played doctor Zhivago. A Russian. And he was great.

[@kiooo9]

@@panathatube plus what do they even mean by actually Arabic. Do they mean people who speak Arabic well that's a large group of people who speak Arabic but actually aren't genetically Arabic. I've noticed that Joe Blow has gotten very woke lately. And it's very disconcerning I wonder if they fired the other guy who was making fun of the woke narrative and some stuff

[@johnsummers9660]

I remember seeing both Th 13th Warrior and The Sixth Sense in theater. I've only seen the Sixth Sense that one time but I've watched the 13th Warrior a couple dozen times. It is really underrated.

[@cmathis4576]

"Lo there do I see my father..." chills every time. Nothing like a bad ass last stand movie. This is one of the best. Great characters. Any movie that requires a gathered together group of heroes to face a villainous force is my cup of tea.

[@opa-age]

Yup. I think only the Charge of the Rohirrim surpasses it in terms of emotional impact.

[@oneroneen]

I served in combat with the US Army. My squad caught me quoting this line, and by the end of our tour together many of us would say this before a mission. 2 years later on a tour of duty in a different country, I came across other fellow soldiers who continued the lines.

[@marcoantoniochavezdomingue5956]

I was about to comment about that moment. Amazing film. Love it.

[@georgelucasweiss-tripleB]

Ok. Im sorry to have to brake the spell of those lines but... those verses are actually said by the young slave girl that was about to be sacrificed to go with the master, its basically her saying. Yes im your servant and im ready to die and go with you to the after life, basically a slave poem. Its got more verses too

[@ironsoul80]

Legit this is an over looked gem 💎 love this film

[@aaronsomek]

Honestly this is one of my favourite movies. There's so much to love and get lost in. It's a shame it didn't release a year earlier and sit in the spotlight.

[@ericmason349]

I enjoyed the movie and Antonio Banderas in it. I consider it a totally underrated movie. Although I am sure it is pure fantasy, but it was nice to see two cultures portrayed in a positive way and they ultimately accepted each other.

[@oskar6661]

It's actually not pure fantasy. If you look into the background, Crichton did what he always does and makes a movie that is 70% fact and 30% fiction - albeit more so in this film. Arab and Viking cultures actually mingled far more than you'd imagine. Numerous trade goods from both have been found at their respective opposites. Viking ships made it to the Middle East and we can imagine at some point an Arab or two ended up in Scandinavia. Even Ahmed Ibn's character is based on a real historical figure, a poet/historian. Obviously he didn't fight off random creatures...but there's more history behind this than most people realize.

[@GumaroRVillamil]

The first part of the book and movie is based of Ibn Faldan's manuscript. He was a real person and actually existed, and was sent as an emissary to the Bolghars and did meet Volga Rus vikings. So everything up until he gets chosen as the thirteenth warrior is somewhat accurate; fleeing from the Tartars, the funeral, etc. Afterwards, it's Crichton's writing. Obviously the Wendol and all of that is fiction. Curiously, Ahmed's armor is historically accurate, a plain mail hauberk, which is what "vikings" would have worn. And Bulliwyf's spectacled helmet and Herger's scale are also period appropriate. The rest are pretty bad, from cliché leather and a galdiator helmet to plate armor and a morrion helm. One tiny and easily overlooked, but pretty cool, detail is when the norse woman cleans Ahmed's wound with boiled cow urine. That is actually real, and boiling down urine breaks down the urea into ammonia and you get an ammonium salt, which is a disinfectant.

[@donchichivagabond1578]

Only in the 90's!

[@truefanforum3273]

@@GumaroRVillamil I've always felt that some of the armor we're trophies from previous exploits, which I like. It gives the characters a sense of history, and it makes them visually unique from each other. Sure it's not historically accurate, but it's not supposed to be a documentary.

[@ericlismumze9932]

i have always loved this film. great characters. set up, pace, emotional ending, and awesome character arc for banderas' character

[@issamissa6438]

I’ve watched this movie soooooo many times, one of my favourites. I don’t care what people think about it, I love everything about it, cast and story, and Vikings, etc.

[@dmp1520]

wish i had met a girl friend like you growing up who shared the same passion for this gem of a film. Non loquator! Non loquator, quam il mortus est!

[@JessitoBG]

I 've always loved this movie! I was 10 when it came out, and loved it ever since. In fact, I rarely miss it if they show it on tv. I really dont' know why it wasn't a hit. Its a classic for me!

[@p.s6742]

There is one thing that I have to say about this movie and it's this: Lo, there do I see my father. Lo, there do I see my mother, and my sisters, and my brothers. Lo, there do I see the line of my people, Back to the beginning Lo, they do call to me. They bid me take my place among them, In the halls of Valhalla, Where the brave may live forever!

[@cs3473]

Yes! One of my favorite scenes from the movie.

[@MGmirkin]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6PEgGuAj8eGock

[@Nunya310]

😆 when I heard Atreus saying a very close version of this in God of War I just spoke along thinking of this great movie! One of my favorites!

[@truefanforum3273]

No matter how many times I've seen this movie, that scene always gives me shivers. I love it.

[@petekwando]

I count myself among those who love this movie, while acknowledge its flaws. You can definitely see the disjointed bits in the edits. The most head-scratching of these is the way the king's treacherous son simply disappears after his champion is defeated, and as mentioned, the late reveal of the Wendol cavalry leader. I also wish we had seen a little more of the relationship between Ahmad and Buliwyf, since the latter is supposed to be the basis for the mythic Beowulf, yet seems to be a cipher at times. Having said that, the actors - most of whom were completely unknown to international audiences - were wonderful in their roles, and anyone who has every played a fantasy roleplaying game will surely smile at various points as the hard-bitten Vikings defend the village against the almost orcish Wendol.

[@RedJohnO22]

SKOL!

[@digitalon01]

I guess I'm in the minority because I freaking love The 13th Warrior, it will always be one of my favorites.

[@matthewdaley746]

Not, that big of a minority, it appears to be.

[@niklas6248]

I think it's the best viking movie ever made

[@matthewdaley746]

@@niklas6248 It, also, did cannibalistic tropes well, Ravenous, not, so, much.

[@niklas6248]

@@matthewdaley746 absolutely! I love the 13th warrior it's easily better than the northman.

[@matthewdaley746]

@@niklas6248 I didn't, like, Nicole Kidman before she did those taunting AMC ads, truly awful.

[@Keinish79]

I remember renting this movie to watch it with some friends without knowing anything about it. I remember being surprised and getting sucked into its world. Being more grounded than other similar films of the time made me remember a lot of the scenes even today. I have only watched it once, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@RobPanico]

I'm one of those in the "loyal minority" it's a very flawed film with a terrible production history, but I love the concept/setting and find Goldsmith's last minute replacement score to be one of his finest.

[@matthewdaley746]

The minority has a greater presence than many people believe.

[@DVX_BELLORVM]

Vladimir Kulich also looks awesome as Beowulf.

[@matthewdaley746]

@@DVX_BELLORVM That film has a lot of scenes which are really very dark.

[@mikexstad1121]

Same

[@matthewdaley746]

@@mikexstad1121 It was great, too bad all those elements went wrong.

[@ivane5110]

I don't hear many compliment this movie, but it's actually one of my favorites. I was obsessed with all things Beowulf and Grendall when I was a kid (in the 70's). And when I saw this, on VHS rental, I had no idea that this was connected to them. I just knew I'd seen and liked Banderis in something (Zorro) and liked cultural fish out of water tales, especially when set in the past. So I was thrilled when I realized what the theme was. And that thrill stayed through the whole viewing, so it has a special place for me.

[@RedJohnO22]

I complement you brother for you see it and you see it's quality. SKOL

[@jorgejimenez8947]

Finally! A WTF review on The 13th Warrior! Definitely an underrated movie.

[@TheGosslings]

If you don’t love The 13th Warrior and appreciate what a master class in masculine filmmaking it is, you don’t deserve an audience. It’s a masterpiece. It’s genius. The score alone is worth the price of admission.

[@RedJohnO22]

Nuff said.

[@timpryde1]

Big fan of this movie. Music, action and pacing is on point! Even the character development (for most) is well done across so many characters.

[@MeticulousTechTV]

I didn’t know critics hated it. One of my all time favorite movies, I had memorized the Viking prayer and said it often throughout my childhood. I’ve rewatched it in my adult years (in my 30s now) and it held up so well thanks to the absence of CGI and other ephemeral movie effects. I’d go as far as to say it was Banderas’s best movie, with good pacing, awesome cast, great action, some funny moments and solid battle camera work. Not to mention the music score is incredible! To those who didn’t like it, to each their own, but the 13th Warrior will always hold a huge place in my heart as one of the best OG medieval battle movies ⚔️

[@fumeck1674]

Also “problematic”, the people who die in this film aren’t played by dead people.

[@wojciechpatalas6660]

He, hee. You've made my day.

[@soyouresaying7814]

The political correct term is "Biden voters"

[@gsearingg]

It's like they watched a different movie. The indepth story behind how intelligent the Viking was is amazing plus the different languages needed to communicate back then and how he learned their language on the trip was fascinating as well. Awesome movie well worth the watch

[@blytheguy7510]

I love this film. For a long time it was one of the few modern viking films. I love the concept, despite historical inaccuracies. To this day this film still has one of the best language transitions I've ever seen. And it illustrates how smart the main character is, that he learns their language by listening. I love the way the heroes all come to respect one another throughout the film. I can't believe this movie doesn't even have a Blu-ray print out. I still have my DVD copy but would happily upgrade it. This would be a great Arrow Blu-ray release or at least a Shout Factory print. DEAD PRESIDENTS and TRUE LIES are two more great films without Blu-ray releases that deserve better treatment.

[@WhatAboutZoidberg]

"I listened! " still such a sick flick. Never understood the hate either.

[@jefferynelson]

I've lived in places with multiple languages, hoping for my "I listened..." moment, but it never happened

[@adamgardner2244]

I got rid of my dvds and stated replacing them all with blurays years ago like most other people. So disappointed that some movies never made it to blu ray like this one and regretted selling them. I just bought it on DVD again a couple days ago. I love this movie.

[@jacob4920]

@@jefferynelson You have to have a certain "frame of mind," to be able to learn languages that way. Any normal person can do it to a very limited degree, but it takes something of a genius to learn an entire language this way! Ahmed was a poet/writer, all of his life, so that ability to parse words probably gave him just the tools he needed to learn the lingo.

[@jefferynelson]

@@jacob4920 once I looked up 'most languages spoken', there was a college professor couple who certainly spoke the most of any two people, & a U.S. Army Lt Colenel who spoke so many & could learn them so quickly no one really knew how many he spoke

[@davidknightx]

Until I'm dead, I will argue that this movie has one of the most intelligent statements EVER said about war (specifically, how you successfully fight and WIN one). For those who haven't seen the movie, there's a scene where the war is going really bad for the Vikings. Of the 13, only 7 are left and their position is all but indefensible. So the queen takes them to this crazy very old woman in the woods. First she berates all of them (seeing if they will show her respect before she offers her wisdom that they seek). She then says that "Slaughter them until you rot, you'll accomplish nothing. Perhaps you've been fighting in the wrong field." And then she says the thing that matters most. "Wars are won in the will.". She then asks for a "thing of them". When the protagonist hands her their idol, she says "They show you the way, you do not see." The idol represents the mother of the tribe. She they revere. She's what they hold most dear. SHE is the will (along with the leader of their warriors). Strike the root. So many American lives could've been spared if this country had half the intelligence of this woman.

[@luciferfernandez7094]

This one stinks to corporate sabotage: it was deemed a “bomb” way before it opened. Actually it’s a pretty decent, if not great, film. Also: to deem problematic a Spanish actor as an Arab is a big History ignorant - a good chunk of Spain’s population is mixed Arab, they occupied Spain for almost ten centuries.

[@maaziy_ghaziyIYI]

The Arabs didn't occupy Spain, they ruled Spain. They lived, settled and flourished in Spain. They built Spain. They created one of the greatest civilizations in the world in Spain. While the rest of Europe was steeped in darkness, Spain was a lighthouse shining bright. For further info, I'd recommend Muslims in Spain by Stanley Lane-Poole and A History of Islamic Spain by W. Montgomery Watt.

[@luciferfernandez7094]

@@maaziy_ghaziyIYI will check your recommendations, thanks!

[@gdelan1]

@LibtardsStillCantSilence Me21 He's not wrong either.

[@amsfountain8792]

@@maaziy_ghaziyIYI They didnt. Maybe you are refering to Al-Andalus, no to Spain. If any Spain was built as reaction to muslim dominion and the cristian faith gave unity and purpose to the spaniards.

[@anthonyweinersnose2583]

@@maaziy_ghaziyIYI yeah right mfkr, fuck Islam.

[@thebigwedding]

I have watched this movie over 20 times. This film is a great example of what I've come to learn about the greatness of certain movies: just because the critics hate it, it didn't make any money, people stayed away in droves, does not detract from making a movie truly awesome. The "13th Warrior" is truly a great movie. If there is an extended cut out there, I will certain buy it.

[@archer1949]

Freaking love this movie. Screw the critics.

[@chunksaflyin]

One thing I've learned from movie critics is...never listen to movie critics. I love this movie and have watched it more times than I can count. I like the casting, the pace and the story. Sure, it's not perfect, but show me a movie that is. There is NO movie that is 100% perfect. This one is and will always be one of my favorites and it's sad it doesn't get the credit it's due.

[@bladebitten2766]

There's a ton of movies Ebert panned which I love, and a bunch he praised that I thought were crap. Critics aren't worth listening to - best thing to do is just watch a movie's trailer and see if it intrigues you.

[@RC19786]

Don't wish to report what the other ppl in the forum have already echoed but this is an under-rated, misunderstood gem and had it not been for so many production troubles, it would have turned out to be an instant classic. Thanks for hosting this JoBlo.

[@barronohyeah]

One of my favourite movies. So well made, well paced, well acted and directed. Criminally underrated.

[@niquola77]

I un-ironically love this movie. I especially enjoy the tiny horse scene at the beginning 😂

[@blytheguy7510]

"The dog can jump."

[@davidpowell6098]

"Only an Arab would bring a dog to war".

[@johnny9000]

@@davidpowell6098 i heard it the first time.

[@SpecialProjectY]

Fun fact: Arabic horses were taller and bulkier than viking/icelandic horses, nearly pony sized as with smaller body type it radiated less body heat with less food required for upkeep. This is one of many, many, many blunders the movie sadly describes, but doesn't make it less fun to watch.

[@eclipsewrecker]

@@SpecialProjectY fun logic: if these men were the men who explored and plundered/traded far from their homeland, they would likely have the best horses they wanted and were willing to “trade” for. Also; -ignorance still existed then, and could explain erroneous claims by the men. -might not have been the typical Arabic horse.

[@vanzetti7]

My only issue with the movie is that characters are introduced and they kind of disappear as if the film forgot about them. The plot is actually really straight forward and simple, pretty much the Magnificent Seven or Seven Samurai. I think it’s just really obvious the film makers themselves had a lot of differences when making the film and you feel all the way through while watching it.

[@bladebitten2766]

For ages I thought there were only 12 warriors because they barely showed Haltaf (the Boy) throughout the whole movie. Most of the characters get a LITTLE bit of screen time even if they don't have much dialogue, but even Roneth is another one that you forget is there. I think because during the scene where the warriors are pledging themselves near the beginning, they (Roneth and Haltaf) are the only two you don't see or hear put themselves forward.

[@JasonVictorEverett]

Despite the massive production problems on the project (and I remember those in real time, back in the day), I always thought The 13th Warrior turned out to be a very good film, with some exceptional moments throughout.

[@TheRealMonkeyrogue]

Absolutely beautiful film. Some people just can't enjoy life I guess.

[@user-xz6xt3wy6w]

one of the best action films from the 90s and veryyy underrated. infact jerry goldsmith score is legendary and veryyyy underrated too. this film did not age a day. still looks and feels great

[@mildlydazed9608]

This movie has sat half forgotten at the edge of my memory for years. I might have to go watch the movie to refresh

[@ZrodyApo]

This movie has a great story/setting but you definitely feel that it was rushed and had problems to oblivion, but still remains a cult classic and have some great moments The last stand / battle while they're all speaking the oath is great and chilling

[@mariadocarmosobreira8323]

I could never get the critic and audience response to this movie. It was wonderful! I love it and have watched it several times already. Can't get tired of it.

[@Rockstar-bq5fm]

Banderas is of Moorish decent. It shouldn’t be a cultural problem he played the role of Ibn Fadlan

[@rigelb9025]

Bingo.

[@handznet]

Actors play. He can play anyone

[@hogan4670]

Any proof of him being of moorish decent uh?

[@Rockstar-bq5fm]

@@hogan4670: a from for a Muslim based media outlet that funded a movie he stared in years ago called Black Gold. KZbin won’t let you post links anymore “Banderas, who stars in Black Gold, the opening night film of this year's DTFF said he considers himself partly Arabic. “I am pretty sure I have Arab blood, I am an Andalucian, from the South of Spain which was ruled by Arabs for 8 centuries.”

[@s.marcus3669]

@@hogan4670 I don't have hard proof, only anecdotal proof in that Spain was occupied for several hundred years by Moorish Muslims who influenced Spain in many ways. There was a lot of intermarriage and till today, Spaniards and and Hispanics the world over are doing DNA tests only to find out that they have Jewish blood, a direct result of the Spanish Inquisition...

[@AnimeWins]

I'd genuinely love to see a new generation of cinema lovers watch this movie, I think it's amazing, as many in the comments have said. Did NOT deserve to flop or the hate it got, it's very strange to me, brilliant film.

[@RevilHermes]

I liked 13th Warrior . I even based one of my characters in D&D on Ahmed. I think it's holding well with action, acting and sets. Especially comparing to some modern movies.

[@cheshire_skatkat9093]

I did something similar. Lol

[@MrNecrotik]

I am one of those who absolutely LOVE this movie. I have seen it like 20 times and can keep watching this movie over and over again.

[@MGmirkin]

Likewise. I also love those hated Costner classics: Waterworld and The Postman...

[@TheMapach]

This movie is great, I love it, the mood, the characters. It needed more time, easy 3 hour mark would have been great. People who hate this movie might enjoy other things like fast and furious franchise lol.

[@Metsa25]

An imperfect movie that's fun to watch. Still on my list of rainy day favorites.

[@NicVegas]

33%?? I love this movie. Had it on DVD since probably 2000 and still watch it fairly regularly

[@LowellBoggs]

This is one of my favorite films! Me and the neighbor lady dragged our spouses to the movie because we both loved the book. I was saddened that film didn't do better at the box office. It has many exciting scenes and great dialogue.

[@u2bAriel]

Did you read Crichton's introduction to the book? He based the book on three different versions of a supposedly authentic travel diary. In it, there was no cannibalistic tribe, but actual orcs. And he was trying to say that these orcs were actually Neanderthals who were still around just a thousand years ago!

[@alsaunders7805]

Yep! 🤓🍻

[@PastPresentFuture360]

Agreed! The Neanderthal ogre/troll connection is spot on. On another note, the Swedish movie Border is a must watch as it explores that concept further in a modern setting.

[@limjaiescobar]

I’m part of that loyal minority. Yesterday I saw it eating my dinner. I never care about what the critics say’s, that never represents what I like on movies. Also that last scene of Buliwyf with his sword and the thunder just before he dies is F*CKING LEGEND!!!

[@stellaallbright4750]

13th Warrior is AMAZING!! ❤ My mom would've LOVED this movie. She died in 1994 from cancer at the age of 40. 💔

[@Geronimo_Jehoshaphat]

R.I.P. mom. 🙏

[@PastPresentFuture360]

🙏🏽

[@ragingjaguarknight86]

;_;

[@RyGuy13]

I still enjoy the hell out of this film. It's one of my old reliable fun action flicks I always make a habit to watch every few years. It's not for everyone, but for those that love it it's a classic!

[@andyzar1177]

Spain has a huge Middle Eastern influence both culturally and genetically, so Banderas playing an Arab is not that far fetched. Andalucía was ruled by Islamists for 700 years! Haha.

[@matthewdaley746]

There, (not, Italy), is where The Man, With, No Name Trilogy was actually filmed.

[@andyzar1177]

@@matthewdaley746 That’s awesome! Had no idea.

[@matthewdaley746]

@@andyzar1177 Me, neither, they, were, however, directed by, and, starred, Italians, (except, for, Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and, Eli Wallach).

[@Geronimo_Jehoshaphat]

Woke hipsters are just in love with the way words like "toxic" and "problematic" trip off their tongues.

[@matthewdaley746]

@@Geronimo_Jehoshaphat Ignore them, and, eventually, they will go away, let's hope.

[@Kromulus98]

One of the best Viking movies of all time. This movie has grit. Please, give us the McTiernan cut.

[@Lungwun]

You don’t say! I loved The 13th Warrior. Still love it!

[@richardzinno4909]

I saw the movie at a theater, when it was first released. I loved it. I was always a fan of Beowulf, the first epic story in the English language; and this movie (and novel) is a great retelling of that story, using modern literary techniques. I own the DVD, and enjoy playing it for my grandchildren.

[@chrishmiller4534]

Retells Beowulf very closely plotwise, only Grendel and his Mother are a tribe of bear men, not supernatural monsters. You don’t like the story? Too bad your English teacher does. Best lines: How did you learn our language?! I LISTENED!!

[@jimbrown5518]

My favorite line is: "It's alright little brother, there are more!" followed closely by: "Well, he didn't run."

[@gordondavis6168]

They are a lost tribe of Neanderthals

[@immortalgamer3960]

While far from perfect, I've always been quite fond of this movie and would certainly agree that it's very underrated. I often bring it out on movie nights with friends because few people seem to have ever heard of it, and I don't think any of them have ever disliked it over the 15ish years I've been sharing it with people.

[@SamskaraOrigin]

*I LOVED, the 13th Warrior and have bought several copies (every time the format changes). Not only was I born in Norway, but Norwegian was my second language (since my parents were immigrants). The movie was VERY historically accurate, from the size of the "armies", to the squalid conditions, to the cannibals (yes, it's true), to bear worshippers, to MATRIARCHIES (most tribes were), and the mysticism and superstitions. The characters didn't NEED much development, because (spoilers), they were a suicide squad. And the thin plot was apt when taken in context of the gritty tone, there is no "romanticising", no deep political dives, schemes or side characters, it's about surviving, and taking on a mission when you don't even know the details. I didn't (because at the time it was not an issue) even factor in the "problematic" nature of a hispanic person playing the role of an Arab person, but the fact is, "it's not that far off". Due to the Mamluk conquest of Spain (though spanish xenophobes will rile and fume at the insinuation of FACT), "Alot" of Spanish people and their descendants, "have North African, Muslim, and Arab bloodlines". For it's no-nonsense approach, it's expository 3rd person narration through a foreigner's prospective, for it's historical accuracy and it's sober ending, I give 13th Warrior an 8/10.*

[@buckocean7616]

Well said, I really can't fathom the dismissiveness opinions on this film. The way the two cultures learn respect and friendship for each other is handled beautifully. When the Viking leader knows he is going to his death, and says what a great thing it would be for his story to be written, is moving and respectful. I have watched this wonderful film multiple times, and it never gets old. I can't say that about many films. 🏆🕊

[@MGmirkin]

I usually trot it out every year or two, and fall in love with the movie all over again. So much greatness in this movie. Some good funny scenes, also great tension, suspense, chaotic battle scenes, horror elements, etc. It has a bit of everything... And damn if this scene doesn't fvcking get me every time: "Lo there do I see my father; Lo there do I see my mother and my sisters and my brothers; Lo there do I see the line of my people, back to the beginning. Lo, they do call to me, they bid me take my place among them, in the halls of Valhalla, where the brave may live ... forever." kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6PEgGuAj8eGock

[@malcomlovejoy]

Max, me too! VHS & DVD..and BLUE-RAY DVD....

[@malcomlovejoy]

OH and MAX....EVEN GOT THE BOOK

[@SamskaraOrigin]

@@malcomlovejoy *I didn't realize there was a book. that's real bragging rights. congrats*

[@trojanhman8136]

I can't believe that. It is one of my long term favourites that I return to again and again.

[@Neocharm]

I still say it was a good movie. Bought it and seen it 4 times already. Great acting no matter how twisted the Director(s) were harvesting their Ego.

[@MGmirkin]

Only 4? Better get cracking if you want to catch up with the rest of us...! ;) J/K... I love this movie. Had it on VHS, then DVD, now digital, finally... I haul it out at least once every year or two probably... So many great scenes, set pieces, bits of dialogue... Was the ending a bit weird / weak? I dunno... Maybe? But, that's part of its charm... I've heard somewhere that their 'enemy' were basically supposed to be like the last of the Cromagnon / cavemen, or something? Hence brutal / brutish / sub-human...

[@sampson1582]

Personally I loved this movie when it came out. it got even better when I got to see it in dvd quality, as the first time I saw it was on vhs. I thought it was just one of the greatest movies to never get much press time or box office reviews. I dont even remember seeing trailers for it back then. It was just there one day. and it was glorious.

[@powerglover2021]

I need a 4k release of The 13th Warrior. Great film. Me and my buddy quote it all the time.

[@RavenousDevil]

I was so happy to find this. I've loved this movie since I first saw it as a kid so it makes me happy to know there are people out there who feel the same.

[@EpicLebaneseNerd]

best movie no one talks about, i love everything about it, but man, a few characters stand out in it, the king himself that meets his end, that little dude who kills the giant warrior with a faint, but man, that ''like they could see in the black'' old man, he is pure gold, pure gold i tell u..... and the name IBEN, it was funny take on how people in arabia were called, later used in ASSASSSIN CREED games in IBEN LA AHAD....true legends.

[@matthewdaley746]

John McTiernan's last great film, what happened to him was a real tragedy, miserable.

[@marleyboro]

@@matthewdaley746 what happened to him?

[@matthewdaley746]

@@marleyboro He made a bunch of flops, and, eventually went to prison for wiretapping, sad.

[@marleyboro]

@@matthewdaley746 ah seems so tha is for the info

[@matthewdaley746]

@@marleyboro You're Welcome, this site does it better, in a biography.

[@Btester2]

The 13th warrior is one of my top 10 favorite movies of all time. Every line of dialog is so well delivered and are memorable.

[@Geronimo_Jehoshaphat]

Crichton certainly did do some right things when he took over production, bringing on Jerry Goldsmith being chief among them. But there has always seemed to be missing gaps. I'd like to see McTiernan return to it for an expanded Eaters Of The Dead cut. Not original director's cut so much as I'd really prefer him to salvage as much of Goldsmith's replacememt score as possible, because it's just indelibly iconic. Greame Revell's unused score is certainly very good. But let's face it. Goldsmith is just the GOAT. Although Crichton had a long standing relationship with Jerry on the films he directed, McTiernan also himself even hired Goldsmith prior for his Medicine Man. If a new more expansive edit could be attempted, I'd rather bring in Christopher Young to essentially score new Jerry Goldsmith music to fit scenes. However I do think we'd all also be intersting to see the original McTiernan workprint included in a 4k/bluray re-release, cleaned up with Graeme Revell's score. A candid documenatary about the troubled production would be incredibly intriguing also. I think a thorough reassessment of Thirteenth Warrior would sell extremely well at minimal cost to assemble.

[@KcDBG]

I've seen this movie at least 50 times and love it. Yes, it's production was a nightmare and a lot of scenes were cut, but still it's an awesome movie. The score, the actors, the setting. Everything was awesome.

[@arthurreyes2632]

Love this movie. Similar to John carpenters The Thing. Just came out at the wrong time. This movie has a cult following now. Good action, adventure, good characters.

[@matthewdaley746]

1982 was a horrible year for films, not, named ET, they all got buried.

[@panathatube]

I think it was a very good movie too.

[@matthewdaley746]

@@panathatube The prequel they just made was total garbage, painfully unnecessary.

[@MGmirkin]

So many movies of the are 'failed' to deliver at the box office and then found their cultish following on home video... Howard the Duck, Waterworld, among others...

[@matthewdaley746]

​@MGmirkin It's horribly-disgustingly unfair, unquestionably.

[@maryguastella6694]

I loved this movie, still watch it often. Sometimes it doesn't matter what critics say, just what a person finds entertaining to make it a personal favorite.

[@Omar-wq9dz]

A lot of the cast and crew said John McTiernan's original cut was far better than the finished movie

[@skjal8434]

I remember buying a used copy of this movie at our local video store (RIP btw.) for less than five bucks. At the time, I didn't really know what to expect, but it quickly became one of my all time favorites. That was fourteen years ago, and I still rewatch it at least once or twice every year. It's a fantastic movie - and apparently a good example for misguiding official ratings.

[@dunka12]

I think you should look into the history of Spain. For more than 7 centuries it was under the rule of muslims. It was a great time of learning, arts and science. It's key part of the identity of the region. Later it had a lasting influence on the world and even the middle east as we knew it later. A lot of the language, arts, architecture and people of Spain to this day is highly influenced by those times. Only someone ignorant of nearly 1000 years of history would think casting Banderas an actor born in Andalusia (Al Andalus) is "problematic".

[@dDbalL-to7rt]

My brother worked at a theater in 1999 so I got to see soo many movies that year. I had previously read Eaters of the Dead and was excited to see it as a summer block buster!!! In my opinion it was far better than the book, and to this day remains one of my favorite movies that I can re-watch any time I want and will never tire of it!!!

[@allnamesaretakenful]

My mom used to watch this movie all the time.

[@leonardpriestley6822]

90's moms couldn't get enough of the Banderas.

[@davefrancis4529]

Probably the best Viking movie ever made. Never understood the hatred and lack of interest, the studio simply failed to properly market the movie based almost solely on the feud between McTiernan and Crichton. Such a shame because I personally think it is a much better film than it is given credit for.

[@James-yo5zh]

Finally, given it's long troubled production history, I've been waiting for Joblo to cover this one since no books, articles, or documentaries have been produced unlike other films that were nightmares to make

[@EzekielMessenger]

My business partner worked for a marketing firm that was hired to market the movie and the contract was pulled last minute and they were not the only ones so virtually no marketing for the movie was done. The rumor was that Crichton had discovered that the studio had slipped in a financial caveat granting access to book residuals for the reprints referencing the movie. So he changed the name and tanked the budget with rewrites to disconnect enough IP to be able to get the residuals back in court.

[@tomlee71]

The direction could've used some improvement in certain places, one being when what's his name was pretending to be losing the sword fight and then just abruptly ending it. I wouldn't have minded a lot more character development. The leader in charge, the blonde Scandinavian dude, died an amazing death full of respect and dignity. I think it would have been well worth the time to develop his character much more throughout the movie. Antonio Banderas' performance was great, but the direction should've been done with more investment like when he was picking up on their foreign language. I love The 13th Warrior, though! I've watched it multiple times and enjoyed it every time. :)

[@PO-si4ty]

ABSOLUTELY ONE OF THE BEST VIKINGS FILM I HAVE EVER SEEN

[@adrianshappymoments9343]

This is one of the rare cases where I felt the movie was even better than the book. I don't see what the problem is, I really enjoyed this movie. And dude I can't get past you calling him bully whatever. It's Bulveigh!

[@mikegrossberg8624]

Pronounced 'BUL-vy"!

[@adrianshappymoments9343]

@@mikegrossberg8624 thanks bud

[@LouisaProject-sj8jr]

Found this movie in a DVD bargain bin in Eastern Europe in the early 2000s. I loved it then & love it now.

[@dublinoseven3279]

I bought this movie for less than what it cost to rent it-and still enjoyed it.

[@epsfilms213]

I love this movie and I can’t believe that it isn’t as popular as it should be!

[@ethinos2719]

I've always like The 13th Warrior since around when it came out. I didn't catch it at the theaters but I did catch it on video at Blockbuster. Since then, it's one of those movies that if it's on TV when I'm changing channels, I will watch the movie without a hesitation. True, it doesn't flow very well and feels a bit disjointed at times but I've always been endlessly amused at the various scenes in it. I'm also quite a fan of Ravenous, which is funny that JoBlo mentioned that, too. Both movies are great and very underappreciated.

[@jamiecourtemanche4495]

Since first seeing in the theater back in '99 I still enjoy the movie. There are some specific scenes that are really good. The transition of language over campfire I still think is a great way to believe you as the viewer is seeing the main character learning the language and not just oh they speak English. I really would love to have this on Blu Ray since the DVD copy is just okay. There will always be a place for this movie in my collection.

[@Dirty-Viking-Audio]

man, at least pronounce the main viking's name correctly, they say it multiple times in the movie quite clearly so I'm almost wondering if you even watched it lol "Bull-veye" (as in "eye") ... not "Bully wife" Its literally meant as a play on the actual character inspiration of Beowulf

[@marcellochimienti4131]

I loooove that movie! Underrated, underperformed at the box office! Wanna see the mctiernan cut so bad!! ❤️

[@Zeithri]

I agree with a lot of the criticism, but I still consider it a great movie. I still rewatch it every now and then. Antonio Banderas as an Arab and Muslim, I think is a great thing. And as a Swede, I am glad to see a good portrayal of Vikings. I love when they sit around the fire and the old Wise woman is throwing the bones out and starts shouting about Valkyries and Northmen and stuff, and then everyone starts saying who'll go. If you're Scandinavian, a lot of that is like " _Hey, I know that word höhö!_ ". The Soundtrack is also pretty darn excellent. I'm sad that Sharif hated it though D: I really need to watch Lawrence of Arabia...

[@yokiryuchan7655]

Antonio Bandaras is from Spain which was conquered by muslims so he probably has Middle Eastern blood in him anyway. and he could easily pass as an Arab. He was also a bankable lead, could act, and had a ton of experience doing horse back and sword fighting because of Mask of Zorro a s far as I'm concerned he was perfect for the role.

[@sobrevivirparacontarla2237]

I love this movie. I'm glad it got made despite all the crazy things happening behind the scenes

[@Persona-Non-Grata555]

This is one of my favorite movies of all time -- I've seen it at least twelve times. A sequel would've been welcome. Then again, I'm weird -- I really loved movies like What Dreams May Come and Constantine as well.

[@TheBS1000]

What the hell is happening at the 11:30 mark of the video? The voiceover cuts out mid-sentence and loud music starts playing randomly. I've gone back several times and replayed it just to confirm it's not an some ad popping up somewhere on my device, and it's not. It's definitely the video, but I haven't seen any other comments about it.

[@davidpowell6098]

I love this film ,and have recently replaced it in my collection, I also have the book, and further writings of Ibn Fadlan, the 13th warrior himself. I wish they would release the longer version.

[@alfonsomunoz5456]

Highly underrated movie. It is a great adventures movie, with touches of mystery and a lot of action. For those who have read the book, we agree there are a few bad decisions in the adaptation, like for instance the way Ahmad Ibn Fadlan learns the language of the vikings which in the book doesn´t happen like that (Omar Shariff role doesn´t exist in the book and is Ahmad who speaks Latin with Herger) or the length of the journey, or how it lacks explanation to some interesting facts like the reason King Hrothgar´s village is attacked and no one else wants to help them. Or some other details that explain the vikings nature. But it is a great movie.

[@josephdrummond4376]

I absolutely love this story. The plot pushes and pulls it's characters thru it in a way of discovery and tribulations.

[@theharbinger00]

This simplicity in the plot is the best. It's the very definition of the unexpected hero/underdogs vs a mysterious unseen evil