Review of The 13th Warrior (1999) by Tim D — 21 Nov 2009

922 AD: Ahmed is banished from his home in Baghdad to serve as an ambassador to the Bulgars. On his journey north he encounters a band of Norsemen. It is here also that a messenger arrives for the Vikings leader Bulywulf, requesting aid against an ancient enemy who is menacing their homeland. An old fortune teller declares that 13 warriors must face this foe and that the 13th warrior must be no Norseman, thus Ahmed is forced to journey to the far north, learn to become a warrior and face the Wendol, the Eaters of the Dead.

Kick ass retelling of the Beowulf legend featuring someof the best Vikings to appear on screen (particularly Vladimir Kulich and Dennis Storhoi). Antonio Banderas plays Ahmed well, the poet turned reluctent ambassador turned even more reluctant warrior as he learns to master his fears and gain the respect of the seasoned Norsemen. A great score, some sweet action scenes a nasty as hell enemy, and a deceint running length make this one of the best action-adventure films around.